Cuyahoga Falls National Park, OH

Sometimes a long road trip only allows for a short stop at an attraction.  I used to think, what’s the point?  You’re not going to see much.  After being a military spouse for 25 years, I’ve realized a short stop trumps no stop.

Such was the case last summer during our trip from Georgia to Pennsylvania.  We opted to spend a couple hours at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio.  I’m so glad we stopped.  The park surprised us with calming waterfalls and quaint canal towns all next door to the big city.

The park stretches 20 miles from the southern most tip to the northern tip encompassing unusual rock formations, waterfalls, mill towns, historic farms and a railway. It offers hiking trails, historic tours, biking, horseback riding, fishing, paddling trails, questing and train rides.  The Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area also passes through the park.

Because Cuyahoga Valley is such a big park, I spent some time researching not only what sounded most interesting, but also what we actually had time to do during our three hours at the park.  I narrowed it down to two activities—Brandywine Falls and the Boston Mill area.

Boston Mill Visitor Center

We started at the Boston Mill Visitors Center. It was a bit surreal to be in the bustle of Akron one minute and a national park the next. I’m used to the remote national parks of the Southwest.  The city noise gradually faded to the sounds of the river gurgling past the visitors center.

We picked up a map at the visitors center and learned about the restoration of the Cuyahoga River, the catalyst that led to the formation of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  We were shocked to learn that at one point in 1969 the river was so polluted, it caught on fire and burned for days.  Well, I was shocked.  My Mom actually remembers the event since she grew up in neighboring Pennsylvania.

Next we headed outside to tour the historic village.  Signs along the path gave us information about living in a mill town plus the advent of the railroad and its impact. We also crossed the river which looked sparkling clean. 

A hot September day made our walk toasty so we ended our tour at the Boston Store, a national park shop with lots of mementos and some practical items for sale.  But really we were there for the air conditioning and the ice cream.  Tip—You really need some homemade pumpkin spice ice cream.  It was chef’s kiss perfect.

Brandywine Falls

Revived by the air conditioning and ice cream, we hopped in the car and headed for the Brandywine Falls Trail, a boardwalk that goes about a half mile to the falls.  It was a little hard to find as there were several trails from the parking lot, none of which were well marked.  But eventually we found it.  It’s an easy hike, but there are a lot of steps down to the falls.  Make sure you can handle the steps up on the way out.

It was a peaceful walk to the falls. We saw plenty of birds flitting around in the canopy above and the trail was shaded so it wasn’t too hot.  We could hear the falls well before we saw it.  I love that sound of cascading water.  Sort of like waves coming on shore, very relaxing.

The falls trail ends here.  If you want to continue the hike, back track to the split in the trail just before the board walk.  Follow the Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail at the split.  It’s about 1.5 miles and takes you down to the valley and a great view of the waterfall.

Neither trail is handicapped accessible, but there is another short trail from the parking lot that leads to the upper falls viewing area and is accessible.

And that wraps up our visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

On the Next Trip…

If I ever get the chance to return, I’ve got a list of things I’d like to see or do.  A trip on the historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad tops the list.  For over 100 years this railroad has rolled through the national park showing visitors wide swaths of the park quickly.

While the railroad isn’t part of the national park, it partners with the park. It even allows bike enthusiasts to load up their bike and ride one way on the train so they can bike back to the starting point.

The railroad offers many different types of excursions from strictly sightseeing to trips with crafts for the kids to themed events. We tried to get tickets, but our day was completely sold out. Thus the CVSC definitely stays on my bucket list.

I’d definitely hike The Ledges on a return trip.  This 1.8 mile loop takes you through some very cool rock formations with amazing views.

Next, I’d explore some of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath built from 1825-1832.  You can walk, run or bike this trail used by mules to tow canal boats as they brought goods up the canal.  Along the path, the park service provides historical information and exhibits.

The trail covers 20 miles, so study the maps on the national park website to decide specifics for your trip. The rangers at the Canal Exploration Center can also help you figure out a plan.

At this point, I’d imagine I’d be pretty hungry.  At the Szalay’s Farm & Market in Peninsula  I’d stop to get a bite to eat and pick up some local produce.  Then I’d head over to the Everett Covered Bridge.

There’s something nostalgic about covered bridges.  They remind me of a simpler time.  However, locals built this bridge after a tragic night at Furnace Run (a creek) in 1877.  The story goes that Mr. and Mrs. Gilson tried to cross the icy waters of Furnace Run in their wagon.  Mrs. Gilson survived but Mr. Gilson didn’t. Locals reasoned a safe, covered bridge could’ve prevented this tragedy, so Everett Covered Bridge was built.

Over 2,000 covered bridges were built in the the state of Ohio in the 1800s.  This is the only remaining one in Summit County and worthy of a visit.