Tuscarawas River in Ohio

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Tuscarawas River - Lock 4 Park Canal Fulton to Gnadenhutten

We launched from Lock 4 Park in Canal Fulton (short walk to river from parking lot) at 10 a.m. River was scenic until past Lake Trailhead (Ernie's bike shop and nice Caf- Blue Heron). From Lake trailhead to past Walmart not pretty and small dam we rope walked along the bank our canoes instead of portaging 500 yards past Ernie's. Paddled all flat water until about 1 mile north of Bolivar (NTR Canoe Livery). Made a rough campsite along river at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday morning stopped at NTR in and they were nice enough to give us some water. Got out to view "broken" dam 3 miles south of Bolivar. Paddled through far right section no problem with a little maneuvering immediately after to get safely past old stone trestle supports and log jams and fall trees from prior flooding.

Paddled about 3 hours to Dover Dam. Very scenic - saw Ospreys, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles and WT Deer. Water low and carried loaded canoes through a gateway. The portage around this Dam would be very tough. Fished at dam and got 7 fish.

From Dam to New Philadelphia not very scenic (too many houses right up against the River and commercial bldgs). Portage around dam in NP. Easy portage right about 150 yards. Floated over dam just south of New Towne Mall(Buehlers). Pulled out an 1hr south of NP at 6:15 pm. Made a campsite. No houses insight.

Monday morning (Memorial Day) launched at 8 a.m. nice scenic trip that ended at Gnadenhutten Canoe Park at 10:30 a.m.

Never had to walk the canoe, but numerous areas had to pick a good path with some minor bottom scrapping. 57+ river miles - 18 hours of paddling on 97% flat water.

Accommodations:

Gnadenhutten Park has spigot of potable water, port-a-potty, and fire rings for tent camping and concrete launch.

Outfitting:

Old Towne Canoes

Fees:

None

Directions:

Lock 4 Park in Canal Fulton is on Google maps as well as Gnadenhutten Park (W. Main Street at end of street by City garage).

Resources:

Google Maps and Google Earth (use Measure distance) to get a good read on miles.

We paddled at approx. 3.25 m.p.h.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: 2-3 Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location