Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath — Peninsula Section

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail follows the historic tow path of the 1832 Ohio & Erie Canal for 20 miles through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Peninsula section — running north and south from the charming village of Peninsula — is the most popular and scenically varied segment. The flat crushed limestone surface makes it an ideal cycling trail for all abilities, running alongside the remnant canal channel, the Cuyahoga River, and the active Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad that runs steam trains through the park on weekends.

The towpath passes through working farmland, wetlands, and dense river valley forest, with the Cuyahoga River visible through the trees on one side and the dry canal channel on the other. Great blue herons fish along the river banks, bald eagles nest in the valley, and in spring the wet fields adjacent to the towpath host enormous numbers of migrating waterfowl. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a "Bike Aboard" program where cyclists can ride the train one direction and pedal back, eliminating the need for a car shuttle. The Peninsula section passes through the village of Peninsula with its historic storefronts, restaurants, and bike rental shops, making it one of the most visitor-friendly multi-use trail segments in the national park system.