Its southern terminus is at a signalized intersection with State Route 21 in the northern end of Massillon.

The route follows part of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath.

State Route 236 traverses portions of northwestern Stark County, namely the city of Massillon as well as Perry, Jackson and Lawrence townships, and New Franklin in southern Summit County.

The route is not included as a part of the National Highway System.

[4][5] Between 1955 and 1957, the southern terminus was moved, to its current location, in Massillon.