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| ©NPS Collection | | Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad |
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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 and providing passenger service along the way. It became another way to escape the pressures of urban industrial life, and leisure excursions were supplemented by the Guide Book for the Tourist and Traveler over the Valley Railway!
After a decade of operation, the Valley Railway became part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In the 20th century, 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 and 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 (CVSR).
The CVSR is a private sector, volunteer supported, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization operating in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park and dedicated to the preservation of passenger rail transportation in Cuyahoga Valley and the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway.
CVSR operates 12 months of the year, offering alternative transportation in CVNP, as well as the popular Bike Aboard! service allowing cyclists to bike the Towpath Trail in one direction and ride the train in the other. Park rangers are onboard the regularly scheduled excursions to the Canal Visitor Center, the Canal-era Village of Peninsula, Akron, and Canton. They provide interesting narration of the cultural and natural history of the Cuyahoga River valley. CVSR also presents special events throughout the year including: “Grape Escape” wine-tasting trains, A Day Out With Thomas™, The Little Engine That Could™, and The Polar Express™. For more information, call CVSR at (800) 468-4070 or visit .
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