Respect the natural resources and rich history of the Ohio & Erie Canalway by following some simple guidelines.
Learn more about accessing the trail from one of the nearly 50 trailheads along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
From leaves to berries — take only photo souvenirs! You’ll pass through five nature preserves along the Towpath Trail and in other parts of your visit to the Ohio & Erie Canalway, so please remember to take only photo souvenirs of your journey. Protecting the region’s plants and wildlife is just as important as protecting yourself.
Removing any item from the preserve is a misdemeanor in Ohio and can result in a ticket. This extends to items you may not naturally think of like plants, tree limbs, rocks and leaves. Picking flowers and berries or feeding wildlife — including birds — is also prohibited.
You truly are walking in an area being “preserved” and you become part of the team keeping things in place. That’s why we’ll also ask you to stay on the trails too. They’ve been carefully placed to have minimal impact on the ecosystems flourishing around you.
Here are links to the regulations and rules for each preserve, north to south:
