Ohio & Erie Canalway (original) (raw)

Skip to content

• Blog
• About
• Contact

Ohio & Erie CanalwayBy Ways2021-08-24T16:20:35-04:00

Ohio & Erie Canalway

State: Ohio
Length: 110 miles / 177.0 km
Time to Allow: Allow at least 4.5 hours to tour this Byway.

The Ohio & Erie Canalway starts in Cleveland before working its way south through the state. Although the byways only runs 110 miles, it offers several days worth of enjoyment thorough canal towns, ethnic neighborhoods, and rivers. Break the trip up into two sections, including the north and the south, with tons of interesting sights along the way unique to Ohio.

The byway trails along the historic path of the Ohio and Erie Canal, the first inland waterway link in the nation between the Great Lakes all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. Some people like to bike the canal path with 85 miles designated for the purpose with 48 trailheads and tons of parking. You can even take the railroad through parts or simply drive the byway through 58 communities and four counties.

Start your trip in Cleveland to enjoy the famous cityscape right on the water. Stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the art museum for some culture. Shop with the locals at the West Side Market for impressive in a beautiful brick building with hundreds of vendors and a clock tower. Enjoy a meal downtown at Heinen’s, a majestic grocery store with a coffee shop and old bank pillars, along with other elaborate decor such as arches and a glass ceiling.

Many visitors love to cruise around Lake Erie on a dinner cruise with live music at sunset for fantastic views of the waterfront skyline. Enjoy the heart of downtown on East 4th street for world-class dining, entertainment, and rustic decor. Gamblers can enjoy the Jack Cleveland Casino or find plenty of options for the whole family, including the aquarium or a baseball game. Don’t forget about the water either, as Cleveland sits on the impressive Lake Erie.

Do not spend all your time in Cleveland, instead head to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Take a train through the park for a gorgeous scenic drive with the possibility of spotting wildlife like eagles, deer, beavers, and herons, all in their natural habitats. The park also offers paddling on the river, fishing, golfing, hiking, questing, star-viewing, and horse trails. Find lodging nearby at the Stanford house or the Inn at Brandywine Falls. You can also camp at the park, but you cannot take your RV.

Take some time along the Cuyahoga to visit the town of Akron near several lakes and reservoirs. The town offers an architectural gem, the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, built in 1915 by the founder of Goodyear Tires. It’s a beautiful Old English style with tours open to the public and fun adventures for children. Find several museums in town both for adults and children, along with a zoo and the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm with trails and tons of outdoor activities, including camping and swimming.

Veer off to Canton for a train station museum and then follow the river down to New Philadelphia with tons of options for children and the Wood’s Tall Timber Resort for some ziplining and swimming. Check out the outdoor Paul Green’s Trumpet in the Land Theater and other performances. Nearby find the Atwood Lake and Leesville Lake for some more outdoor time before ending your trip.

More Ohio Byways

You can check out additional Byways in Ohio by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Ohio Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.

Page load link

Go to Top