Minor Trail Change

Date Posted

Aug 24, 2021

Section

Massillon

Chapter

Muskingum Lakes Chapter

This Trail Change reports a small move in the physical location of the trail.

The move has had a massive impact on the physical safety afforded to users of the BT and OECT. The change is located between Pt 20 West of Bolivar and Point 21 within Bolivar, specifically between the SW end of the trail bridge across the Tuscarawas R near McDonnell Trailhead and a little past the twin span RR overpass which allowed passage beneath for both SR 212 and the Ohio and Erie Canal.

The trail remains on the OECT which now bypasses McDonnell Trailhead and meanders E towards the RR overpass where it enters the canal prism on a boardwalk. Through the overpass, the canal heads away NE while OECT turns SE pretty much parallel to SR 212 but safely distant. While the trail no longer goes through McDonnell Trailhead, the trailhead remains close and remains available for use.

One other change is important to backpackers. Just past the overpass, the trail now passes a commercial campground that offers only primitive campsites and no generators! It also appears to be available year around. See Towpath Trail Peace Park for details.

As if all that were not enough, the change in distance is so minor that it can be ignored here.