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Ohio & Erie Canal

The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1825 drastically changed the people and pace of this region.

By connecting the Ohio frontier with New York and New Orleans, the Ohio & Erie Canal helped people and products flow across America, fueling westward expansion, a national market economy and regional industrial might.

Many Byway visitors travel this route to learn about the development of the pre- and post-canal eras. The route also offers an impressive display of historical sites, along with many opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports.

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Canal Fulton

Canal Way Scenic Byway

Canal Way Scenic Byway is Ohio's second nationally designated Scenic Byway. The byway starts at Cleveland's Carter Road Lift Bridge and ends 110 miles south, at I-77 in Tuscarawas County. This byway approximates the path of the old Ohio and Erie Canal, from Cleveland to Dover.

The scenery found along the Canal Way Scenic Byway is interestingly diverse. It ranges from the heavy industrial area of Cleveland Flats to the rolling hills and farmland. You can also see the remnants of the towns and villages associated with the canal, as well as 200-year-old architectural styles.

From Cleveland take I-71 north to the Innerbelt, turn left on Eagle Avenue and travel west to the intersection of Carter Road where the byway begins. When traveling from Dover or New Philadelphia take Exit 83 from I-77 and proceed east on SR 211.

Points of Interest

  • The Akron Museum of Art houses regional, national and international works dating from 1850.

  • The Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron.

  • The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad travels along the CVNRA from Independence to Akron.

  • Hale Farm and Village provides the sights, sounds and smalls of a bustling Western Reserve township in 1848. Visit with artisans such as glassblowers, candle makers, potters and blacksmiths demonstrating the industries of the mid-1800's.

  • Historic Fourth Street District, listed on the National Register for its architectural excellence and variety, is also famous for its stations that serves the Underground Railroad.

  • J.E. Reeves Victorian Home, located on SR 800 is a magnificent 19th century farmhouse that has been restored to the splendor of the era.

  • Dunham Tavern, located at 6709 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland, is Cleveland's oldest building that is still standing at its original site. This museum houses collections from its original tavern days dating back to 1824.

  • Playhouse Square is the nation's second largest performing arts center.

  • The Warehouse District runs along Cuyahoga Valley near Lake Erie. This collection of businesses and historic buildings became the central business district of Cleveland during the mid-late 19th century.

  • The Natural History Museum of Cleveland has been operational since 1920

  • Mill Creek Falls was established by settlers in Newburgh Township in 1799 on the Indian Trail that later became Broadway. Waterpower generated by Mill Creek's 45-foot waterfall gave gave Newburgh a distinct advantage over Cleveland. Mill Creek Falls is part of the Cleveland Metroparks System.

  • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers byway travelers a diversion while entertaining children of all ages.

Canal Way Scenic Byway Map
Location: East Central Ohio from Cleveland to Dover
Length: 110 miles (177 km)
Time To Allow: 4.5 hours

See also:

Miami & Erie Canal

Ohio & Erie Canal

Providence Metro Park

Hocking Canal

Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail

Canal Fulton

Roscoe Village

Ohio & Erie Canalway Map