Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the lone national park in Ohio. It is a 32,572-acre protected area that connects two major cities: Akron and Cleveland. Despite being a small area, over two million people visited the park in 2018.
History
There are no Native American groups recognized federally in Ohio, but there is enough evidence to indicate that at least six tribes were original settlers of the area. They left the area between the 18th and 19th centuries just as the Europeans arrived in America.
In 1870, the area was recognized for its recreational activities like carriage rides and boat trips. Legislators then recognized the potential of the area to become a park.
The area was designated as a National Recreation Center in 1974, before its establishment as a national park on Oct. 11, 2000. It is the only national park that holds such a distinction.
Photo by: Jacob Lips
Places to go
As national parks go, Cuyahoga Valley is smaller than most, but visitors would be surprised by the many natural attractions in the area.
Cuyahoga River
This is the centerpiece of the park. It is not only known for its crystal waters but also its story.
On June 22, 1969, the Cleveland part of the river caught on fire. It was not the only fire witnessed by the river, and it wasn’t the biggest. But it was the most memorable, as people finally realized how the ill-treatment of the environment can lead to devastation. The fire was due to the debris that accumulated in the river. Various activities are lined up in the park this year, 50 years after that fire.
There are so many activities one can indulge in on the river. Canoeing and kayaking in the river are not advisable because of the risks. But seasoned paddlers do it anyway. It is one of the best ways to experience the park; paddling amidst the park’s imposing trees.
The river also has several ponds for fishing. Among the river’s fish populations are the bullhead and steelhead. Visitors must check out advisories regarding the consumption of their catch, as well as the catch-and-release regulations.
Beaver Marsh
This is one of the most popular attractions in the park because of its stunning vista and wildlife presence. It is also great for families with children since there is a boardwalk, where people can take photos of green marsh and some wildlife if they are lucky. Beavers are among the more popular residents of the park. The marsh boardwalk is also a popular spot for birders. The park is home to bald eagles, great blue herons, peregrine falcons, among others.
Blue Hen Falls
This is a 15-foot waterfall surrounded by woods. Visitors will have a pretty serene and breathtaking hike to reach this waterbody.
Brandywine Falls
There is a boardwalk that leads to this 65-foot waterfall. More often, people need to sweat it out before they can enjoy the view of waterfalls. But for those who prefer an adventure, there is the Brandywine Gorge Trail that spans almost a mile and a half, which leads to a viewpoint of Brandywine Falls.
The Ritchie Ledges
This natural formation is described as rock outcropping. It provides a nice view of the valley’s woods. There is a 1.8-mile trail that leads to The Ledges. This trail also connects to other trails, which leads to the Virginia Kendall Area.
Ohio and Erie Canal
This canal was constructed in the 1820s. It connects two of Ohio’s cities: Akron through the Cuyahoga River and Cleveland through Lake Erie. This is a historical canal as it was a passageway for freight traffic, from 1827 to 1861. Now, it is the perfect place to relax in the park. There are green bushes with a smattering of beautiful and colorful flowers surrounding it. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is also the most hiked path in the park.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
This is more than just a destination, it is a journey. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers scenic trips in the valley. The train runs parallel with the Cuyahoga River. Visitors may spot some beavers, deer, and otters during the ride. The trips are not regular though, so visitors should check out the schedule. But this is one way to enjoy the different views the park will offer.
Stanford Campsites & Stanford House
There are five camping sites at the park, which are along the Stanford Trail behind the Stanford House. The house is a 19th-century farmhouse, built by George Standford in the 1830s. He was among the first settlers in the area. It became a hostel in 1978 but was conserved starting in 2011, as a historic structure.
Photo by: Jacob Lips