Towpath Trail North

Sunday morning, I went for another hike on the Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail, this time heading north.  I parked again at the trailhead on Lake Avenue and started hiking north, going under OH-21 right away.  This section of the trail was mostly forested in contrast to the urban trail going south.

I passed a couple more parking areas and followed a fairly long section away from roads.  About half way, I passed the High Mill Bridge over Tuscarawas River.

There were lots of wildflowers blooming along this section of trail as well as some not so wild.

After about 5 miles, I turned around and hiked back.

Towpath Trail South

Saturday morning, we took Alex for hike on the Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail, part of the Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area.

We drove west into Massillon and parked off Lake Avenue.  Hiking south, the trail followed Tuscarawas River downstream, the first part following OH-21 through downtown Massillon.  At Tremont Avenue, it crossed the river on a bridge and ran through a neighborhood and park.  Then, after crossing the Walnut Road, it became more rural, eventually getting away from OH-21 with nice views of the river.

A good number of wildflowers were blooming.  The yellow ironweed were quite impressive.

There were also some giant ironweed growing as well.

I also spotted some orange jewelweed.

A lot of invasive species too, such as smartweed.

Towards the end, I saw some evening primrose, a few of the flowers were open, even though it was morning.

We hiked a little past where the trail led under US30, then turned around.  The abandoned Ohio Canal was right along the trail.

It was a nice hike back and saw surprisingly few people the entire way.

After our hike, we got lunch at Eadies Fish House and ate outside with Alex.