Destinations Guide / Ohio / United States

An Explorative Holiday With a Scenic Train Ride Through the Cuyahokia Valley

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVR) is an award winning trekking experience in the Cuyahoga Valley. The Cuyahoga River travels through the heart of the park and the trail head is at the end of Olompali Street. The scenery here is spectacular with abundant wildlife and spectacular views like those from a distant window. Travelers have the option of day or overnight treks in this new attraction in southwest Ohio.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad operates diesel-powered and electric-guided treks through scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park, most notably through the spectacular Cuyahoga Valley. You’ll see some of the park’s most spectacular scenery in the form of forested cliffs and deep gorges. A CVR treks map will tell you all about the major treks you can choose to embark on. Day trips are available for travelers who want a quick getaway in the valley. You can visit the playground, viewpoints, or take a leisurely trip along the Cuyahoga River valley.

Your guide will tell you what to expect on every stop including views and additional information about the trail as well as other attractions in the immediate area. He may also give you tips on how to get to and from the various points of interest within the valley. And, since the region has numerous bed and breakfast accommodations, you’ll be able to explore more without having to stay overnight.

Other than the obvious beauty of the area, CVR also offers other opportunities for outdoor recreation. Trail rides are available for the thrill seeker and there’s even an equestrian trail for the avid horseback rider. There are also workshops where you can learn more about Ohio, the Cuyahoga Valley region, and even prepare for a treck on the railroad. The schedules for these trips are often available on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad website. However, you should book your reservations early so you can ensure yourself a spot on the reservation day.

Other treks that are not affiliated with the CVR include trips out to neighboring states such as Illinois and Ohio. These treks will take you into the heart of the country by giving you a look at some of the cities and towns nearby. You can see the distinctive Ceecies Mountains and their surrounding forest. You’ll see why these woods and mountains are so popular for hiking, biking, and bird watching.

If you like the idea of taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Cuyahoga County but don’t like the hiking, biking, and horseback riding that are expected from visiting this region, then you may want to try one of the other local destinations. One of the many popular day trips is to historic Clintonville. This area is one of the most well-preserved towns in Cuyahoga County, with dozens of historic houses and lots of art and historic architecture to be seen.

Traveling to the western portion of the county is also another way to explore the Cuyahokia area. This area is home to the largest concentration of Indians in the state. Your trip can include a hike or bike ride through many of the local Indian settlements. Some of the more popular ones include Fort Cleveland in Cleveland Twp., Five Mile Lake in Mentor, and Parma. Of course, there are also Indian festivals to attend each year as well.

Finally, after visiting all of the attractions and taking in some of the cultural aspects of the Cuyahokia Valley, it’s time to get back to your vehicle and enjoy the rest of your day. There are plenty of dining options in the area so you won’t have to miss out on anything. Many of the Indian restaurants provide reservation services so you can make your reservations ahead of time and avoid any long lines. There are also plenty of car rentals in and around the Cuyahokia Valley to give you an easy ride all day long. Enjoy!