Scenic Train Ride

CVSR train stopped at station.

NPS/Lynette Sprague-Falk

All Aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad! The National Park Scenic excursion is a unique way to experience all the natural wonder Cuyahoga Valley National Park has to offer. Sit back and relax as the train weaves through the Cuyahoga Valley and races along with the rushing Cuyahoga River. The route provides passengers the opportunity to possibly spot eagles, deer, beavers, and herons in their natural habitat.

Visit Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's website for tickets and detailed trip planning information. 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.

 

Shuttle Using CVSR Explorer

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 to Canal Exploration Center
Canal Exploration Center**	7104 Canal Road, Valley View 44125	4.5 miles to Brecksville
*Brecksville**	9141 Riverview Road, Brecksville 44141	4.25 miles to Boston Mill
*Boston Mill**	6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, the intersection of Boston Mills and Riverview Roads, 44264	2.5 miles to Peninsula
*Peninsula Depot	1630 Mill Street, Peninsula 44264	4 miles to Indigo Lake
Indigo Lake	4300 Riverview Road, Peninsula 44264	3 miles to Botzum
Botzum	2928 Riverview Road, Akron 44067	6.5 miles 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

Know your destination before you get on the train; bikes are arranged by stops. Remove all items from bikes and kayaks before boarding. Detach trailers so they may be loaded separately. Use the CVSR's Train Tracker App to keep track of the train. Learn more about the Explorer program on CVSR's website.

Check our Current Conditions page for any Towpath Trail closure alerts.

 

Over a Century of Train Service

The history of trains in the Cuyahoga Valley stretches back more than 100 years. In 1880, the Valley Railway began operations, transporting coal to Cleveland, Akron, and Canton from the Tuscarawas River Valley. It also provided passenger service. For people living in the industrial cities, leisure excursions into the countryside provided relief from the pressures, pollution, and crowding of urban life.

After a decade of operation, the Valley Railway became part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In the 1900s, competition from automobiles, trucks, and buses caused the decline of both freight and passenger service. Interest in the line was renewed in 1972 as a scenic excursion route. The Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association was born. Originally known as the Cuyahoga Valley Line, the scenic railroad now operates as Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.