Boaters wait to enter Erie Canal Lock E-2 to begin the first day of the 2023 navigation season for the state’s canal system on Friday morning, May 19, 2023, in Waterford, N.Y.

"The Miami & Erie Canal (through western Ohio) covered more than 270 miles from Toledo to Cincinnati. The entire system, including main and feeder canals, was roughly 1,000 miles." ...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A vibrant new mural celebrating the rich history of the Ohio & Erie Canal now welcomes visitors to the northern terminus of the Towpath Trail in Cleveland’s Canal Basin Park.

Once complete, the 2.75-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail will link the eastern and western neighborhoods surrounding Summit Lake and connect to the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Summit Lake Trail will feature a 2.75-mile multi-purpose trail accessible for hikers, walkers and bicyclists.

According to Long, Thomas Worthington, Ohio’s sixth governor, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the canal in 1825. Organizers held the event in the area that is now the city of Heath.

A proposed route for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail through New Philadelphia would use Union Avenue, Seventh Street and Front Avenue. The route still could change.