I’ve hiked some in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but every once in a while it’s fun to experience a familiar place from a completely different perspective.
This time, instead of lacing up my hiking boots, I climbed aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a ride through the heart of the park.
It ended up being one of those simple adventures that reminded me travel isn’t always about checking another destination off a list. Sometimes it’s about slowing down long enough to enjoy the journey.
Beautiful Views and Unexpected Connections
The views from the train were absolutely beautiful. Rolling forests, winding waterways, and stretches of the national park that you don’t normally get to see from the trails all rolled by outside the windows.
But as much as I enjoyed the scenery, what made the trip memorable was the people.
I met some wonderful new friends during the ride, shared plenty of laughs, and learned that the new EAST is apparently spelled W-E-S-T, 😂 (IYKYK) which definitely made for one of the funniest moments of the day.
It’s funny how often the people you meet become just as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself.
Is the Upper Dome Worth It?
I chose to ride in the Upper Dome, and for me, it was absolutely worth it.
The elevated seating and panoramic windows make it easy to take in the scenery from nearly every angle. If you’re looking for the best views, this is the way to go.
A few things to know before you book:
- The Upper Dome typically costs around $38 per person.
- It often sells out a month or more in advance, especially during summer and fall.
- Seats are assigned, so unlike standard coach seating, you can’t hop on and off at different stations during your trip.
If you’re planning to ride, I’d recommend boarding at Rockside Station for the 9:00 a.m. departure. Since it’s where the route begins, you’ll enjoy the entire journey without worrying about finding seats or joining partway through the trip.
One More Recommendation…
Don’t skip the raspberry beignets.
Trust me on this one.
They were the perfect sweet treat while watching Cuyahoga Valley National Park roll past the windows.
More Than Just a Train Ride
One of the things I love about travel is that no two adventures ever look exactly the same.
Some days are filled with steep hikes, waterfalls, and muddy boots. Other days involve comfortable seats, beautiful scenery, unexpected conversations, and laughing with complete strangers .
Both kinds of adventures are worth taking.
If you’re visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I’d definitely recommend experiencing it from the rails at least once. Even if you’ve explored the park before, seeing it from the train offers a whole new perspective.
And who knows? You might leave with beautiful memories, a few new friends, and a completely different understanding of which direction east is.
Happy wandering,
Morgan
Wander With Me
Wander with Me 
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