Heritage Corridors of Bath: Scenic Byway Through Ohio’s Historic Countryside
The Heritage Corridors of Bath, a designated Ohio state scenic byway, weaves together all or parts of 12 roads through Bath Township in Summit County. The route connects 19th-century hamlets with Hale Farm and Village, the Bath Nature Preserve, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Early homes, barns, cemeteries, and mills line the byway as it travels through areas of scenic farmland, rolling hills, and natural beauty.
Location and How to Access the Byway
Located south of Lake Erie and just northwest of Akron, Ohio, the Heritage Corridors of Bath form a quasi-checkerboard pattern across Bath Township.
Best access route: Take I-77 to Ghent Road (Exit 138), turn north onto Ghent Road, continue as it becomes Cleveland-Massillon Road, and proceed north onto North Cleveland-Massillon Road to the start of the byway.
A Brief History of Bath Township
The area was once known as Number 3, Range 12 of the Connecticut Western Reserve. It was not officially under U.S. government control until the Treaty of Fort Industry in 1805. Early names included Wheatfield and Hammondsburgh.
According to local lore, during a long town meeting about renaming the community, settler Jonathan Hale stood up and exclaimed, “O, call it Jerusalem, Jericho, Bath, or anything but Hammondsburgh!” The motion passed quickly. The name Bath may also reflect settlers who came from Bath, Kentucky—and it conveniently placed the township first in the county’s alphabetical listing.
Prepare for Your Visit
Watch the YouTube “Along the Way” video for a self-guided preview of historic barns and decide which ones you want to see in person.
Download any of the nine available Cemetery Tours PDFs to explore the resting places of early pioneers, veterans, or possibly your own family members before you arrive.
What to See and Do Along the Heritage Corridors of Bath
The byway includes a portion of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (formerly the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area). The river winds through deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Visitors can walk or bike the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal while spotting native plants and wildlife.
Additional highlights include:
Bath Nature Preserve (4160 Ira Road, Akron) — Explore paved and unpaved hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Enjoy fishing, sledding hills in winter, and the Fairlawn Rotary Observatory featuring a roll-off roof and 10 pier-mounted telescopes.
Hale Farm and Village — A living-history experience that brings 19th-century rural life to life.
Historical Displays and Museums
In 2012, the Heritage Corridors of Bath received a major grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program to create the “Ghent Wayside.” It remains one of only two Ohio projects selected for that funding and serves as a gateway connecting the Ghent hamlet to the rest of the township.
Be sure to visit the Bath Township Historical Museum at 1241 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road in Akron. The museum currently features an America 250 exhibit that explores the daily lives of Bath Township residents across different eras through clothing, artifacts, maps, flags, and photographs. Admission is free (donations accepted). The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday during select hours.
Plan Your Trip
If you enjoy combining history, scenic views, and outdoor recreation, Bath Township offers a rewarding and easily accessible experience just outside Akron.
Learn more:
Ohio & Erie Canalway – Heritage Corridors of Bath https://www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/plan/listings/heritage-corridors-of-bath/
National Scenic Byway Foundation page – https://nsbfoundation.com/sb/heritage-corridors-of-bath/