Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies in the hub of a once great industrial center, whose actors treated the environment with blatant disregard for too long. The fact that this is now a national park speaks volumes to the ability of an organized and dedicated community to revive its once great waterways and natural resources.
Guide to Cuyahoga Valley
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Younger visitors may not recognize the Cuyahoga River’s place in history, as a spark that largely ignited the environmental movement in the early 1970s. This river had become so polluted that it caught fire multiple times during the decades following the beginning of the industrial revolution and was widely considered one of the most polluted rivers in the country. The last fire in 1969, led in part, to the Clean Water Act and the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
That fire also led to a groundswell of natural resource protective efforts throughout the Cuyahoga River Valley. Thanks to the tireless work of local residents and business owners, the land was set aside as a national recreation area in 1974, becoming a national park in 2000.
This unique park stands as an example of the power of community, demonstrating a dedicated people’s ability to work together to rescue and preserve lands for current and future enjoyment, if not the downright survival of the planet…
It has been said that Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a “landscape rescued from America, for America”.
Today, the land looks to be recovering nicely and the park holds within its boundary a somewhat limited wilderness. More than 22 miles of river and over 70 waterfalls cascade next to moss covered sandstone along some 125 miles of trail that lead through beautiful deciduous forests teaming with wildlife. Opportunities for kayaking and canoeing exist on the river and ponds within the park, while equestrian trails give passage to those on horseback.
Perhaps more evident than the preserved sense of wilderness, is Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s preserved sense of community.
With its villages, blacksmith shops, stores and gas stations of yesteryear, golf courses, farms and the Blossom Music Center as well as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers scenic railway tours running the length of the park, this park showcases life in a time capsule and provides an experience unique among the national parks.
Indeed, park junkie sends a big shot out to Cuyahoga National Park,
way to go OHIO…
see ya there…
Guide to Cuyahoga Valley
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