Cuyahoga Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

[John]

Thinking of heading to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) this summer -- Is the train ride a must do?  I will only have one day there

[Chris333]

I rode my mountain bike on the canal tow path that follows that line. Never been on or seen the train, just the tracks.

[w neal]

Upon my first time to the park, my nice wife bought myself & the family a birthday train ride. It was a nice overview of the park from the train. Good views of some eagle nests via trackside. It was also fun to see the railroad's shop from trackside. Ironically, the road parallels the track for quite a distance. Upon subsequent visits, we did explore the park via car that way. There is at least one waterfall that is not an easy walk from the tracks. One could always plan to stop at a visitor center or two via the train, but then one would have likely a bit of wait time for the return trip. It would take some planning.

I'm not sure I'd call a train ride a "must do". But I'm glad for having been introduced to the park that way.

If you will have a car handy, and you're in the mood for a National park experience, I'd suggest a drive to see president Garfield's residence on the northeastern side of town. Along the way, it's also a fun stop to see the house that they filmed "A Christmas Story" at. In the valley below the house, I think it's the Cuyahoga, is the rail museum & roundhouse where one of our Railwire members helps restore steam engines.

Just a few thoughts.

[John]

Thanks for the info .. my son and I are planning on going to Cincy for a Reds/Braves game and some father son bonding -- then head up toward Akron for the Park .. He and I like to do the trains - so may take the ride but then explore the park via car afterward .. Looking at the web site, will probably try to spring for the dome car upstairs ... The waterfall will be added to the list of places to see .. we don't mind hiking .

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think there's some cool equipment there. Don't they have some Alco's?

If you time it right, I think 765 also makes an appearance from time to time.

[Chris333]

If you are talking about Brandywine Falls it was packed deep when I went there. Hardly any parking open and the wood deck to the falls was packed with people. There are 2 smaller waterfalls closer to the tracks, but they are on hiking trails.

Blue Hen Falls and Buttermilk Falls.

All 3 waterfalls have a bunch of photos on Google maps. Just try to drop the guy on the falls and a bunch of blue dots pop up.

[cec209]

It's well worth the time to take the train ride.  As mentioned, if you bike you can load your bike on the train and ride as far as you want then bike back to your start or vice versa.
The NKP 765 usually makes a two consecutive weekend appearance in early Fall.

[propmeup1]

In 2018 I drove NKP-765 while she was there and fired 30 min too. A dream come true.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

In 2018 I drove NKP-765 while she was there and fired 30 min too. A dream come true.

Is that your profile pic?

[propmeup1]

Yes.  All I ever really wanted to do was blow a steam locomotive whistle but, when I found out about driving her I instantly said, I'm in. Not being married helped because i didn't have to ask or beg for the doe. I just did it.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It's one of the things I love about my wife: if I told her I was gonna spend some cash to achieve a dream she'd high five me.

[ksmiley]

If you want a ride in one of the domes, you'll need to book ahead. They sell fast.