Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail - Barberton, OH
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail — A Scenic Dog-Friendly Trail in Barberton, Ohio
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Barberton, Ohio, offers pet owners and nature lovers an expansive, pet-friendly trail system perfect for hiking, biking, or taking your dog for a scenic walk. With wheelchair accessible parking and a reputation as one of the best dog-friendly hiking destinations in the Barberton area, this park is great for families, fitness enthusiasts, and their four-legged companions. Local residents frequently use the trail for daily exercise and adventures through the woods, making it a well-loved spot for both locals and visitors.
Unique in its ability to connect with other regional trails, the Towpath Trail stretches for nearly 90 miles and is frequented by cyclists, runners, and dog owners year-round. While the area provides a beautiful place for your pup to explore, visitors should note that some sections have experienced litter and encampments recently, so staying on the main paths is recommended. The park does not feature fenced dog areas or designated off-leash spaces, but is an excellent choice for on-leash outings and a place where dogs can enjoy the great outdoors. Bug spray is recommended in warmer months due to mosquitoes and poison ivy in the woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at the park? Yes, dogs are allowed on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Barberton.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, there is a wheelchair accessible parking lot available.
- Is this park good for kids? Yes, the trail is good for families with kids and is a popular local destination.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Towpath Trail itself is a major regional trail, and connects with other trails north and south.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead.
- Are there pests in the area? Yes, mosquitoes and poison ivy are present in warmer months, so bug spray is recommended.
Reviews
Great place to visit. However, the city needs to clean up all the litter, and the people around the area need to be more respectful of nature and stop littering themselves. It would also be nice to see the city do something about all the people living in the woods. There is so much trash, clothes and other things everywhere it’s ridiculous!!!!
I’ve hiked and biked the entire Ohio and Erie Canal towpath (90ish miles) multiple times. You can also link up with other trails north and south for a longer journey. The Barberton section was my daily run or ride for many many years. It was always well maintained, until recently I came back to town and it looks TRASHED in some areas between the Akron (Manchester) and Barberton “Magic Mile” trailheads. Homebum camps have sprung up everywhere. The amount of trash I find everyday is more than I can packout. The park system needs to work with the local government and organize another cleanup day.
Awesome trail. As one reviewer pointed out there are folks living in the woods out here. That is primarily from the Bridge in Barberton and heading toward Akron. As you make your way to Clinton, Canal Fulton ext. that isn’t the case. I haven’t had any issues and I even ride very late at night. Always other people on the trail riding even at night.
The towpath used to be a full of people working on their fitness enjoy nature now it’s a bunch of e-bikes and most of the e-bike riders have zero trail etiquette or skill they should be outright banned
This trail is so beautiful and close to wear I live. My friends and I often walk to paths through the woods in serve of adventure. We always find it along with a ton of poison Ivy and Mosquitoes. So make sure to soak yourselves with bug spray, and be prepared for an adventure. Definitely a must see.