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All Aboard! Take The Train Through Cuyahoga Valley National Park

How many other units of the National Park System can boast of a scenic train ride through park landscape? At Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, you can take yourself and even your bike aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a relaxing ride while you learn the area’s history, watch for wildlife, and even purchase a snack, beverage, or souvenir.

Rockside and Akron Northside are the primary stations. Schedules vary seasonally. Passengers can choose from a variety of seating options including coach, table top, and executive class. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad also offers group rates, private charters, and special events.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Indigo Lake Station, Cuyahoga Valley National Park / Bill Currier via NPS

Featured On The Traveler

Following The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath

Suddenly, a whistle blew and the train arrived: the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad through Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, one of the very few national parks with an active passenger train running through it. At $20 for the ticket, I was allowing myself an inexpensive indulgence, making the roundtrip from North Akron Station to Peninsula Depot the easy way, staying dry and comfortable, watching the Cuyahoga River gliding by my window — and the canal that traced the river. Settling into my seat, I found myself on one of the most accessible trails I had ever taken.

To read more, check out this page.

What Can You Learn?

History of the Valley Railway
In 1880 Valley Railway Company brought railroading to the Cuyahoga Valley.

Cuyahoga Valley Railway Cultural Landscape
The Cuyahoga Valley Railway served as the primary source of rail transportation for the Valley from 1871 to 1915.

Where Can You Board For A Ride On The Rail?

Rockside Station
Passengers in the Cleveland area can catch the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at Rockside Station.

Canal Exploration Center Station
Passengers riding Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad can get on and off to visit Canal Exploration Center and travel along the Towpath Trail.

Brecksville Station
Brecksville Station is a flag stop for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Boston Mill Station
Boston Mill Station is a Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad flag stop.

Peninsula Depot
The Peninsula Depot is an original station from the historic Valley Railway.

Indigo Lake Station
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad passengers can get on and off the train at Indigo Lake Station.

Botzum Station
Passengers using Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s shuttle service for bicyclists, runners, and hikers can get on and off the train at Botzum Station.

Akron Northside Station
Passengers in the Akron area can catch Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at Akron Northside Station.

Shuttle Using CVSR Explorer

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Cuyahoga Valley National Park / NPS-DJ Reiser

Bike or hike the Towpath Trail or paddle the river in one direction and hop on the train on your way back! The train can be flagged down at boarding stations by waving both arms over your head. Get to the station 10 minutes before departure time. Pay your one-way fee when boarding.

  • Bike, Hike, and Run $5 one-way fee per person (3 years and older)
  • Kayak $10 for single-seater, $15 for a double-seater

Cash is preferred; exact change is appreciated. Seasonal Explorer Passes are available from CVSR, for $60 for a Bike/Hike/Run/Kayak pass. The Explorer program season is June 1 to October 31. You can catch the train at the following stations.

 

Stations to Catch the Train

Station

Address

Distance

*Rockside**

7900 Old Rockside Rd, Independence 44131

1.75 miles (2.8 km) to Canal Exploration Center

Canal Exploration Center**

7104 Canal Road, Valley View 44125

4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Brecksville

*Brecksville**

9141 Riverview Road, Brecksville 44141

4.25 miles (6/8 lm) to Boston Mill

*Boston Mill**

6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, the intersection of Boston Mills and Riverview Roads, 44264

2.5 miles (4 km) to Peninsula

*Peninsula Depot

1630 Mill Street, Peninsula 44264

4 miles (6.4 km) to Indigo Lake

Indigo Lake

4300 Riverview Road, Peninsula 44264

3 miles (4.83 km) to Botzum

Botzum

2928 Riverview Road, Akron 44067

6.5 miles (10.5 km) to Akron Northside

Akron Northside

27 Ridge Street, Akron 44236

Akron Northside is the last station on the route.

 *Stations with an asterisk are close to river access

**Stations with two asterisks are not available while the park completes riverbank stabilization

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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