Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail

The Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail Park, named in honor of the congressman who was a huge influence in the park's development since the 1960s, is part of an extensive trailway along the Ohio and Erie Canal. This part of the system is nestled amongst a bevy of historical buildings and an old canal boat, giving you and Fido a relaxing atmosphere for a hike.

The 25 miles of shady, flat trail can be accessed through one of 14 trailheads, with the main one being the Lake Lucerne Trailhead. The terrain parallels the Tuscarawas River and takes visitors through the deciduous forests as well as the rural and urban parts of town.

The Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail and the bordering park take explorers on a trek along the historic route of the Ohio and Erie Canal. This path once was the site of multiple thriving canal villages, which are now cities and villages in their own right. The section of trail found in this county is a small part of the much longer Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, extending from Cleveland to New Philadelphia.

Along the way, there are many places to stop to eat, picnic, give Fido a break, or even get ice cream. Some of the canals offer fishing access as well. Depending on the trailhead you are on, you may even find horseback riders. Parking is easily accessible. You may even get to watch the canal boats pulled by horses as they carry tourists and locals along the waterway like they have for hundreds of years.

To get there from Cleveland, take I-77 South. Once you are north of Canton, take Exit 111 and turn west onto Portage St. At Canal Fulton, you will need to turn left onto Rt. 93. Canal Fulton Canalway Center will be on the left immediately after crossing Canal St.