Last updated: November 12, 2024
Place
Station Road Bridge Trailhead Information

NPS / Bob Trinnes
Accessible Sites, Audio Description, Baby Changing Station, Benches/Seating, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
The Station Road Bridge Trailhead has been a crossroads since the early 1880s. The Valley Railway opened in 1880 and included Brecksville Station as a stop in this location. Produce such as milk and cheese, lumber, and finished products could be shipped out from both Summit and Cuyahoga Counties on the train. By 1882, the wrought iron bridge crossed the Cuyahoga River and provided access to the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Now this area is a crossroads for rail passengers, hikers, cyclists, runners, paddlers, and horse riders. Here, Station Road Bridge Trailhead provides ample parking. People can access the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Cuyahoga River Water Trail, and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. A connector trail along the entrance drive leads to Cleveland Metroparks’ Brecksville Reservation. Two long-distance trails pass through Brecksville Reservation and use the Towpath Trail north of Station Road Bridge. They include the Buckeye Trail for hikers and the Valley Trail for hikers and horses.
The Station Road Bridge Trailhead is also a destination for people who enjoy nature, history, and scenery. In spring and summer, this is a hotspot for birders who flock to see cerulean and yellow-throated warblers. Cross the historic Station Road Bridge for scenic views of the Cuyahoga River. Follow the towpath north about a half-mile to see ruins of Ohio & Erie Canal Lock 36 and the Mudcatcher beyond.
This is a modal window.
- Duration:
- 2 minutes, 28 seconds
Horseback riding is a popular activity in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn about the six “golden rules” of horse trail use. Follow these tips to help ensure everyone feels safe and has a great time on the park’s horse trails.
Preserving the Station Road Br...
From November 2020 to April 2021, the Federal Highways Administration managed a $1,340,000 restoration of the historic Station Road Bridge. This gallery includes photos from the early 1900s, photos before and after the 1991-1992 restoration, and photos of the most recent restoration. Read more at https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/preserving-the-station-road-bridge.htm.
Tags
- cuyahoga valley national park
- ohio
- midwest
- transportation
- transportation history
- national register of historic places
- nr
- historic district
- cultural landscapes
- ohio and erie canal
- canal
- towpath trail
- trail
- ohio to erie trail
- industrial heartland trail network
- ohio and erie canalway
- cuyahoga river
- scenic byway
- americas byway
- hiking
- biking
- wildlife watching
- water sports
- canoeing
- kayaking
- paddling
- horseback riding
- photography
- river access
- birds
- birdwatching
- lake erie birding trail
- station road bridge