Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation

Natural Setting

The Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation is a 325-acre park located in Cleveland's industrial valley, stretching through the villages of Cuyahoga Heights and Valley View. Despite its industrial surroundings, the park offers a surprisingly lush environment with fields, forests, and diverse wildlife.

Visitors may encounter various bird species, including hawks and herons, as well as mammals like beavers and deer. The park's design incorporates both natural elements and remnants of the area's industrial past, creating a unique outdoor experience that highlights the region's layered history.

History and Development

Opened by the Cleveland Metroparks in 1999, the reservation follows a 4.3-mile stretch of the former Ohio and Erie Canal between Harvard Avenue and Rockside Road. The park features the northernmost remaining 4.4 miles of watered canal, providing wildlife management areas, fishing opportunities, and scenic beauty.

The reservation is part of the Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, designated by Congress in 1996. It serves as an important link in the ongoing development of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which aims to provide a continuous pathway from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Visitor Amenities

Visitors can explore the area's natural and cultural history through hiking trails, picnic areas, and a 7.2-mile all-purpose trail that connects to the larger Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail system.

At the heart of the reservation is the Leonard Krieger CanalWay Center, which offers exhibits exploring the relationships between people, industry, and nature in the Cuyahoga Valley. The center includes interactive displays, a multi-purpose room available for public functions, and provides educational programming for visitors.