The story of Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a story of reclamation and history. The backbone of the park is the Cuyahoga River, once so polluted it regularly caught fire in the industrial areas on its banks in Cleveland. The stories made national news and spurred the beginning of the nation’s environmental movement. Fifty years later, the river that runs through the park is as picturesque and lively as any in the Midwest. Wildlife driven away by pollution and humans have begun returning the river to its natural state, including blue herons, beavers, otters and black bears.

Close to the river and running the length of the park is the old Ohio and Erie Canal, once a major transportation artery until the early 20^th century. Here you can still see the remnants of the canal and learn about its history and operation. The park also has a covered bridge, waterfalls and over 100 miles of trails. The historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will also take you from one end to the other. And the towpath, right next to the old canal, is an ideal all-purpose path for hiking, jogging or biking.  And getting to the park is easy as it’s located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, and admission is free.