It is in the (Cuyahoga) valley that one can realize most effectively a sense of isolation and freedom from the sights and sounds of all the multitude of circumstances which go to make the modern city—and when all is said and done that is the justifying purpose of a country park.
— Olmstead Brothers Landscape Architecture
Date Created: October 11, 2000.
Location: Northeastern Ohio, USA, between the cities of Akron and Cleveland.
Size: Approximately 33,000 acres (13,355 hectares).
Cuyahoga Valley is one of the smallest national parks but holds the distinction of helping to create the Clean Water Act (1972), the Environmental Protection Agency (1970) and celebration of Earth Day (1970)! The Cuyahoga River was once one of the most polluted waterways in the country. Since 1860 the Cuyahoga River had burned at least 13 times; the June 1969 fire finally galvanized action to protect waterways. The battle is not over but the Cuyahoga Valley National Park epitomizes what a passionate group can accomplish to preserve our land. Working farms promote sustainably grown and raised, seasonal, organic foods. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway provides rides throughout the park. Gorgeous natural attraction Brandywine Falls (65’) trail is a lovely walk across a covered footbridge and a viewing platform overlooking the falls. Bird watching, biking, canoeing and cross-country skiing are popular activities.
