Eight State Getaway
When last fall’s “New England Autumn” was cut short, there were two very important elements that we missed. We had several days planned in Delaware – our fiftieth state, with several more around Watkins Glen, NY – a fabulous series of waterfalls in a massive gorge. If you know us, you had to know that we would try again – and add a few more stops to the mix.
This series starts in Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Ontario (Canada), and ends in Michigan. I love it when a plan comes together!
On the Road Again!
We got up pretty early this morning so we could arrive in Cuyahoga Falls, OH with some time to look around. After a short tour of the town, we found the Burntwood Tavern and decided to stop for sliders and a couple of Sam Adams on their deck overlooking the Cuyahoga River. There’s a great arial view of the tavern at their link – along with more history.
“Our Cuyahoga Falls Burntwood Tavern is located in the former powerhouse of a Cuyahoga River dam. Originally built in 1914, the powerhouse building now houses the bar area…
The numerous patio areas of our Tavern directly overlook the picturesque Cuyahoga River, which now follows its natural flow after the dam was removed as part of the city’s centennial celebration in 2013. Guests can enjoy beautiful views from these areas…
The original gear works that moved the dam’s water flow doors are still in place over the bar top in the Tavern” ~ from their website [water flow doors are pictured in third photo below]
After that very nice introduction to Cuyahoga Falls, we left to find our hotel. Once we were checked in and unloaded, we decided to call it a night. Tomorrow will be a busy day exploring the area, and we need to pace ourselves!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
“Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
The Path to Big Falls
With quite a list of things to see, we got an early start to make the most of our day here. Big Falls was first on our list.
Signs were posted about some trail closures due to a park renovation that was in progress. From the map, it looked as though the overlook with a view of the falls was still open, so we set out to find it. We were thankful to be heading into a heavily wooded area as this morning warmed up, and we immediately felt its relief.
We walked past a pudding stone (first photo) and a wonderful treed ridge that made a great hiding place for cliff swallows and other woodland creatures. The rock formations and smooth rocks were amazing with varying colors embedded deep inside. Even though the trail off to the right was closed, I continued straight ahead a little further.
Finally Found It!
Although I was still looking for the overlook where I could see the falls, when I come upon a short trail that headed down a little and toward the edge of a cliff, I took it. It was hard to tell what I was looking at without the benefit of the zoom lens on my phone, but I finally recognized a wall of water rushing down to the dam area.
The signs at the entrance to the park indicate that the next time we visit, the dam will probably be gone and the river will follow along its original path. I’m glad I got to see it from this vantage point before its removal – even though I had a work a little harder to see it.
Let the River Run Free
The sign below shows a before and after picture of Big Falls, along with an artist rendering of the soon-to-become free-flowing Cuyahoga River. The photo below and two other photos were taken before this dam was put in, and are found at the link.
A Covered Bridge!
Everett Covered Bridge was a lovely little bridge just a short stroll from a small parking lot. There was no seeing the sides or getting to the river below, but on such a nice day this was just perfect. A snowy upstream view is available at the link that is really beautiful.
“Everett Covered Bridge, which crosses Furnace Run, is the only remaining covered bridge in Summit County. When it was built in the 1800s, it was one of over 2,000 in the state. During that period, Ohio led the nation in covered bridge construction.” ~ from the link
“The story of the Everett Road Covered Bridge echoes the story of transportation and recreation in the Cuyahoga Valley. Horses and wagons, and later automobiles, travelled the original bridge, built in the late 1870s. The reconstructed bridge remains busy, but only with foot traffic. Horseback riders, contra dancers, environmental education students, and photographers visit regularly.” ~ from the first sign below
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor Center
Boston Mill Visitor Center is a “rehabilitated 1905 Cleveland-Akron Bag Company general store” and was a great introduction to the park.
Along with lots of information about the park, the displays were absolutely beautiful – with expansive illustrations filling the walls and a historic photo of Big Falls covering another. Lots of great information here, with rangers standing by for any questions you might have.
Boston Mill Exterior and Depot
When we came out of the Visitor Center, I had to get closer to the Boston Mill train station. The wispy weeds and flowers made a beautiful foreground for the lovely yellow train station. It would be fun to take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, since it’s a “nonprofit excursion railway dedicated to preserving and renovating historic railcars for future generations to enjoy.” Next time!
“Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad operates on a historic rail line that opened in 1880 as the Valley Railway… The Valley Railway ushered in a new period of growth. Around 1900, the Cleveland-Akron Bag Company located its factory next to the railroad tracks, shifting the orientation of the community. The company added a store and workers’ residences. Boston Mill Visitor Center now operates in the company store.” ~ READ MORE
Bridal Veil Falls
Surrounded by hardwoods and hemlocks, Bridal Veil Falls is a short walk along Deerlick Creek with a boardwalk and a few steps. Our timing was not good with very little water flowing, so we focused on the nice and cool walk in the woods. I can see where this fairly wide, cascading falls would be stunning with higher water levels.
Brandywine Falls
Today we had a lot on our plate and opted to just see Brandywine Falls without doing a lot of walking. Our route took us on a little longer walk with a little more water than Bridal Veil, but because we were right up close and sort of on the side of the falls, it wasn’t a great view.
Clearly we should have walked the Brandywine Gorge Loop which circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, with stunning views of Brandywine Falls along the way. It was a 1.5-mile hike with 160-foot elevation change, and if the water had been flowing better, I may have done the work. There are beautiful photos at both links if you’re interested. Next time!
High Bridge Glens Park
High Bridge Glens Park was an awesome neighborhood park – one of 26 in Cuyahoga Falls – with great views of Cuyahoga River and several small falls right in town. As we looked up the river, we could almost see the Burntwood Tavern where we had dinner last night. At this great location we were only five minutes from tonight’s dinner!
HiHO Brewing Co. offered great brick oven pizza and Touchdown Browns for me and Oktoberfests for Jim. We had a great spot inside, by garage doors with great cool breezes. We got a small pizza and had enough for a picnic lunch at Antietem tomorrow and we were only five minutes from our hotel!
Oh, What a Day!
Next up: A Too-Short Stay in Harper’s Ferry
Happy trails,
Barb
