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Massillon

Photo of the Massillon Section of the Buckeye Trail in Ohio. Photo by Nancy Shepard.
Miles
53.6 total miles / 26.0 off-road miles (48.5%)
Section supervisor
Open - Contact Volunteer Coordinator with interest
Contact
massillon@buckeyetrail.org
Paper map publication date
December 2020
Chapter
Muskingum Lakes Chapter
Counties
Stark, Tuscarawas
Abutting Sections
Akron, Mogadore, Bowerston
Trail Towns
Zoar
Trail alerts and map updates
See all
Page last updated
May 25, 2026

What to expect

The Massillon Section links urban centers, canal towpath, and rural roads as it transitions from the glaciated plateau of northeast Ohio into the unglaciated terrain of the southeast. Its route offers a mix of historic towns, scenic river valleys, and well-maintained trail segments, making it a varied and accessible hiking experience.

Section news

Towns and villages on the trail

Hartville, Uniontown, Green, Massillon, Navarre, Bolivar, Zoar, Wilkshire Hills

Points of interest

Open Trail Adopter segments

  • Points 5 to 6 (off road and on road)
  • Points 11 to 24 (off road)

Become a Trail Adopter →

Natural features and geography

  • Glaciated plateau transitioning to unglaciated plateau
  • Tuscarawas River valley
  • Canal corridor landscapes
  • Nimisila Reservoir is the largest lake in the park district and spans 825 acres. It was also the last of the 13 Portage Lakes to be created. It is known as an amazing fishing destination and is home to a wide variety of fish species.

Nearby emergency services

In life-threatening situations, call 911 throughout the Section. For other problems, call:

County State Highway Patrol Sheriff
Stark 330.433.6200 330.438.3801
Summit 330.535.2783 330.643.2122
Tuscarawus 330.339.1103 330.339.2000
Photo of the Massillon Section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail. Photo by Stephanie Fuller. Photo of the Massillon Section of the Buckeye Trail. Photo by Stephanie Fuller. Hiker in the snow in the Massillon Section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail. Photo courtesy of Mark Middleton.

Trail Alerts

  • Stark Parks Alert

    Nov 12, 2025

    This alert reminds hikers of several important items when hiking in the Massillon Section. Flooding … Read more

Map Updates

  • New Campsite

    Dec 28, 2024

    This map update applies to the 2020 version of the Massillon printed map and the Spring 2024 FarOut … Read more

  • Minor Trail Change

    Aug 24, 2021

    This Trail Change reports a small move in the physical location of the trail. The move has had a … Read more

  • Camping Available

    Aug 15, 2017

    Primitive camping (no facilities) is available on Tim Singer’s property on the west side of the … Read more

Parking locations

  • Point 5: The city of Green has a day use parking area with 42 spaces.

  • Point 5: Central Park’s day use parking area has 42 spaces.

  • Point 7: Parking Lot C-5 offers day use parking with 63 spaces.

  • Point 7: Parking Lot C-6 is a day use parking area with 61 spaces. Lot C-6 is a day use parking area with 39 spaces and restroom facilities.

  • Point 11: Crystal Springs Trailhead

  • Point 12: The Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead offers day use parking with 41 spaces as well as a portable toilet.

  • Point 22: Fort Laurens State Memorial has a day use parking area with 22 spaces.

Resupply locations

  • Green: Dollar General located just off roundabout at Steese and Massillon Road.

  • Massillon: Ernie’s Bike Shop along with deli shop at Point 13.

  • Massillon: Sav-A-Lot grocery store, along with many restaurants near Point 14.

  • Navarre: From Point 17 to just past Main St, Coffee shop right on trail; small convenience store and gas station along trail.

  • Bolivar: Restaurants and gas station on trail.

  • Zoar: General store on the edge of town, about two miles from the trail.

Camping locations

  • Point 7: For information about the Nimisila Reservoir Campground, visit Summit Metro Parks.

  • Point 11: River’s Edge camping is available to Towpath Trail hikers and cyclists on a first-come, first-served basis. Drive-up camping is not permitted. Check in with the park ranger upon arrival by calling 330.353.2377.

  • Point 19: Find primitive camping (no facilities) by the Towpath Trail Peace Park on Tim Singer’s property, located on either side of the Tuscarawas Road. Camping at this location is $5 per person.

  • Point 21: Rustic riverside camping spots are available at the NTR Canoe Livery. For more information, visit canoe-ohio.com.

  • Point 23: Before using the Zoar Campsite, you must contact the Bolivar Police Department, which patrols the site, at 330.874.2113. The campsite is primitive. Carry in and carry out; no fires permitted. The site is provided by the village of Zoar and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District for the use of North Country Trail and Buckeye Trail backpackers.

  • Point 24: Camp Tuscazoar offers camping for backpackers by permit (be sure to allow several weeks before your intended camping date). For more information, call 330.859.2288 or visit tuscazoar.org.

Section resources

© Buckeye Trail Association