Tuscarawas County Park Department An Interpretive Guide to the & Erie Towpath Phone: 330.365.3278 Email: [email protected] Fort Laurens to State Route 800

Fort Laurens  How Old Is It? The Ohio &  The Tuscarawas River

Established in 1778, this was the only The Ohio & Erie Canal was completed in 1832. Ohio in the early 19th century experienced a great Native Americans called this river “Mooskingum,” meaning Continental Army Revolutionary War fort Some of the points of interest along the trail need for an effective system to transport the goods of a “elk’s eye.” Soon after settlement, that name was limited to the in the state of Ohio. The site is currently existed while the canal was in-use. Other sites growing population. In an era prior to railroads, the river below the junction of the Walhonding at Coshocton, and this operated by Zoar Community Association were established after the canal was abandon. canal was the answer. A series of were tributary was given its current name. The exact meaning of the on behalf of Ohio History Connection. For The following symbols on this guide will let authorized in 1822. Ten years later, the Ohio & Erie name Tuscarawas is unclear, but it came from the Tuscarora tribe, more information, visit FortLaurens.org you know how old each site is: Canal was completed. At the start, there was a flurry whose main camp was at the present site of Bolivar. of activity along the canal, which lasted for about  Pre-canal (before 1822) twenty years. During the 1850s, competition from the Mile Markers   Canal Days (1822-1913) expanding railroads started a gradual decline in canal Sharing Our Trail

 Post-canal (after 1913) use. Segments of the canal were abandoned as early as The three stone mile markers indicate the the 1870s and the widespread, devastating flood of The Tuscarawas County section of distance along the towpath from , 1913 was the deathblow to the remaining canals. This the Towpath Trail is also utilized by where the historic canal began! What is a Canal Lock?  section of the canal was in use until 1913. Village of Zoar  other trail systems. The Zoar Valley Trail, established by the Boy Scouts Locks served two purposes: they provided a The community of Zoar was established in of America, continues south across means for lowering or raising the , and 1817 by German Separatists seeking religious State Route 800 to Camp Tuscazoar. they also provided a convenient point for tolls freedom. For many years they sustained a The Buckeye Trail, maintained by the to be collected, which helped pay for canal successful communal society. The village has Buckeye Trail Association, is a loop construction and maintenance. Before a numerous historic homes, many of which that winds around the entire state of enters a lock, the water-tight gate in front of it have been restored. Some are private Ohio. Follow the blue blazes, or visit is closed. This causes the water level to build residences while others are open as shops, BuckeyeTrail.org to learn more. up on one side of the lock. After the boat museums, bed & breakfasts, and restaurants. enters and the rear gate is closed, a sluice is For more info, visit HistoricZoarVillage.com Old Zoar Bridge  opened that allows water to flow through. The or call 1-800-262-6195. Respect the Floodplain water level inside the lock is then even with This is an example of a three span Pratt the canal in the direction that the boat is Spring rains annually make rivers “too big for their bridges” as truss bridge, built in 1884 by the Wrought headed. The forward gate is opened, and the Canal Statistics water spills across the land. Natural floods recycle nutrients and Iron Bridge Company of Canton. County boat continues its journey. This process is enrich the soil; building homes or businesses in floodplains is an 82 was rerouted and the bridge essential the same whether the water level is Typical Canal: 40 feet wide at top obvious folly. Channelizing a river to prevent floods only sends closed to auto traffic during the 1960s. rising or lowering. 26 feet wide at bottom water faster downstream to cause disaster elsewhere, while 4 feet deep providing less time for water to saturate local soils and build up the water table. A simple and important method for minimizing Standard Lock: 90 feet long The Fish Hatchery  soil erosion and property loss from river banks is to leave them in 15 feet wide a natural, wooded condition. Tree roots hold the bank together The remains of “State Fish Farm No. 12” Wildlife Abounds While these were typical measurements, and provides wildlife habitat. When a tree does fall, the treetop— can be seen from the trail, constructed from some canals were as wide as 150 feet and as anchored by remaining roots— creates a “strainer.” These the remains of Lock 10. In 1921, the Ohio The natural environment around the Towpath Trial is deep as 12 feet. strainers are dangerous for canoeists, but they slow the current Division of Wildlife installed six rearing home to many fascinating plants and animals. If you and strain silt from upstream, redepositing soil on the area. ponds in the abandoned canal. In 1923, the walk quietly, there’s a good chance of seeing a hatchery produced 108,238 largemouth great blue heron wading in the river or a bass, crappies, and bluegill. Unfortunately downy woodpecker flitting between the trees. Get Involved! over the next 14 years the hatchery faced Many reptiles and amphibians can also be seen floods, polluted water, and dried up in the canal near the remains of the fish The Park section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is guided by springs. It closed for good in 1935. hatchery. The midland painted turtle is a the Canal Lands Development Committee, a dedicated group of volunteers. If common species that can often be spotted you are interested in helping with maintenance and development projects, basking on logs. They have a yellow striped would like to make a financial contribution, or assist with events & activities Funding to print Zoar Wetland  pattern along their necks as well as red along the trail, please contact the Tuscarawas County Park Department at this guide was generously provided Volunteers maintain two miles of scenic coloration around the edges of their shells. 330.365.3278 or via email at [email protected] by the Tuscarawas and interpretive features around this natural American Bullfrogs like this one can also be County Convention wetland ecosystem. Their mission is to seen peaking out of the water. Getting a close The Canal Tavern 5k Run is an annual event held in October to raise funds for & Visitors Bureau interpret its history and natural features look at these animals may be difficult– they the Canal Lands Development Committee. Look out for registration flyers In through the Grants through education and recreation. For more can hear you coming and will usually splash September, and come out to enjoy a run (or walk) among the beautiful fall Assistance Program. info, visit ZoarWetland.org into the water before you even see them! colors right along the canal! For a Safe and Enjoyable Visit, Please Follow These Guidelines:  Wear a helmet  Stay to the right  Give audible warning before passing (bells work great!)  Use just one earbud  “How Slow Can You Go” when passing  Protect your pet: 6 ft. leash  Do not block the trail  Take breaks to the side of the trail  Single File  All yield to horses

Trail Distances This map was produced by the Entire Trail 5.4 miles (Fort Laurens to State Route 800) Tuscarawas County Northern Half 2.3 miles Park Department (Fort Laurens to Canal Lands Trailhead) With the assistance of GIS Coordinator Ken Shonkwiler of the Ohio Mid-Eastern Southern Half 3.2 miles Government Association, July 2015 (Canal Lands Trailhead to State Route 800)