This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through Greater Cleveland's Cuyahoga Valley National Park, And It's A Breathtaking Journey
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Nikki Rhoades
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Nothing quite compares to a scenic drive through Greater Cleveland. When you find a lone country road with abundant greenery and stunning views, it’s tempting to pop the windows down and coast along listening to good tunes. Few drives hold a candle to the magnificence of Greater Cleveland’s Riverview Road, which stretches through many acres of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This stunning thirty minute drive through Cleveland’s suburbs is likely the best way to see the breathtaking Cuyahoga Valley National Park from the road, and it will take you past some truly remarkable landmarks.
This gorgeous route begins in the Independence area and stretches all the way down into Akron. This stretch of road dips through Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other smaller parks, so casual drivers can stop and explore any number of fascinating spots.
Brecksville has under 15,000 residents, plus plenty of wide, open land. The Cleveland Metroparks has stamped its seal of approval on the area with Brecksville Reservation, a 3,026-acre stretch of pure beauty.
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This is the same creek that creates a petite waterfall in Brecksville Reservation, so it is truly a beloved local landmark.
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You've just stumbled upon the Jaite Mill Historic District, and it's a bit different than most historical landmarks in the area. Jaite was built in 1906 to serve the Jaite Company Paper Mill, which kept locals working until 1951.
While many infamous company towns across the U.S. operated on company-issued currency, Jaite did not. Here, employees were not forced to live in company housing. If employees chose to live in company housing, it was because of low rent and friendly neighbors. This area offered particular solace to locals during the Great Depression.
Boston Township is storied, as local legend surrounds it. Some call it Helltown, as rumor maintains that houses in the area were once readily abandoned following a dangerous chemical spill that created mutated monsters. Believe it or not, all legend is rooted in truth. Boston was abandoned by homeowners when their property was seized to create Cuyahoga Valley National Park. And the chemical spill? Well, that was just the old Krejci Dump... that has since been cleaned and restored to create new parkland.
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As Clevelanders know, the mouth of this river feeds into Lake Erie. Legend maintains that the Cuyahoga takes its name from cayagaga, a word that (appropriately) means crooked river. Oddly enough, however, cayagaga is a Mohawk word, and the tribe no longer existed in the area when European settlers moved in.
In the colder months, these hills are alive with movement. Boston Mills and Brandywine resorts are two sister ski slopes that locals love, and the beautiful drive to get to Boston Mills alone makes each visit worth it.
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The stunning new Boston Mill Visitor Center was unveiled in 2019, and many locals delayed their visit after the pandemic struck. However, this landmark serves as a "front door" to Cuyahoga Valley National Park by immersing locals in exhibits of its splendor. You'll even learn about the building itself, which once operated as the 1905 Cleveland-Akron Bag Company general store.
Though you won't find any parks here, the views are just as stunning. Verdant walls and stone staircases coexist with manicured lawns and flowerbeds, with hills and curves adding interest to the local landscape.
Of course, you'll also find yourself back in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park expanse. The nearby Tree Farm Trail allows you to walk alongside evergreens in a beautiful environment.
Szalay's Farm is one of the best fall festival destinations in the area, and their sweet corn is almost legendary. Nearby, visitors also enjoy visiting the stunning Everett Road Covered Bridge, a truss bridge from 1877 that stands as one of the most unusual landmarks in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Sand Run Metro Park is a beautiful spot to hike, picnic, and take in all that nature has to offer. With 998 acres to explore, there's no shortage of wildlife. The spring is one of the best times to visit, as large-flowered trilliums poke through the ground and salamanders begin their vernal migration.
The stunning views of Greater Cleveland’s Riverview Road make it one of the best scenic drives in Northeast Ohio. Plus, driving through the massive Cuyahoga National Park only takes about half an hour along this route, so it’s an easy breezy adventure. Plan some extra time to pull off the road and check out some of the fascinating spots mentioned in this article, because each one merits your full attention. There’s just no shortage of beauty in this area!
Love scenic drives? Valley Parkway offers a similarly breathtaking experience through the Cleveland Metroparks.
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Riverview Road, Riverview Rd, Brecksville, OH, USA