Two Moro's Travels

* “Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” 

What Make a National Park Status

According to the NPCA, National Parks Conservation Society, the title of “national park” has traditionally been reserved for large areas of iconic lands or waters with a variety of natural, cultural, scientific and historical resources. Some are grander; some are smaller. Cuyahoga lands in the latter, being  the 9th smallest at only 51 square miles. So if impressive landmarks are your desire, look elsewhere. There are many. We have been to quite a few them and will highlight them in the future. 

But if you live close and want to get away from the mundane and replenish your soul, there are some waterfalls to view, hikes to take, and animals to see.  Squirrels and chipmunks and birds are the usual park’s inhabitants . There are also deer and beavers; we saw little wildlife. The park’s location makes use of regular roads in the area. A mere 20-mile drive through the Cuyahoga Valley, is worth the time to see this fairly new national park (2000) Remember, take time for yourself and your well-being. Spend time out in nature has been found to be very therapeutic. “Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” 

Bridal Veil Falls

If you are looking for a short walk, Bridal Veil Falls, a 0.4 mi., in and out hike is just the thing for you.  It consists of a  boardwalk and a short, gravel path. Remember I mentioned the the park being one of a smaller scale; well, so was the falls.  Unfortunately, when we went in mid-July, the waterfall flow was underwhelming as descirbed by the couple that had just walked the trail and were on their way back; we decided to go anyway. Instead of Bridal Veil falls, it was more of a flower girl trickle. Perhaps spring would be a better time to visit. Do your research. There is a memorial rock at the end of the short hike.

Hikes and Waterfalls

Regardless of the lack of water, the short trek through the wooded area was enjoyable. The colors were  perfect shades of green and the picture taking opportunities were there. 

I read a review where someone mentioned that the people they ran into in this park were friendly and talkative. I ran into a woman and her son who were, and we struck up a conversation. We discovered we were both there for the same reason, visiting all many National Parks, or as many as possible

You can also take the Brandywine Gorge Trail that leads to the Brandywine Falls, an easy 2.3 km loop; but due to the lack of water, we did pursue it. Maybe another time and then I will update. 

There are  other trails. You can hike the Towpath trail ( 1 5 miles hike) that follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. A towpath is a road or trail on the bank of a river that  allows a land vehicle, animals or humans to tow a boat, often a barge. We did not hike the trail, though we drove along the Cuyahoga River while navigating through the area trying to find key areas.

Not Your Typical Souvenirs

I recommend starting at the Boston Mills visitor center, 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio. It is a small but well-staffed visitor  center that has a topical map of the area.

Souvenirs

There is also a small gift shop if you are into collecting items or getting your NP passport stamped.  I have a HydroFlask I collect stickers for.

Another old-school souvenir is postcards. I mail them to special people, in particular, my grandkids. I compose trivia questions for them to look up from the different places we travel to. I stamp the postcards with the  available  NP stamper with the date. I also, at times, buy an extra post card for ourselves and stamp it. I address it to our future selves and write about our feelings; it is fun to read them upon our return home.

Another creative alternative to a stamp collection book is a national park 5 x 7 coloring book that I purchased. I’ve stamped the back and front of the page with the corresponding NP stamper (they have one park per page.) You can use the back to write how you felt and what you did there. This is a great alternative to the regular passbooks they sell, and it is a creative idea for kids as it keeps them busy coloring the pages.

So Cuyahoga National Park Final Thoughts

Visit if…

You live close.

You like to hike out in nature.

You want to make a day of it and bring a picnic lunch.

You plan on checking off as many national parks as possible. 

You want to be one of the 22 million people that visit it each year. 

You do not want to pay a fee. (donations welcome)

Two Moro’s Travels by Alina Moro

*Quote by – Jamie Lyn Beatty