Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The Cuyahoga Valley from above.
Just up the road, a couple hours drive from home, is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For the folks collecting National Parks, this one is an easy visit from nearly anywhere in the midwest. Somewhere around six million folks live within a couple hours drive, another fifteen million live half a day away. Designated a National Park in 1974, after a long stretch as an industrial cess pool, the valley has recovered into a scenic recreation area. It isn’t very big, and there isn’t a central focus, but it is worth the trip. The flora and fauna, and the scenery of the valley are quintessential midwest. There are historic farms and villages, a concert venue, a tour train, and even ski slopes. There is also the remains of the Ohio and Erie Canal threading through the middle of the park.
You forgot about the historic canals in Ohio?
Cleveland was the northern point on the waterway connecting the people and products of middle Ohio with the east coast and westward expansion. The canal followed the Cuyahoga River Valley to the south. Proposed and funded in 1821, and then dug by hand, this northern section of canal was the economic artery that enabled the growth of Cleveland and Akron. Fed by the river and its tributaries, the waterway carried canal boats pulled by teams of horses or mules. Freight and passengers could travel from Cleveland to Portsmouth in as little as 80 hours.
The tow path, now a very popular bike/pedestrian trail, parallels the now dry canal near the town of Boston Mill and the Boston Store.
This section of the canal rises from Lake Erie at 573 feet above sea level to Portage Summit in Akron at 968 feet. Along the way, the boats passed through 44 locks. Near Lock 32, the 1828 boom town of Boston Mill served the workers and passengers on the canal. Serving a similar role today, it is the visitors center for the National Park. The Boston Store is happy to sell you souvenirs, drinks, or even a cup of ice cream.
Lock 32.
The semi-restored Lock 38 at the Canal Exploration Center provides a clue to the operation of the canal.
The canal system was made obsolete with the arrival of the railroads in the 1850s, but were still serviceable until the turn of the century. The State of Ohio finally abandoned it in 1913, when spring storms and flooding destroyed much of the required infrastructure.
The Captain and I also took in Brandywine Falls, The Everett Covered Bridge, and some hiking on the old tow path. The tour train wasn’t running during our visit, but we’ve decided it would be a fantastic way to see the valley during the fall foliage season. Bring your walking shoes or bike, pack a lunch and spend some leisurely hours on the miles and miles of tow path.
Because of an exceptionally dry period, the Brandywine Falls weren’t too spectacular. Maybe next time.