Michelle Cerino visits Cuyahoga Valley National Park and kicks off the series at The WON. We hope you’ll #FindYourPark, too!
In the run-up to the 100th anniversary of the National Park system, we will be highlighting parks that our writers visit during the next 18 months. Please feel free to let us know if you have visited a park recently, and share your photos at our social media sites.
This year I traveled quite a bit, many times driving nearby some well known national parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion, Valley Forge, Appomattox and Mammoth Cave, to name a few. Every entrance required a fee between $10 and $20. Usually I was just passing through, and really had no time to spend exploring, unlike the 292.8 million visitors to the national parks in 2014.
She Shoots 2 is proudly sponsored by Galco Gunleather.
Since I’m home for a few weeks I re-explored a lesser-known national park that’s only 25 miles from my house. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is the 11th most visited park in the nation, located on 33,000 acres between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. It travels along 22 miles of the windy Cuyahoga River. Named from a blend of several Native American tribal names, Ka-ih-ogh-ha translates as “crooked river.” If you take a look at the map you’ll understand why.
Abandoned mill stones near a quarry.
My favorite way to travel through the CVNP is by bicycle. The entire length of the park includes a 22-mile Towpath Trail. This trail runs right over the original path that mules once traversed in order to tow canal boats down the Ohio and Erie Canal. Since the terrain is flat and made of paved, crushed limestone, it is easy riding and walking. Along the path, you’ll find remnants of original locks from the long gone canals, 3 visitors centers, a wetland boardwalk and a bald eagle’s nest.
Michelle flags down a train for the Bike Aboard! service.
Many times I overextend my biking abilities (including the amount of time my rump can handle the bicycle seat). I take advantage of the Bike Aboard! Program, which runs from May to October. From the boarding station along the towpath, I can easily flag a train by waving both my arms. For only $3, my bike and I can access an easy ride back to the car.
Speaking of trains, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad operates in conjunction with the CNVP.
Turtles basking near the highway bridge.
The education programs are my favorite. Whether learning about the animals of the park, through the use of Native American story telling or the history of the Ohio and Erie Canal from the diary entries of a teenage canal worker, there is so much to learn. For those 21 and older, the Grape Escape & Ales on Rails are evening excursions that include an introduction to different wines or beer, along with chef-prepared appetizers. History buffs might enjoy a ride on steam locomotive #765, one of the largest operating steam locomotives in the United States. Special events on the rails consist of dinners, breakfasts, murder mysteries and much more. Finally, for the children, a “Day Out with Thomas” (the train) or a ride on “The Polar Express!” will create memories for the entire family.
The remnants from a long ago lock along the towpath.
When I want a more vigorous walk, I’ll veer off the towpath onto one of the 125 miles of trails. The numerous trails pass by many interesting locations. The most beautiful are the various waterfalls and colorful sandstone ledges. The historic bridges are the perfect places to walk in creekbeds and look for fossils. Although I haven’t fished there, the many ponds, lakes and river offer the perfect fishing spots with more than 65 species.
Overnight stays are available in the park to visitors at the 5 primitive campsites, the Inn at Brandywine Falls or the Stanford House. There is also historic lodging, shops and restaurants just outside the park. I highly suggest if you want to get the most out of your trip to the CNVP plan on staying for a few days.
The CVNP has just as many winter outdoor activities as in the summertime, including downhill and cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snow tubing, sledding and even ice fishing.
There are stores such as Elements Gallery to visit within the park.
The National Park Service will be celebrating its centennial in 2016 with a major push encouraging more visitors. Even if you aren’t a world traveler, take the time to do your research and look for a park nearby. Don’t lose sight of what’s in your own backyard and visit a national park today.
Get a National Park Pass
A pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. A pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free. Passes start at $80 for a family.
Military members may receive free annual passes. Every U.S. 4th grader (including home schoolers) is eligible for a free pass, and senior passes cost $10.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
