Touring - ohio and erie canal trail conditions?

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velonomad
01-23-06, 02:53 PM
I an trying to finalize my route plans for my 2006 tour from Cleveland to Washington DC . What I would like to do is ride south along the Ohio and Erie Canal to about New Philadelphia before heading east/southeast towards Stuebenville .

I found a trail condition report (http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planavisit/todo/recreation/TTstatus.htm)
The unopened sections,are they primative dirt trails passable with mtb tires or are they nonexistent? Any recent knowledge of the area would be appreciated

cc_rider
01-23-06, 04:06 PM
Don't know about the current trail conditions, but I may find out this summer.
The map page for the O&E is pretty good at showing the roads parallel to the trail, in case you want an alternate.

http://www.canalwayohio.com/maps/towpath/index.htm
stokell
01-25-06, 10:04 AM
This is not completely on topic BUT; I love touring along canals and have had so much fun touring along the English canals, I'd be interested in trying out the U-S.

I've been stealth camping beside the tow path. Does anyone know if that is practical or safe along this canal. I'm thinking of course about the summer.

velonomad
01-25-06, 10:27 AM
The NY Erie Canal Trailway is just across the lake from you. no need to steath camp there is free camping at several of the locks and parks along the 330 mile route.

The newest free campsite is at lock 20 between Utica and Rome




http://home.nycap.rr.com/richboat/l20camp.jpg
Louis
01-25-06, 11:11 AM
The section between Cleveland and Akron should be fine.

Figure on mostly road riding through Akron and continuing south through Barberton until you make your way to either Snyder Ave. or Center Rd. where the restored towpath picks up again. (The section between Snyder Rd. and Center Rd. is almost complete and scheduled to open soon.) There is a short section in Barberton between Manchester Rd. and Snyder Ave. that is open but won't do you much good if Snyder to Center is still closed.
From Center Rd. through Clinton and Canal Fulton and into Massillon is smooth sailing.

In Massillon the towpath is broken at some point and requires some road riding as well.

I'm unsure of anything south of Massillon. Maybe some of our Stark county members can chime in.

Don't even think of stealth camping anywhere near Cleveland, Akron or Barberton...way too risky.
All camping in the CVNP is illegal but probably would be safe if you're willing to risk being arrested.
There are plenty of places to hide.