Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the 'Crooked' River

Within Cuyahoga Valley National Park are 22 miles of the Cuyahoga River, fed by more than 190 miles of permanent and ephemeral streams. CREDIT: Michael Kirkland, National Park Service View full size image

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is close to the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, but it feels really “out there.” The valley is home to the winding — some calli t crooked — Cuyahoga River, surrounded by deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands, all part of a meeting place for the Appalachian Plateau and the Central Lowlands.

Cuyahoga park harbors 900 plant species, 194 species of birds, 43 fish species, 32 species of mammals, 22 amphibians, and 20 different reptiles.

Among the activities for visitors is to walk or ride the Towpath Trail, following the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.