Towpath Trail Travels
In Tuscarawas County, you’ll find the southernmost portion of the Towpath Trail - a 2.9 mile stretch of improved, earthen trail - connecting Fort Laurens to Canal Lands Park. Use this as a stand-alone stretch to walk/hike/run or make it the start of an 81+ mile journey north along the Towpath Trail.
Fort Laurens: In the southern tip of Bolivar, Fort Laurens State Memorial is Ohio’s only Revolutionary War Fort. You can enjoy lovely parklands, visit the museum (for a fee) and take a moment to remember our heroes at a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot of the American Revolution. The Towpath Trailhead is at the back of the Fort Laurens’ lot. Park and enter the Trail - open to equestrians in this section as well.
Canal Lands Park: Continue your journey south to the German community of Zoar via the Canal Lands Park Trailhead - currently, the southernmost Trailhead on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Wander, hike or take a picturesque run through the historic Village of Zoar and don’t forget to stop at their stunning historic gardens or pick up a few things at the Zoar Store.
Tuscarawas County — Towpath Fast Facts
Number of Towpath miles: 2.9
Number of Trailheads: 2
Surface: Earthen, Level
Key Visitor Centers: Ft. Laurens State Memorial, Village of Zoar
Visitor’s Tip: You’ll find a small break in the Trail south of Shepler-Church Road - prior to where the Towpath picks up again at Fort Laurens. Call Tuscarawas County Park Department or Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition for directions.
Expand your journey
Birdwatching & Wildlife - Area Naturalists have highlighted local habitats that can take your on foot journey through natural Key Viewing sites.
Monthly Wildflower Walks - July 24th & August 28th - along the Towpath Trail begin at the Zoar Store. Fees apply.
Learn more at
http://www.zca.org - Featured & Calendar of Events
History Buffs - Keep an eye out for re-enactments at both Fort Laurens and later this year in Zoar - when the Battle on the Ohio-Erie Canal from the Civil War plays out Sept. 17 & 18 in Zoar.
Towpath Traveling Tips
- Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen
- Map It!
- Check which Trailheads have water & note distances between Trailheads
- Plan according to your fitness level - especially if little ones are in tow
- Be aware of weather conditions
- Canalway Alerts - check for park trail closures - especially after heavy rains
- Caution - Boardwalks/Wooden Sections - get slippery when wet or covered with frost
- Navigating a Shared Use Trail - simple rules for pets & sharing the trail...
- Note: Eight ft. leashes in the County Parks; Six ft. in the National Park
- Visiting a Preserve - from leaves to berries - take only photo souvenirs - and more....
Runners
Train for the Towpath Marathon in October - and help celebrate its 20th year! Described as “one of the most beautiful race courses in America” by Runner’s World magazine.
Join a Running Club - Here’s a starter list of clubs that frequently use the Canalway.