Miami and Erie Canal

The Miami and Erie Canal is a historic waterway that connects Cincinnati on the Ohio River to Toledo on Lake Erie. The route runs through Ohio with a series of locks to manage water levels along its length.

The canal was built starting in the 1820s to connect river regions with the Great Lakes for commerce. It became a major transportation route that moved goods and shaped economic growth across Ohio for decades.

Communities grew along the canal during the 1800s, with settlers establishing farms, mills, and trading posts that shaped local life. You can still see how people organized themselves around the waterway, living in villages and towns that depend on the canal's presence.

Many sections of the canal are open to visitors with towpaths and parking areas along the water. Spring through fall offers the best conditions for walking and visiting, when weather is mild and water levels allow boat travel.

The canal crosses hundreds of feet of elevation change to link the two water systems together. Engineers designed a clever lock system that allowed boats to climb and descend safely while traveling the entire route.

Location: Ohio

GPS coordinates: 39.10083,-84.49694

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:48