An Original Vision

In 1787, George Washington introduced the idea of connecting the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico with a canal through the center of Ohio. Thirty-eight years later, thousands of laborers joined Alfred Kelley to dig a canal through Ohio's wilderness, connecting the prosperous Atlantic states to the Gulf of Mexico. In doing so, they opened the heartland of America for settlement.

The Ohio Canal - and later its railroads - connected the Cuyahoga Valley of Ohio to the nation and the world. The canal defined our settlements, fueled our economy and helped launch the industrial revolution. Decades and decades later, it became forgotten and neglected.

Today, the hidden, long forgotten treasures of the Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio Canal and the river that runs through it, can once again become a regional asset - the next jewel in an expanding "emerald necklace" of parks and open space.

A Modern Vision

Imagine a park that stretches 110 miles; a greenway that reclaims abused landfills and transforms them into open spaces; a place where exploring stories of our past is both fun and interactive; a destination for local residents and visitors, alike. Imagine a region tied together by an intricate trail network, a national scenic byway and an excursion railroad, embracing a common identity: The Ohio & Erie Canalway.

What was once a regional dream is now a reality - on solid foundation. A continuing, successful partnership process is underway. This regional partnership is led by Ohio Canal Corridor, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, Ohio & Erie Canalway Association and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The Mission of Ohio Canal Corridor extends beyond the creation of a regional park system that follows the historic Ohio Canal. It represents an effort to revitalize the region through the recognition, preservation, enhancement and packaging of our most significant natural, cultural and historic resources. Through this initiative, we seek to expand recreational opportunities and sensitive economic developments, all the while providing opportunity for community participation and involvement. The final product, a 110-mile heritage greenway called the Ohio & Erie Canalway, re-energizes those neighborhoods and communities at the core of our counties - making them the best places to live, work and play.

Exploring the Ohio & Erie Canalway is easy with the right map. We now offer a map that allows people to actively discover the collection of the many and diverse charming places. The map is printed on a hopsyn paper (rainproof and tear resistant) and folds into a handy 4" x 7" size. To purchase a map, call our office @ 216-520-1825.