Explore the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area to enjoy the crisp air and fall colors by participating in the 2026 Goodyear Towpath Trek! Individuals and families are invited to hike or bike four designated sections of the Towpath Trail and earn a dated, commemorative pin in collaboration with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to celebrate your success! Participants go at their own pace, on their own schedule, to complete all four treks by November 30.
Program runs September 1 - November 30, 2026
Keep track of your treks and submit your information below once you've completed all four treks! No prior registration necessary.
2026 Towpath Treks:
Ira Road to Botzum (Cuyahoga Valley National Park) - 4 miles round trip
This trek is located at the southern edge of Cuyahoga Valley National Park through the gateway community of Akron's Merriman Valley. Named for a prominent settler, Botzum (pictured) was part of a string of small communities that grew up along the canal and later the railroad. Several no longer exist, but their stories remain. The trailhead includes the Botzum Station for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The Ira Road Trailhead is well-known for its proximity to the picturesque Beaver Marsh to the north, one of the most diverse natural communities in the CVNP.
Richard Howe House to Summit Lake (Akron) - 3.5 miles round trip
The Howe House was built in 1832 by Richard Howe, resident engineer of the Ohio & Erie Canal between Cleveland and Massillon. Before being relocated to its current location by the canal to serve as a visitor center and offices, the building held many lives and was used as a grocery store, diner, barber shop and more. You can plan this as your final trek to pick up your commemorative pin starting mid-October! This trek continues south to Summit Lake NorthShore Park (pictured), which opened as a community park in May and features the Summit Lake Trail, fishing pier, lakeside seating, boat launch, and kayak launches.
Lake Avenue Trailhead to Tremont Avenue (Massillon) - 2.8 miles round trip
In Massillon, the trail makes use of the flood protection levee and offers access to the historic downtown via a bridge at Tremont Avenue. The Lake Avenue Trailhead is home to Ernie's Bicycle Shops, Second Sole and Blue Heron Cafe for the walkers, hikers and bicyclists traveling on the Towpath. Trailhead Canoe Livery offers canoe rentals during the boating season. Ample parking is available at the Lake Avenue Trailhead.
McDonnell Trailhead to Fort Laurens State Memorial (Bolivar) - 4.8 miles round trip
The McDonnell Trailhead is nestled in northern Bolivar, connected to Stark Parks to the north by the Aqueduct Bridge and to the town of Bolivar to the south by a 400-foot boardwalk. Continue through Bolivar and head towards Zoar to commemorate America250 at Fort Laurens State Memorial (reenactment pictured). Fort Laurens is the only outpost of the Revolutionary War Continental Army on the Ohio border. The museum operates on Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in September and just Saturdays and Sundays October 1 to November 15.
Claim your commemorative pin:
- Fill out the online submission form to document your completion of the treks when it becomes available mid-September. Pay the $5.00 fee through the form to request your pin(s) be mailed to you. If you don't need the pins mailed to you, fill out your information and do not select an option for pin mailing. See the form and below for pickup details.
- Pick up in-person at the Richard Howe House in Akron. Visit our visitors center and offices to pick up your pin and provide us with your contact information. Pins should be available for pickup beginning mid-October; please call ahead to inquire about availability. One of the trek routes includes this location, so plan accordingly to pick up your pin!
The Richard Howe House is located at 47 West Exchange Street, Akron OH 44308.
Please call (330) 374-5657 with any questions.
Pin design to be unveiled soon!