News Release

Cuyahoga Valley National Park to temporarily close Towpath Trail section for boardwalk replacement

Map of closure, August 24 - November 20

NPS

News Release Date: August 17, 2026

Contact: Pamela Barnes, 440-241-5857

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio—Cuyahoga Valley National Park will temporarily close the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Boston Trailhead and Lock 29 in Peninsula from August 24 to November 20. The park anticipates re-opening the section between Lock 29 and the railroad tunnel, about 0.75 mile north of Peninsula, by early September. The rest of the section will remain closed for the duration of the project.
 
The closure is necessary for public safety while the park removes and replaces the wooden Stumpy Basin boardwalk. No detour is available. The closure includes half of the Boston Trailhead parking lot. Additional parking for Towpath Trail access is available at Stanford Trailhead.
 
Built in 1991, the boardwalk has reached the end of its serviceable life. The park is replacing it to maintain connectivity and ensure future safe conditions for trail users.

“We are committed to providing high-quality, safe access for our visitors, especially along the popular Towpath Trail. Thus, we are replacing the Stumpy Basin wooden boardwalk now, as part of a planned project, before safety hazards become an issue,” said Lisa Petit, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Superintendent. “This is one of several areas of the Towpath that have been closed for repairs and improvements this summer. Although these projects temporarily disrupt trail access, the result will be a much improved and safer Towpath Trail experience through the park,” added Petit.

The Towpath Trail within Cuyahoga Valley National Park is used by over 1.5 million visitors annually and accounts for 68% of visitation in the park. The Stumpy Basin boardwalk is located between Boston and Peninsula, one of the most visited sections of the trail.

Stumpy Basin was once a wide spot in the Ohio & Erie Canal that canallers used to turn around canal boats. Today, it is a high-quality wetland of about 30 acres located in the Cuyahoga River 100-year floodplain.

Other improvements to the Towpath Trail this summer have included culvert replacement between Station Road Bridge Trailhead and Red Lock Trailhead, resurfacing between Hunt House and Beaver Marsh, and sinkhole repair between Station Road Bridge Trailhead and Frazee House.

For park current conditions and closures visit our current conditions page.
 

CVNP encompasses over 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural resources in one setting. For more information, visit us at www.nps.gov/cuva, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or call 440-717-3890.

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About the National Park Service. The National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.