Exploring the Natural Wonders of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Introduction

CVNP is effectively located in-between Cleveland and Akron in the Ohio state and is very much a welcome sight amidst the rapidly emerging industrial belt of the United States of America. The area of this park is more than 33000 acres and it is the landscaped proof of the American lands’ diversity with forests, hills, rivers, and wildlife. CVNP has received its name after the Cuyahoga River that passes through the park offering various habitats, recreation activities, and historical sites, therefore, is an appealing park for nature lovers and history background lovers, and any outdoorsman.

In this travel guide, we will go through the main attractions of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we will give you an overview of your journey, useful information, and answer some of the questions we receive most often.

History and Overview

That being said, it is high time to familiarize yourself with the historical background of CVNP before going through the list of places and things to do in CVNP. Traditional people occupied the region along the Cuyahoga River before the white men arrived in that part of the geographical world to set up residence. Thus, it is taken from the native Americans term of crooked because it meanders through a variety of counties in two states.

It appeared in the early 1800’s and was known as the Ohio and Erie Canal and made the area a distinct transportation. There is evidence that the canal was a very important part in funding the growth of Ohio and thru today you can still find reflection for this interesting part of history.

Cuyahoga Valley was the first to be designated a national recreation area in 1974 and this park was created in 2000. Over time it evolved to one of the most valuable destinations for travelers’ attraction with most concentrating up to two million foreigners in the United States of America per year. Due to the geography and history as a canal town, the park makes for an amazing experience to many starting with treading on the hiking and bicycle trails to exploring the history of the community.

Must-Visit Natural Attractions

Still, Cuyahoga Valley National Park has numerous habitats such as forest, wetland, and riparian zones. Climates now reveal some of the park’s natural wonders.

Brandywine Falls

Of all the attractions to be found in the park, Brandywine Falls is perhaps the best known. The 65 foot waterfall descends over layers of sandstone and shale giving sheer natural beauty to the place. From site one, a boardwalk trail and two birding viewing decks take researchers/photographer’s artistic angles for unique and excellent pictures of nature. Brandywine Falls trail is not long, therefore friendly for people of all ages and fitness enthusiasts.

The Ledges

The Ledges is another place that is a part of CVNP which is of great interest; consisting of steep sandstone cliffs and rock outcroppings that were formed over 300 million years ago. The Ledges Trail is 2.2 miles of hiking and is a loop trail that takes you through this region, as well as back down into the valley below, the Overlook is particularly amazing for a sunset view here. There is also bird watching and general view of the natural landscape that defines the area as a natural rese

Blue Hen Falls

Although not as grand as the Brandywine Falls, the Blue Hen Falls is a secret that sits way deeper into the park. This 15-foot waterfall offers visitors great seclusion because it is located in a dense forest canopy. The number of trails is relatively small; one of the shortest — the trail to Blue Hen Falls — is about 0.5 miles long and has quite a secluded view, making it excellent for those who do not like crowds.

Everett Covered Bridge

The Everett Covered Bridge is the last covered bridge in Summit County and one of the most photographed attractions for visitors of the park. Said to cover the Furnace Run, it is much like other remaining bridges from the 19th century in Ohio and emblematic of those which used to provide an essential service for rural populations. There are several short hiking trails around the bridge and it is an excellent place for a quiet snack.

Virginia Kendall Hills

This area contains several tracks which are best suited for hikers and families. The Virginia Kendall Hills contain numerous trails which pass through meadows, woodlands, and cliffs of sandstone. The Ritchie Ledges Trail is mostly recommended by those hiking enthusiasts because of the perfect rock formation and view. Another best thing about Kendall Hills is that it turns into a perfect spot for sledding during the winter hence people keep flooding the place regardless of the season.

Recreational Activities

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park has numerous opportunities that appeal to both the extreme sports lover to the couch potato.

Hiking

CVNP has built over 125 miles of trails and something for every type of hiker that will visit the park. While some are flat and easy, such as the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, these are recommended for families and beginners. Some of the basic trails include the Ledges Trail which are slightly harder to manage since taking several curves, trails, steep rises and falls. Those adventurous enough can find more extensive trails offered by the Buckeye Trail, one of which runs over the area, towards Ohio.

