Cuyahoga means “crooked” in the Iriquois language. The Cuyahoga River, pictured above, feeds into the Ohio and Erie Canal.
The Ohio and Erie Canal is within Cuyahoga National Park. Construction began on the Ohio and Erie Canal the same year the Erie Canal was completed. We explored some of the tow paths that were once used for mules to tow the canal boats along. Fun fact: James Garfield was once a mule boy (walked with the mules on the tow path). Today they are utilized by the public for walking and biking.
We also explored some of the orignal locks of the Ohio and Erie Canal, recalling how just last year our boat was going up and down the locks on the Erie Canal!
The boys geared up for hiking the Ledges trail.
Once a swamp, 320 million years ago, the sand and pebble sediments were formed into rock called Sharon Conglomerate. Erosion, over millions of years, has carved the rock into the forms they are today.
The boys fished as much as possible during our time exploring the park!
Next stop: Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana!