Navarre combines the history of the Ohio & Erie Canal with a village walk and paddler access points on the Tuscarawas River. This gives you two distinct focuses when choosing a destination: historic places in the village and routes by the water. The Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail follows the historic canal route; the Tuscarawas River Water Trail leads to a separate river access point.

River Trails and Paddling

The Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail runs through Navarre, following the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. A nearly 6.50-mile stretch runs south along the Tuscarawas River toward Bolivar.

In Navarre, the Tuscarawas River Water Trail includes the Craig Pittman Water Trailhead. Paddlers with their own equipment can use the Craig Pittman access point as an authorized launch and takeout. The Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail also has a vehicle crossing just before the trailhead, where kayaks and canoes can be dropped off and picked up at the river. Water access is limited to specific locations, so check access conditions before your visit, as they may change.

The Towpath Trail follows the historic canal route along the river, while the Craig Pittman access point serves as a launch and takeout for paddlers with their own equipment; these are different offerings, not one combined tour.

Village History and a Walk

The Navarre Bethlehem Historical Society purchased and restored the Mathews House Museum. The museum is located at 123 High Street, not far from Historical Rochester Square. The Society also offers visitors a self-guided historical walking tour of the village. This gives local history a role of its own alongside the river trails: you can explore Navarre on a walking tour without needing to join a guided tour.

The community invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely walk through the village at the bend in the river. Together with the self-guided historical walking tour, this is a way to experience Navarre as a village, not just as a starting point for activities on the water. Another part of its historic profile is the J.D. Define Building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Check Visiting Hours and Choose Your Focus

The Mathews House Museum was open on the first Sunday of each month from May through November, from 1 to 4 p.m.; admission was free. Check visiting hours and admission arrangements before you arrive. It is also a good idea to check water access conditions before your visit. This helps you consider local history and paddling as separate focuses, rather than basing your plans on unverified opening hours or access.

If you are deciding between village history and river activities, there are some clear differences: the historical offering includes a self-guided tour and named buildings; getting on the water requires your own paddling equipment. The Towpath Trail, meanwhile, follows the historic canal route and the Tuscarawas River. For a focus on local history, the self-guided walking tour is a good option; for paddling, plan to bring your own equipment.

In the Wider Region

In the wider region around Navarre, the Tuscarawas River Water Trail is 112.5 miles long. In Coshocton, it meets the 112-mile Muskingum River Water Trail. At 112.5 miles, the regional Tuscarawas River Water Trail is considerably longer than the nearly 6.50-mile stretch of the Towpath Trail south toward Bolivar. For exploring Navarre itself, the access point at the Craig Pittman Water Trailhead and the historic route of the Towpath Trail are the local points of reference.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Massillon, Alliance, North Canton, Canton.

Back to the regional travel overview: Stark.