The River That Burned and the Valley That Rose from It

Cuyahoga Valley National Park fills a 33,000-acre corridor between Cleveland and Akron, preserving a ribbon of forested gorges, waterfalls, and wetlands that feels centuries removed from the cities on either side. The park exists because of a river that became a symbol. The Cuyahoga caught fire in 1969, one of more than ten times its polluted surface had ignited, but this time the image reached a national audience and helped spark the creation of the EPA, the Clean Water Act, and the first Earth Day. Congress protected the valley in 1974 and elevated it to full national park status in 2000. Today Riverview Road winds 17 miles along the restored river, past 60-foot waterfalls plunging over 350-million-year-old sandstone ledges, a wetland reclaimed by beavers from a former auto junkyard, a 19th-century covered bridge, and the tracks of a vintage scenic railroad that follows the route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. The Towpath Trail traces 20 miles of the original canal mule path through the heart of the valley, connecting nine trailheads and the historic village of Peninsula. It is the only national park in the contiguous United States where you can step off a train, hike to a waterfall, and be back in a major city for dinner.

Key Stops

Towpath Trail (Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath) A 20-mile crushed limestone and paved trail tracing the original mule towpath of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which opened in 1827 and connected Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Nine trailheads provide access along the length of the park. Flat, straight, and ideal for cycling, running, or walking. Historic canal locks and mill remnants are visible throughout. Open year-round. Free.

Tinkers Creek Gorge (National Natural Landmark) At the park's northern edge within Cleveland Metroparks Bedford Reservation, Tinkers Creek drops 220 feet over 2 miles, carving a steep-walled gorge through the forest. A wheelchair-accessible overlook off Gorge Parkway provides panoramic views, particularly spectacular during fall foliage.

Brandywine Falls A 60-foot waterfall cascading over Berea sandstone capping softer shales beneath, creating a bridal-veil effect in the hemlock gorge. A boardwalk leads to an upper accessible viewing platform; roughly 80 steps descend to a lower deck at the base. The 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Loop extends along the gorge edge to creek level. Arrive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., as the small parking lot fills quickly in good weather.

Boston Mill Visitor Center The park's main visitor center, housed in a historic building that has served as tavern, residence, and general store since the canal era. A pedestrian bridge crosses the Cuyahoga River to the Towpath Trail. Rangers provide maps, current trail conditions, and program schedules.

Peninsula Village and Lock 29 A historic village established in 1818, now functionally the park's main hub. Lock 29 Trailhead provides direct access to the Towpath Trail and is steps from restaurants, galleries, and bicycle rental shops. The Peninsula Depot is a primary boarding station for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Everett Road Covered Bridge One of the most photographed landmarks in the park, with a truss structure dating to 1877. A short detour west on Everett Road from Riverview Road leads to the bridge, set against a backdrop of wooded hills. Free parking and a small picnic area.

Trail near the Ira Trailhead. Great blue herons, wood ducks, turtles, and the resident beavers are regularly spotted. An easy, flat walk from the parking area.

The Ledges (Virginia Kendall Ledges) Massive sandstone formations with caves, crevices, and a panoramic overlook across the Cuyahoga Valley. The Ledges Trail loops through the rock formations, built in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. One of the most popular trails in the park. Rock climbing is prohibited. Closes at dusk.

Kendall Lake A man-made lake constructed by the CCC in the 1930s, encircled by a loop trail through quiet woodland. Close to The Ledges and Happy Days Lodge, a CCC-era stone building now used for ranger programs and park events.

Beaver Marsh A remarkable conservation success story. Beavers reclaimed this former auto junkyard and transformed it into a thriving wetland ecosystem visible from the Towpath Hale Farm & Village A living history museum within park boundaries showcasing 19th-century rural life on the Western Reserve. Costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, candle-making, glassblowing, and farming. Open Wednesday through Sunday in summer, weekends in fall ($15 per adult, $8 per child ages 3–12).

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad A nonprofit heritage railroad operating vintage railcars through the park along the route of the 1880 Valley Railroad. National Park Scenic excursions depart multiple times daily from Rockside, Peninsula, and Akron Northside stations ($25–$38 per person). Themed rides include Murder Mystery evenings ($65), Ales on Rails ($75–$95), and seasonal specials. The Explorer Program (Memorial Day through Labor Day) combines train rides with hiking or biking back along the Towpath Trail.

Driving Tips

• Riverview Road is a narrow, winding two-lane road with a 25–35 mph speed limit. It follows the river valley with frequent curves and no shoulder in many stretches. Watch for cyclists crossing from the adjacent Towpath Trail.
• The park's irregular shape means you will occasionally pass through suburban areas between park boundaries. Do not be alarmed by the transitions; you will re-enter the park corridor within minutes.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park is completely free. No entrance fee, no vehicle fee, no pass required.
• Parking at Brandywine Falls fills between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in good weather. Arrive early or hike in from Boston Mill Visitor Center (roughly 5 miles round trip).
• Cell service is generally available throughout the park, as this is a suburban corridor between two major cities. However, Wi-Fi is not available within the park.
• Download the NPS driving map before your trip, showing 15 key destinations with GPS addresses.
• The Towpath Trail is ideal for a one-way bike ride with a return by scenic railroad. Rent bicycles in Peninsula and check the CVSR Explorer Program schedule for train-and-trail combinations.
• Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-to-late October and is the park's busiest season. Late April through May offers waterfalls at peak flow, wildflowers in bloom, and smaller crowds.
• Check the NPS current conditions page before visiting, as trail closures for maintenance and environmental remediation are common.
• For more information visit: Cuyahoga Valley National Park (NPS)