Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

The Cook family kicked off the summer travel season with a visit to our 13th (out of 59) National Park over Memorial Day weekend.  This was a nice weekend getaway for us, only 2 hrs away.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This is one of only 7 national parks located in the Mid Western United States.  It is located along the Cuyahoga River southeast of Cleveland, Ohio.  It was originally designated as a National Recreation Area in 1974 by Present Ford as a way to protect the area from urbanization, and became a National Park 26 years later in 2000 by an act of Congress.  

The park is also known for its Tow Path, a bike path that follows the once Ohio & Erie Canal that connected Lake Erie to the Ohio River.  A series of locks are still located along the path and the path is marked by the locks.  

This 32,572 acre park is a hidden gem and a great place for a family get away to bike, hike, and camp.  

 

Tow Path: 

We set off early for a 11 mile bike ride from the Boston Mill location, heading north on the Tow Path.  Along the way, we encountered deciduous forest birds and animals, such a cranes, frog, snakes, geese, butterflies, and various other animals.  The Tow Path meandered its way along the Cuyahoga River on our left and the old canal on our right.












 Canal and Locks: 





Scenic Railroad: 

After riding 11 miles one way on the Tow Path, we were happy to ride on the railroad back to where we started.  For a small fee, we loaded our bikes and enjoyed an air conditioned ride back to the Boston Mill Visitor Center.  




Brandywine Falls: 


No hiking is allowed around the falls but the view is beautiful from the boardwalk that leads to the overlook of the falls.  
Brandywine Falls





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