Cuyahoga Valley National Park guide · 1 min read
Riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad lets you see the park from a train car. Trains run between Rockside Station in the north and Akron in the south, with Rockside and Akron Northside serving as the main stations.
A round trip takes about three and a half hours. Reservations are required, so book tickets in advance through the railroad's website.
The track follows the valley floor, the flat bottomland that the river, the Towpath Trail, the railroad, and America's Byway all share. The Cuyahoga River runs close beside the tracks as it flows north toward Lake Erie. The line is also part of the Valley Railway Historic District, which stretches from Independence to Akron and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Passengers may spot wildlife along the way, including eagles, deer, beavers, and herons. Executive class, coach, and table top options are all offered. The Edu-Tainment car offers interactive play areas as well as quiet nooks for relaxing. The Voices of the Valley audio tour, available through the railroad's Train Tracker app on a smartphone, shares stories about the valley and its river during the ride.
The train also connects with the Towpath Trail. A Bike Aboard or Hike Aboard ticket lets you cycle or walk the trail point to point, then ride the train back to your starting point. The railroad also runs themed trips, including Murder Mystery Rides, Ales on Rails, Superhero rides, and Dinner on the Train, and offers group rates and private charters.
