CONGRESSMAN RALPH REGULA TOWPATH TRAIL PARK
Erie Ave. in Canal Fulton, Massillon, and Navarre
This park encompasses the 25-mile Stark County portion of the 110-mile Ohio and Erie National Heritage Canalway which extends north to Cleveland and south to Zoar. The trail and bordering parklands follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal through deciduous forests and rural and urban landscapes. The park and towpath trail extend through what once were three thriving canal villages, now the cities of Canal Fulton and Massillon and the Village of Navarre. The shady, flat terrain parallels the Tuscarawas River.
In many areas the old canal is visible. In the Canal Fulton area, the canal has been preserved, allowing for rides on a replica canal boat, the St. Helena III, during spring and summer. South of Canal Fulton is Lock 4 trailhead with areas for picnicking and fishing. A small brick building at Lock 4 is being restored to serve as a volunteer outpost.
Other sites in close proximity to the park include a Canalway Visitor Center and museum in Canal Fulton, a bust of former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, a tunnel under an active railroad, and bronze plaques dedicating the Stark County section of the Canalway to Ralph Regula, who was instrumental in its preservation and funding during his service as a state legislator and U.S. Congressman.
There are 14 parking lots allowing access to the 25-mile towpath trail and park, which parallels the Ohio & Erie Canalway Byway for automobiles. The six-mile Olde Muskingum Trail is on the west side of the Tuscarawas River from Canal Fulton to 40 Corners St. in Jackson Township.
The Stark County Park District prohibits the use of motorized vehicles in this park and on its trails. Sections of trail may not be suitable for wheelchair access. Weather may impact the accessibility of trails, always use caution.
ACTIVITIES
* Bird Watching
* Fishing
* Hiking
* Picnicking
* Biking
* Walking
FEATURES
* Replica of Lock Keeper's cabin
* Picnic tables and grills
* Accessible fishing
* Bicycling
* Horseback riding access
DIRECTIONS
Follow Erie Ave or Rt. 21 through Canal Fulton, Massillon, and Navarre in Western Stark County.
Click to enlarge map
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WHITACRE GREER EQUESTRIAN PARK
(4290 Irish Rd. NW Waynesburg 44688)
Whitacre Greer Park encompasses approximately six miles of trails throughout 2,000 acres between Magnolia and Waynesburg and is reserved for horseback riding only. During the 2006-09 lease with the Whitacre Greer Company, the park district will create a master plan for future development of the property that is expected to include use for hikers and bicycle riders.
The Stark and Carroll Chapters of the Ohio Horseman's Council and the Tri-County Trail Association are assisting Stark Parks in trail development of this rolling acreage that features deciduous forests, farm fields, and a small pond at the entrance to the property.
The park is named for the Whitacre Greer Company that celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2006.
Hours of Operation: The park is open from dawn to 7 p.m. from October to April and from dawn to 9 p.m. May to September.
FEATURES
* Horseback Riding
DIRECTIONS
Fromm I-77 take the Cleveland Ave./Rt. 800 exit (Exit 103) Turn south onto Rt. 800 and east onto Rt. 183 to Magnolia and turn north on Main St. (following Rt. 183 signage) veer right. Turn south on Gerdanville Rd. The park will be on the left.
MAP
Click to enlarge map
