First National Park (in the Van) - Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio - Sept 2024

"Our love story is written on winding roads and sun-kissed trails." -- Unknown

"A walk in nature walks the soul back home." -- Mary Davis

Last week, we visited our first National Park — Cuyahoga Valley National Park (NP) — in Ohio and enjoyed both biking on the Erie & Ohio Towpath and hiking a few trails in the NP. We also had the opportunity to take a historic train ride and enjoy a Ranger led exploration. Did you know ... "Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio's only national park and encompasses 33,000 acres extending from southern Cuyahoga County to Akron in Summit County." And... "Cuyahoga Valley National Park is ranked 11th on the list of 63 national."

Day 1 - Before the National Park, we stopped at the North Country Brew Pub, a Harvest Host participant in Slippery Roc, PA, to enjoy some beer/cider and an overnight stay.

Day 2 - We stopped at the Boston Mill Visitor Center for some info and to obtain our first NP stamp, then biked a few miles. After a brief hop off the trail, we caught the Scenic Railroad in the town of Peninsula, OH and rode it all the way to Akron, OH. Jumped on our bikes to grab a bite and hit the Erie & Ohio Towpath Trail back to the visitor center (~17 miles). Finally, after an adventurous day, we took the Travato (van name TBD) to our campsite at the Streetboro KOA.

Day 3 - morning -- We started the day with a hike to Brandywine Falls from Boston Mill Visitor Center (5.3 miles round trip w/ a 525 ft elevation gain); great hike and great views once we arrived.

Day 3 - after lunch -- we took a quick hike to Blue Hen Falls (2.7 miles round trip, with a 532 ft elevation gain) -- quite a steep hike and not a lot to see when we arrived, but Jack needed to sit down and take a break before we headed back.

Day 3 - late afternoon and evening -- we hiked the Ledges Trail twice, with a Ranger led event in the evening. Very facinating and beautiful, and we learned about plateaus and lichens.

5 Things to Consider when visiting Cuyahoga NP...

1. There are no camp grounds in the park, and the closest camp ground is the KOA in Streetboro, OH. A nice camp ground, but the bath house is not the best.

2. If you bicycle, definetly take some time (at least 1/2 day) to bike on the E&O Canal towpath and take the Scenic Railroad. Check in the visitor center for details.

3. Take time to hike to the Bradywine Falls and Ledges, both are impressive.

4. Feel free to skip the Blue Hen Falls unless you just want to take another moderate hike.

5. Visit the Boston Mills Visitor Center and talk to the guides, and experience a Ranger-led exploration if you get the opportunity.