Cuyahoga River Valley National Park
The Cuyahoga River is the northeastern Ohio river that feeds into Lake Erie, traveling a total stretch of just at 85 miles. The Cuyahoga River Valley National Park is the spot alongside a portion of that river, near Cleveland, that ‘preserves and reclaims local rural landscape’. This park, specifically located right between Akron and Cleveland, provides visitors with several different options for education and adventure, from such things as ranger-guided programs to individual trail exploration. This park was first established in 2000, a 33,000-acre area ‘along the crooked river’ that provides routes of discovery into all the various surrounding landscapes such as forests, hills, and open farmlands.
Historically speaking, the river itself has a bit of an unfortunate claim to infamy, known as the polluted river that ‘caught fire’ in 1969, sparking further actions in the already growing U.S Environmental Movement. You can learn more about this while here plus follow the historic route of the Ohio and Erie Canal, both locally important historical lessons to be had.
While here you and your group can ride the highly popular scenic Railroad, the train offering such things as the Voices Of the Valley audio tour and winter time Polar Express. This route was used over 100 years ago, for local coal transport starting in 1880. Your group can also choose to take in more concrete information at the Visitor Center, hike or bike along Towpath Trail, catch a concert (if happening during a visit), or even just relax and wildlife watching. There are several different interesting points to spot and explore, such as Beaver Marsh, Brandywine Falls, Jaite Mill, Ritchie Ledges, Frazee House, and the Everett Covered Bridge. Be sure to bring your camera (fully charged and plenty of space) and good walking shoes for this scenic stop!
