The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad operates 25 miles of track through northeastern Ohio, from Independence (near Cleveland) through Peninsula to downtown Akron. Much of the railroad is in the picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only National Park in Ohio, along the Cuyahoga River and the route of the abandoned Ohio and Erie Canal.
Choices
The railroad offers excursions year-round, with seasonal schedule changes. The train travels north-south through Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Independence and Akron, Ohio. There are three main boarding stations—Rockside Station, Peninsula Depot, and Akron Northside Station. The railroad also offers a variety of special event trains, including dinner trains, caboose trains, murder mystery, dinner and wine trains, the North Pole Limited, and seating in former Florida East Coast streamlined observation St. Lucie Sound.
When to go
The summer months offer the most trains but can be crowded. Mid- October offers the chance to see fall foliage. The railroad also offers yearly steam operations, frequently with Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765. The crowds are lighter in April and September.
Good to know
Cuyahoga Valley National Park features the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a restored section of the canal’s original towpath. It is excellent for hiking and biking, and the railroad offers an extensive schedule of “Explorer” fares for visitors that cater to bicyclists and hikers.
Worth doing
In the park’s north, a visit to the Canal Exploration Center details the 19th-century waterway’s history. There are about 100 waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley with most in the northern part of the park. Brandywine Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park and the tallest in Northeast Ohio at 65 feet.
Don’t miss
The east side of the train generally offers the best views of the Cuyahoga River, which parallels the tracks, especially the north end from Peninsula up to Independence. Catch a seat in one of two ex-California Zephyr dome cars.
Getting there
The Ohio Turnpike crosses the CVSR near Peninsula, and Interstate 77 generally parallels the railroad from Cleveland to Canton.
Location: 1630 Mill Street W, Peninsula, OH
Phone: 330-439-5708
Website: cvsr.com
E-mail: customerservice@cvsr.org
