Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Akron

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is more than just a mode of transport; it is a true journey through time through the heart of one of Ohio's most beautiful corners. This unique historic route runs through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, connecting the city of Akron with the suburbs of Cleveland. Stretching approximately 82 kilometers, every meter of the track is steeped in the atmosphere of old America.

The fleet consists of carefully restored vintage cars and locomotives from the 1930s to the 1950s. You can even find unique cars that once belonged to the famous Barnum & Bailey circus. The trip allows tourists to see pristine forests, the winding Cuyahoga River, and historic settlements that remain hidden from the eyes of regular motorists.

Here is what this historic route looks like:

The railroad in the USA holds non-profit status and operates with the support of the National Park Service. This makes it an important educational and environmental project aimed at preserving the industrial heritage and natural wealth of the region. A trip here is especially beautiful in the autumn, when the valley is painted in bright gold and crimson tones.

To check the current train schedule and book tickets, you can use the following contact details:

A journey on this railroad offers plenty of leisure options. The most popular activity is the scenic excursion, where you can relax in a cozy seat and watch the kaleidoscope of landscapes pass by. For active tourists, there is the Explorer program: for just a few dollars, you can board the train with a bicycle or kayak, ride part of the way, and then return to your starting point on your own via the famous Towpath Trail.

Throughout the year, various themed events turn an ordinary trip into a real show. Adults will likely enjoy the Grape Escape tours featuring wine or craft beer tastings, as well as Murder Mystery excursions. Families with children should check out "Day Out with Thomas" and the magical Christmas express The Polar Express™, which recreates the atmosphere of the beloved story.

Trains make stops at key points in the park, such as Peninsula or Hale Farm & Village. This provides an opportunity to get off at a station, visit a historic museum farm, or stroll through the charming streets of a historic village, and then continue your journey on the next train. Nature lovers will appreciate special wildlife viewing excursions, where guides help spot bald eagles and other inhabitants of the valley.

The main departure point in the city is the Akron Northside Station, located at 27 Ridge St. You can reach it from the city center by car or taxi in just 5–10 minutes. Convenient parking is available for visitors near the station.

If you prefer public transportation, you can use local bus routes or services like Uber and Lyft, which are active in the area. For outdoor enthusiasts, a great option is cycling along the famous Towpath Trail, which leads directly to the station.

Tourists arriving from Cleveland or other parts of the state typically use the I-77 or SR-8 highways, following the signs to Ridge Street. It is worth noting that some intermediate stations may be closed for maintenance, so it is best to check the status of specific stops before your trip.

The history of this route began back in 1871 with the founding of the Valley Railroad. Its primary goal was to compete with the Ohio and Erie Canal and transport coal from local mines to the steel mills of Cleveland. The first passenger train traveled these tracks in January 1880, marking the beginning of a new transportation era for the region.

In the late 19th century, control of the line passed to the famous Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) railroad. For decades, the tracks were used not only for freight but also for daily commutes between cities. However, by the mid-20th century, the industrial importance of the line began to fade, leading to the threat of its total closure.

The railroad found its second wind in the 1970s thanks to history enthusiasts who began organizing tourist trips here. In 1987, the National Park Service purchased the tracks, establishing their status as an important historical and recreational site. Today, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the longest and oldest excursion railroads in the USA, carefully preserving the heritage of the steam and diesel era.

When planning your visit, you should consider the type of route selected. A standard "loop" trip usually takes about 2–2.5 hours. If you decide to travel the entire distance from Akron to the outskirts of Cleveland and back, allow at least 4 hours in your schedule.

For those planning to combine the trip with a bike ride through the national park as part of the Explorer program, it is better to set aside a full day or at least 5–6 hours. This will allow you to not only enjoy the views from the train car but also take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic trails along the river.

The train schedule is seasonal and depends directly on weather conditions and current track status. During the main season (from June to October), trips typically run from Wednesday to Sunday. Departures from the Akron Northside station are most often scheduled for the morning, around 10:30 AM.

Since the railroad occasionally undergoes scheduled maintenance or hosts special events, the schedule may change. We strongly recommend that visitors check the current departure times on the organization's official website before planning their visit.

A stroll around the station area in Akron can be a great addition to your railway journey. A variety of historical monuments and museums are concentrated here, allowing you to dive deeper into the region's industrial past and cultural life.