Biking

This is the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail that is a 20 mile bike-walking trail in the park. This is a relatively short and inexpensive trail that is generally flat and level and measures about 20 miles in length and parallels the Cuyahoga River but other than that there’s really not much to this park although it is a good way to see most of it and get a brief look at what little history this park has. Bike rentals are obtainable from some areas close to the park, to the visitors who do not have the benefiting clothing and bicycles.

Canoeing and Kayaking

The river as well as particularly the Cuyahoga River is one of the most important attractions for water recreation and activities. Hiking is an excellent way to explore the park as you are able to canoe or kayak alongside the river through forests, wetlands and spotting wild animals. There are several parts of the river which are runnable, and outfitters in the area offer equipment rental as well as guided trips.

Scenic Train Rides

For those who do not want an adrenaline rush and just want to enjoy the outstanding scenery of the park, CVSR is a charming train ride to view the natural beauty. The train which forms an important source of transport goes right through the middle of the park giving a vantage view of the Cuyahoga river, forests and the meadows. Other features include themed trains for drinking wine, fun for families and other similar services.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

In addition to diverse wildlife such as white tailed deer, beavers and foxes, and over 200 bird species. Beaver Marsh and Indigo Lake are well known destinations for bird watching year-round and observation of great blue herons, eagles, and waterfowl from April through May.

Winter Sports

During winter when there is snow on the ground; CVNP takes a new look of a beautiful winter wonderland. Winter recreational activities include tubing, snow- kiting and cross country skiing, snow shoes. Kendall Hills is dedicated to sledding as the Towpath Trail and some parts of the hiking trail systems are available for cross-country skiing.

Cultural and Historical Sites

It is not only a park with hiking and horse riding options but of course it is a history park.

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

This original trail lies on the right-of-way of the Ohio and Erie Canal that existed to connect Erie Canal with the Ohio River. The Towpath Trail extends to 87 miles although only 20 miles get through the CVNP. This canal has an aromatic history along the trail where even interpretive signs are installed to educate people on the significance of this canal in early Ohio particularly in the 19th century.

Canal Exploration Center

The Canal Exploration Center should not be missed for any tourist interested in the history of the park. This is a visitors center with a focus on the Ohio & Erie Canal where exhibits demonstrate how the canal was constructed, how it operated together with the effects it produced on the societies around this region. There is also a wealth of information about the people who lived beside the canal – the lock tenders, the skippers of the canal boats which operated from the waterway.

Hale Farm & Village

Right on the periphery of consideration for the park, Hale Farm & Village is a historical farm village that can be best described as a snapshot of the 19th Century. There are preserved structures, the people in Victorian clothes and the performances of the craftspeople; there are blacksmith, candle-maker and glass-blower. It is a perfect choice for those who want to extend their route on the grounds of Ohio’s rural historic sites.

Practical Tips for Visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park

• Best Time to Visit: The park is stunning any time of the year but autumn looks even more magical because of the trees. In spring, wild flowers are blooming and it is rather hot in the summer since trees possess dense green leaves. Winter also has fewer crowds or tourists, and it’s cold, but you have things like skiing and other winter activities.
• Entrance Fees: In a rather distinctive way, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is not like most of the other national parks within the United States of America in that it does not require visitors to pay for entry into the park.
• Where to Stay: Now there is no established campsite, hotel or lodge in the park but in the surrounding towns including Peninsula, Brecksville, and Hudson there are many B & B’s, motels, cabins, and house rentals. 
• Getting There: CVNP is situated right between Cleveland and Akron. Most of the hiking trails have parking facilities and the park has several entry points.
• Visitor Centers: By all means, call on one of the park’s visitor centers as the Boston Mill Visitor Center for maps, trail information, and advice from park rangers.

Conclusion

Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides an ideal combination between natural wonders, adventurous and historical attractions. Exploring the ancient sandstone ledges is as relaxing as biking by the Ohio & Erie Canal or even just enjoying the beauty of the Brandywine Falls, all of which is made possible by the Cleveland Metroparks’ CVNP. This perspective, by showing the heritage that presides over the park, thus associating native roots with the revolution of industry brings along with it a sense of nostalgia that can make visitors totally fascinated to tour the park if they are going through Ohio.

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