Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH), July 11-14

Brandywine Falls at
Cuyahoga Valley NP

Surrounded and intersected by interstates, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a wonderful example of nature healing itself.  In the late 60's, the Cuyahoga River was so polluted with flammable toxins that it caught fire, touched off by a spark from an overhead train track.  To look at the valley now -- the river, surrounding forests, and wildlife -- you'd never guess it had such a dirty past. 

Cuyahoga River
from train window

Just south of Cleavland, the Cuyahoga Valley emerged as important location for commerce when Ohio built its canal system.  In fact, the old towpath still runs down the valley.  It is now used for recreation -- hikers and bikers mostly.  Portions of the actual canal and some of its locks still remain as well.

Train Station at northern end
of Cuyahoga Valley National Park

A sight seeing train runs the length of the National Park with a narration that points out places of natural or cultural interest.

   

The only camping offered in the park was for backpackers.  So, I found Silver Springs Campground in the close-by town of Stow.  I thoroughly enjoyed for my 3-night stay at this "base camp" to visit Cuyahoga and several other National Park Service sites in the area (to be covered in the next couple of blog posts).

originally posted 8/1/10