Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Following the headwaters Cuyahoga River on its path northward, these parklands are interspersed with suburban communities of Cleveland and Akron. Woodland hikes and tributary stream waterfalls are major attractions here. Visitors explore the park not only by car and on foot, but by bicycle and via step-off-and-on rides on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Brandywine Falls
This 60-foot falls is the largest in the park, water cascading over a hundred narrow steps in the eroded bedrock to reach the narrow, block-filled channel below. This contrasts with the wide, almost flat stream floor above, also off-limits as it approaches the sudden drop-off. This photo is from the lowest-rainfall part of the year. In wetter seasons the falls become massive and deafening.
This 60-foot falls is the largest in the park, water cascading over a hundred narrow steps in the eroded bedrock to reach the narrow, block-filled channel below. This contrasts with the wide, almost flat stream floor above, also off-limits as it approaches the sudden drop-off. This photo is from the lowest-rainfall part of the year. In wetter seasons the falls become massive and deafening.
Beaver Marsh
A wonderful example of environmental restoration, this was once an auto salvage yard. Soon after its cleanup by volunteers, beavers dammed the tributary creek and created this multi-acre marsh dense with water plants, amphibians and water fowl. Trunks and stumps of dead trees attest to its recent dry-land past. It sits adjacent to the banks of the Cuyahoga River, which is a great example of a winding, smaller river channel such as might be traveled by fictional adventurers who would be equally surprised by its diverse floodplain environments.
A wonderful example of environmental restoration, this was once an auto salvage yard. Soon after its cleanup by volunteers, beavers dammed the tributary creek and created this multi-acre marsh dense with water plants, amphibians and water fowl. Trunks and stumps of dead trees attest to its recent dry-land past. It sits adjacent to the banks of the Cuyahoga River, which is a great example of a winding, smaller river channel such as might be traveled by fictional adventurers who would be equally surprised by its diverse floodplain environments.
Visitor Tips
- BREADS is an excellent western Akron bakery near the southern end of the park. It is an excellent place to resupply for picnic breakfasts and lunches while exploring the river valley.