We recently took a trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Peninsula. It's so beautiful there! So rich in history and nature... a win win!! The CVNP is known primarily for the bike and walking trails along the former Ohio and Erie Canal towpath. For the most part, visitors to the CVNP can walk (or ride) the historic towpath for the canal and stop and take in the fabulous nature and wildlife, as well as the history preserved in the old locks and aqueducts. Visitors can also ride the train, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. There is a stop in Peninsula-- this time of year, riders can also bring their bicycles along for an additional fair and ride the towpath back to their original destination!
We didn't venture too far down the trail, but we started at the Peninsula CVSR stop, where locks 29 and 30 are in very easy walking distance. It was nice to be out and about strolling the towpath and seeing the beautiful green trees, flowers and birds. It was also fun watching the other walkers, runners and cyclists. Next time we go, we are definitely bringing our bicycles.
It is fun just walking the towpath in the footsteps of the mules that towed the canal boats, and thinking about the past... more than 150 years ago, the canal was bustling, moving people and goods around the state. The canals literally shaped the state that we have become now. All of the little towns that sprung up near the canal, the business and industry that was able to grow here because of the canal helped our state grow and develop and become a wealthy, powerful state. Eventually the canal died out (after all, this is Ohio and it gets cold here... canals were only usable 3 seasons a year) and was replaced by the railroad. The towpath, locks and aqueducts were no longer needed and were eventually left to return to nature. Now in a stroke of ingenuity, they are being used again, and the little canal towns are bustling with people and we can all learn an important part of our national and our state's history through walking the towpath.
We cannot wait to go back to the towpath. I think next time, we may try to start at a more northern location on the trail, perhaps around Independence or Brecksville, and pedal our way to Peninsula (and beyond... maybe!). Now, I just need a new bicycle... mine is dinosaur from my junior high days...
Happy trails to you!
:) ABCS
PS: We are now on Instagram. Share your photos of the CVNP or any of your favorite Buckeye State locations by using #rediscoveringOH, and find us... our username is rediscoveringoh. :)A