TOWPATH TRAIL
Where mules once hauled barges of goods and new settlers, the Towpath today serves runners, hikers and families as they find places of tranquility, hidden views of wildlife and artifacts of the original settlers.
The Towpath Trail is one of three dedicated transportation options to explore the Ohio & Erie Canalway. It will one day stretch from Cleveland's Flats at Canal Basin Park to New Philadelphia, Ohio - some 110 miles in length - and also represents the northern end of a cross-state trail: the Ohio to Erie Trail, which will connect Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. As of 2004, 70 of the 110 miles have been built, representing an investment of $50.6 Million.
The Towpath Trail will overcome a few major gaps and challenges before it is completed. Ranking high within the challenges are figuring the routing and finding the funding through the city of Akron, the industrial property in Barberton owned by PPG, the southern endpoint from Bolivar to Dover,and the final 6 miles in Cleveland from lower Harvard Avenue to Canal Basin Park.
Cleveland's final six miles will cost upwards of $25 million. The good news in Cleveland is that there is an adopted Plan (click here for more info) and a formalized working group that is seeking funding to complete the project. The Towpath TrailPartnership Committee includes representatives from the following agencies: City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, Cuyahoga County Commissioners, Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, NOACA, ODOT, Cleveland Metroparks and Ohio Canal Corridor. In addition, the Partnership Committee works with local neighborhoods and businesses and land owners. Currently, ISG has donated an easement through their facility and First Interstate Developers are not only honoring that commitment, but are incoporating the Towpath into their site plans and construction schedule.
A similar structure is in place for Akron, while Metro Parks, Serving Summit County leads the negotiations with PPG. Tuscarawas County has benefitted from the dedication of a key group of volunteers and awaits the involvement of an emerging County Park Department.
Trail
BywayScenic
Railroad
Mill Creek
Canal Basin
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