Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath: Mustill to Memorial Parkway

This section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath is considered easy. It features a gentle grade and mostly flat, accessible pathways, making it suitable for beginners, families, and those with strollers or wheelchairs.

The trail generally follows the historic towpath, offering a mostly flat surface. You can expect hard-packed earth and crushed limestone, with some segments featuring wooden boardwalks, especially where it parallels the Cuyahoga River.

This approximately 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) section of the trail typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to hike at a moderate pace.

You'll encounter remnants of the early 19th-century canal, including sandstone locks. A notable highlight is the Cascade Locks at Cascade Valley Metro Park. The trail also connects to the Mustill Store, a restored 1850s visitor center with canal-era exhibits.

Parking is available at both the Mustill Store trailhead and near Memorial Parkway. Specific parking areas are typically well-marked within Cascade Valley Metro Park.

Yes, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail for all users.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides lush greenery. Even in winter, it can be a scenic walk, though conditions may vary.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access this section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath within Cascade Valley Metro Park.

Yes, this route is a crucial connection point within the larger Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail system. It also intersects with sections of the OET detour (Towpath), detour for OET Towpath, Buckeye Trail (Akron), and 21 (Ohio).

Due to its mostly flat and well-maintained surface of hard-packed earth and crushed limestone, this section of the Towpath is generally considered accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though some wooden boardwalk sections may vary slightly in smoothness.

The trail often parallels the Cuyahoga River, offering pleasant water views. You'll also see historical canal features and natural scenery typical of the river valley.