Cuyahoga Valley National Park Blends 

Natural, Man-Made Attractions

Welcome to Day # 113 of our "365 Parks in 365 Days" adventure! I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday, as I did crossing the Everglades. To my surprise, I saw only a few birds instead of the vast flocks I expected, then Frank reminded me that we're in the "wet season," May through November, when the water in the Everglades is too high for the birds to feed easily and they go elsewhere. But my anticipation was rewarded with the sight of several red tailed and red shouldered hawks, a dozen alligators sunning themselves and joy of joys - a relatively rare Snail Kite. Besides that, we had the unexpected pleasure of seeing our granddaughter Sydnee perform beautifully in her high school production of "Annie."  These are the things that unite us as humans - love of family and friends, and a passion for nature that's our life-support system.

 

 

The sight of a Swallow-tailed Kite made my heart soar. Distinguished by its striking plumage and scissor-like tail, it's about 48-inches from wingtip to wingtip. Steve Matherly Photo.

 

I woke up in St. Petersburg and went to my computer wondering where I might go today and - joy of joys - waiting for me was this wonderful tour of Cuyahoga Valley National Park led by our most frequent guest tour guide - Carolyne Richardson Sutton. I haven't visited Cuyahoga yet and I am beginning to suspect that Carolyne may have visited at least as many units of the Park System as I have (I'm up to 168 of 401) and her passion for the parks and the outdoors matches mine. On Day # 113, we're headed to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Take us away, Carolyne!

 

  Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a gem hiding in plain sight. NPS Photo.

 

"Many people are astounded to learn that a national park is located in northeastern Ohio between Akron and Cleveland. Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers secluded trails through rugged gorges that seem far removed from civilization; vistas of tree-covered hills where the urban world is behind the scenes; and marshes where beaver, herons, and wood ducks flourish.  The Iroquois named Cuyahoga River, which translates to "crooked river."

 

Along the Ledges Trail you'll find lofty trees, sprawling ferns and dense mosses. C.R. Sutton Photo.

 

"While being immersed in the tranquility of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it is hard to imagine that civilization, in the form of highways, homes and commercial development, is never far away.  It is such a rewarding experience to take the time to explore such varied natural beauty and attractions in the proverbial backyard of many Ohio residents.

 

"Roads, freeways, towns, private attractions, and city parks, are all encompassed in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Cuyahoga Valley is barely analogous to the gigantic western wilderness parks, yet it is unique in its own way.   Here, visitors can ride a scenic railroad, enjoy concerts, attend art exhibits, hike, and play golf during the warmer months.  Winter activities include, downhill or cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.  The park history is as distinctive as its array of natural and man-made attractions.  In the 1960's local citizens and public officials became concerned that commercial and residential development was threatening the scenic Cuyahoga Valley with its villages, quiet byways, and forests.  In 1974, Congress passed a bill creating a National Recreation Area, administered   by the National Park Service.  Full national park status was granted in 2000.

 

"In this park, you can plot a course from natural history to human history today. The Ritchie Ledges are located around a small plateau following a path beneath dramatically eroded bluffs of 320-million year-old sandstone Sharon Conglomerate, to landscapes wrecked by humans, and to modern- day preservation efforts.  This Ledges Trail is an easy 2.2-mile loop and should be taken with leisure among lofty trees, sprawling ferns, and dense mosses.  Enjoy the chattering of red squirrels, listen to the whimsical songs of chickadees, and take pleasure in the infinite variety of rock formations. 

 

 

 The Ice Box Cavern gave Carolyn the chills, literally! C.R. Sutton Photo.

 

 "On the east side of the Ledges, venture into the tight passageways of the 50 foot deep Ice Box Cavern.  The cave lived up to its name as I meandered through the narrow chilly passageways of this geologic wonder. Eventually, if you hike the entire loop, you will come to the Ledges Overlook-the trail gradually ascends to the top of a rock plateau with expansive views of the Cuyahoga Valley.  There are 186 miles of trails that allow short strolls just off paved roads to daylong loop hikes that can take in a variety of habitats and landscapes.

 

          The shining jewel of Cuyahoga is Brandywine Falls. NPS Photo.

 

"Perhaps the park's most visited natural feature is Brandywine Falls, which cascades over a staircase-like series of sandstone-covered shelves located in in the eastern portion of the park.  

 

"The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is in many ways the heart of recreational activity in Cuyahoga Valley passing through forests, meadows, and wetlands.  The canal was built between 1825 and 1832 and allowed boats to negotiate 395 feet of elevation change as they traveled inland from Lake Erie to Akron and vice versa. The trail attracts casual and serious walkers, runners, and bikers. In the Canal Visitor Center, an 1820's canal house off Canal Road in the northern part of the park, you can watch a video and inspect historical displays.  

 

 Look at that! A young rider on the Scenic Railroad finds adventure in his own backyard. NPS Photo.

 

"As a rail aficionado, my favorite activity in the park is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which parallels the river on its route from Akron to Independence, making seven stops within the park.  Some trips allow hikers and bikers to follow the Towpath Trail as far as they wish, then board the train and return to their starting point.  The conductors are walking encyclopedias cordially dispensing historical information and folklore. 

 

"Entrance to the park is free! While there is no official entrance fee at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we encourage all visitors to support the park by donating to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.Cuyahoga Valley National Park charges admission to concerts and some additional programs."

 

 

Whatever the season, our tour guide Carolyne (second left) and friends seen here at Historic Winks Lodge in Colorado, thoroughly enjoy the Great American Outdoors.

 

Thank you so much, dear Carolyne! You are the gift that keeps on giving over and over again!

 

If you haven't picked up a copy of Our True Nature yet, please do so today. These tours and our books, speaking engagements and trainings  are the way Frank and I share our love and talents with the world. But the circle of giving is completed when the recipient responds in kind, so please purchase this definite book of my top favorite 60 parks, monuments and historic sites for yourself and those you love. I'm working to correct the price below from $21.95 to the accurate price of $18.95 each, with an additional  $3.00  for shipping and handling. Click on this link with the correct price,  www.legacyontheland.com and I will send an autographed copy with a personal message to you!

   

    If you've missed any of our "365 Parks in 365 Days" adventures, find them here  (Archive)

  

  

Publication of "Our True Nature: Finding A Zest for Life in the National Park System" is supported by Delaware North Companies, Inc., Forever Resorts and Guest Services.

 
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