Towpath Trail Extension
Maps
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Use the controls at the bottom of the maps to pan and zoom: Proposed Towpath Trail Alignment - 2007 Update |
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In 2005, a final alignment for the Towpath Trail was agreed upon through the Steelyard Commons retail complex. Both the shopping center and this one mile section of trail opened in spring 2007. The through route for the trail is at the east edge of the property and has access to services for trail users, such as restrooms, water, and bicycle racks. In addition, a loop trail was built as part of the new street in the shopping center, providing access to large industrial artifacts throughout the site and RTA bus shelters. This alignment replaces the two options outlined in the 2002 Alignment & Design Study. The first option followed the west edge of the former steel mill. The second option continued north along the river past the oldest steelmaking facilities on the west side of the river, which were built by Otis Steel. In 2002, the west side steel mill was closed. Since that time the mill has reopened, which makes it impractical to route a trail in that general direction. For the trail section between Harvard Avenue and the south entrance of Steelyard Commons, efforts continue to raise funds to pay for engineering and construction. (printable version: PDF, 0.5 MB) |
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Trailhead Map |
As part of the Towpath Trail, locations for visitor services and interpretive exhibits have been recommended. The proposed sites along the length of the trail include various combinations of facilities such as parking, restrooms, shelters, rest stops, interpretation, and wayfinding signage to promote circulation along the main trail and with neighborhood connectors. The visitor services and interpretation locations are situated along the route to maximize their potential through grouping with complimentary amenities and to provide an appropriate distance between activity areas. Some facilities will be needed as part of the construction of the Towpath Trail, while other facilities will not be needed until separate projects are undertaken. The content of the wayside exhibits will be based on both the natural and cultural history of the valley. (printable version: PDF, 1.7 MB) |
Environmental Regeneration Plan |
One emphasis of the Towpath Trail, beyond its use for transportation and recreation, is a strategy for the environmental regeneration of the surrounding landscape. Over the generations of urban development and industrial use, the natural systems of hillsides, wetland pockets, ground water, soil profiles and conditions, and surface drainage have been overlooked in favor of manufacturing production and the movement of goods by water, rail, and road. The development of a trail through this landscape brings the opportunity to refocus attention on the natural systems of the river valley. The vision is for a co-existence between the natural systems and the industrial land uses, where the two are viewed as related infrastructure working in a partnership. (printable version: PDF, 2.6 MB) |
2002 Proposed Route
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This map shows the proposed route in 2002. Click on it to download detailed PDF images showing aerial photography, topography, the original route of the Ohio & Erie Canal, the proposed Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad extension, and other potential projects. |
