Review

This trail begins at the edge of the Historic Roscoe Village District in Coshocton, Ohio and makes its way over to the Canal Boat ride just past Route 83.

The ride along the old towpath route is a short but pleasant one that includes a river crossing and a short tunnel underneath Route 83. The path skirts by nearby picnic facilities and has restrooms right along the trail. Vending machines even stock some sports drink.

This paved route along the old towpath is only about .7 mile long. It connects with a loop trail that adds another 1.2 miles of asphalt. The loop is named the Coshocton 3 Rivers Bikeway and was dedicated in August, 2000.

The trail ends just east of Route 83. Here the Monticello III transports tourists along a stretch of canal that is still operational. After hours, fishermen and walkers also make their way along this gravel towpath. The thick, loose gravel at the dock area discouraged me from exploring this section on my skinny-tired road bike.

It was interesting to see an operational canal boat docked in a canal full of water. Certainly an unusual sight these days, and one that gives you a feeling of stepping back in time.

This trail is often listed as 3 miles in length. The paved trails total 1.9 miles and if you add the .8 mile gravel section of the canal boat ride, you are close to 3 miles of open trail along the towpath. I didn't notice any signs that indicate whether you can explore the .8 mile gravel towpath on your own while the boat operates there from 1-5 pm during the summer months.

It would be interesting to explore this corridor a little further the next time I find myself in the area.

Trail Specs:

Roscoe-Village Monticello-Canal-Boat

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