The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a shared-use trail. You’ll be joined by walkers, bicyclists, joggers and - in some areas - travelers on horseback.
Please Note: All trail users yield to horses.
Safe is Sound - Rules of the Trail
Simple guidelines for a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Bicyclists - Wear a helmet
- Ride/Walk Single File - Bicyclists traveling in a group must ride in a single-file line
- Stay to the Right - Always ride/walk on the right and pass on the left.
- Give an audible warning before passing — either by voice or bell
- Remember it this way - To Stay Safe - Make Sound!
- Many riders ring a bell - call out “LEFT” & the number of riders passing.
- Slow Down
- Do Not Block the Trail - When you need to stop - step off the Trail. Never block the trail.
- Protect your Pet - 8 foot leash (6 ft. in the National Park)
- All trail users yield to horses
Visitor Tip: Yielding to horses…The berm for horses is off to the side of the Towpath Trail in some places, while horses and pedestrians/cyclists share the Trail in other areas. Simple Towpath courtesy prevails, pass on the left after giving an audible signal. Remember - Slow down before passing and be aware that horses can spook easily if startled.
About Safe is Sound
Safe is Sound is a safety awareness program developed for the safe and enjoyable use of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
It is a collaborative project of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cleveland Metroparks, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, Stark Parks, and Tuscarawas County Park Department along with the Ohio & Erie Canalway.
The theme, Safe is Sound, highlights the need for cyclists to give an audible signal when passing. This summer you will see program Safety Stops along the trail giving away bicycle bells, water bottles, whistles, stickers, and more!