How to Quest

Quest clues and maps—created by 

teachers, volunteers, and/or park 

staff—will help you discover the 

natural and cultural gems of the 

Ohio & Erie Canalway. At the end 

of each quest is a hidden treasure 

box. Sign your name in the logbook, 

stamp this page, and return the box 

to its hiding place.

The questing season runs from 

April 15 through November 15.

Notice a problem or have 

suggestions for improving this 

quest? Contact Arrye Rosser at 

440-546-5992 or arrye_rosser@nps.gov.

About This Program

I’m Arrye Rosser, interpretive and education specialist at Cuyahoga 

=HSSL`5H[PVUHS7HYR0»KSPRL[V[OHURL]LY`VUL^OVOLSWLKM\SÄSST`

dream of bringing questing to Ohio. This project was made possible 

by the generous support of a 2010 Parks as Classrooms grant from the 

National Park Service and is a partnership between many organizations.

So far, more than 100 teachers, volunteers, and park staff have been 

PU]VS]LKPU^YP[PUNHUKÄLSK[LZ[PUN*HUHS^H`8\LZ[Z6\YWSHUPZ[V

create many more in the years ahead. If you would like to volunteer, 

contact me at 440-546-5992 or arrye_rosser@nps.gov.

Special thanks to Emily Bryant and Steven Glazer.

The Ohio & Erie Canalway celebrates the rails, trails, landscapes, 

[V^UZHUKZP[LZ[OH[NYL^\WHSVUN[OLÄYZ[TPSLZVM[OLJHUHS

that helped Ohio and our nation grow. 

For more information and to get copies of other quests, visit 

ohioanderiecanalway.com and search under Activities for Questing.

Canalway Quest

Trains, Lanes, and Remains Quest

Follow rhyming clues on this easy stroll over tracks, 

bridges, and the Towpath Trail. 

STAMP HERE 

The quest was created by Volunteer Karen Patterson, a retired 

history teacher, with help from Volunteer Susan Hale. Michelle 

LaNasa, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, drew 

the map and illustrations. 

Retrace your steps across the bridge to the tracks. 

Exhibits in the depot provide more railway facts.

>OPJOJHTLÄYZ[![YHPUZSHULZVYYLTHPUZ&

How did they interconnect? Can you explain?

Behind the depot, look right for old Station Road.

Brave wet patches and head up to the mother lode.

You’ll know you’re close when you reach the curve.

You are almost there. Don’t lose your nerve! 

When others can’t see, open the front of bird box.

You’ve found the treasure, you sly old fox!

Take off the blue lid and the box will reveal

The logbook, stamp, and ink pad under seal.

Once you have signed the log and stamped your clues,

Congratulate yourself. Questing success! What news!

You’ve advanced to the head of your class.

Now return to your car, curious lad or lass.

Clues Continued...

Brecksville Station. NPS/TED TOTH

CUYAHOGA COUNTY SECTION 

CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

STATION ROAD BRIDGE TRAILHEAD

RAIL ROAD

CROSSING
Planning Ahead

This treasure hunt takes about 35 minutes. Surfaces are either paved or 

crushed limestone. There is one incline; it can be slippery when wet. 

Wear waterproof boots or shoes if it has rained recently, and bring bug 

spray. Bird enthusiasts may want to take binoculars. You will need a 

pen or pencil to sign the logbook. Some people prefer using their own 

signature stamp and inkpad or marker. 

To extend your visit with a ride on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 

visit www.CVSR.com for more information.

Getting There

Start at the Station Road Bridge Trailhead, 13513 Riverview Road, 

1/8 mile south of State Route 82, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. There are 

restrooms, drinking water, and plenty of parking.

Clues

The Station Road area is a crossroads for sure.

@V\»SSÄUKV\[^O`PM`V\IP[LVUV\YS\YL

We promise you history, nature, and more.

Start at the tri-cornered kiosk. Come! Explore!

In the late 1820s, the Ohio & Erie Canal was built to stay.

Trading shifts, teams of mules pulled heavy boats all day.

;OLJHYNV^HZS\TILYÅV\YJOLLZLHUKV[OLYZ\WWSPLZ

Connecting cities with the frontier made this canal a prize.

Now head to the depot across the train tracks.

It has sheltered benches where visitors can relax.

This is the railroad station’s original location,

But the building itself is a modern day creation.

Valley Railway service began in 1880.

Whistles announced rolling engines “weighty.”

Trains offered escape from city grit and heat.

A side trip to Brecksville made an outing complete.

Cross the tracks again, pausing before the metal bridge.

Gaze above it to admire the landscape’s high ridge.

We’re in Cuyahoga Valley, traveling old Station Road. 

Here people with carts, wagons, and horses once rode.

At the Y intersection veer left, my loyal mate.

On the right read about the Pinery Dam and Gate.

More water was needed for the Ohio & Erie Canal.

It was supplied by the Pinery Feeder at this locale.

The longest watered section starts here, heading north.

Over a concrete replacement, the Cuyahoga pours forth. 

A lot goes on at the Brecksville Dam and shores close by.

Scan for human and wildlife activity to interest the eye.

This is a place for herons, turtles, or tracks of raccoon. 

Stop, listen, and watch. You’ll be rewarded very soon.

Count ways that humans have used nature’s supply—

:\JOHZÄZOLYTLU`V\TH`ZLL^P[OYVKYLLSHUKÅ`

The dam supplies water to our historic canal—it’s true—

)\[P[PTWHJ[Z^H[LYX\HSP[`HUKÄZOTV]LTLU[[VV

;OYV\NOJHYLM\SHUHS`ZPZWHYRHUKWHY[ULYZ^PSSRUV^!

Should the dam stay in place, be changed, or go?

Continue on the path and look up so high.

The bridge above you seems to go to the sky.

0UWLYLNYPULMHSJVUZI\PS[[OLPYÄYZ[ULZ[

In the crook of an arch, parent and chicks to rest.

Ahead at Pinery Feeder exhibit, please inspect

The 1907 photo in which waterways intersect.

Now look ‘neath the small bridge by your feet

For remains of where feeder and canal meet.

 Along the old canal, herons often stand by.

 If you are lucky, you’ll hear different birds cry.

 Eagles have nested nearby, but they move around.

 Check CVNP’s website—is a nest up or fallen down?

Over the bridge, turning south on the Towpath Trail.

You’re on the home stretch, still hearty and hale.

Look again to see remains where feeder and canal meet.

The joining of river and canal you now can greet.

Walk further on the path to the milepost, right side.

Lake Erie’s 17 miles behind you on a two-wheel ride.

All around there are trains, lanes, and remains.

/\THUZPU[OPZ]HSSL`OH]LTHKLZPNUPÄJHU[NHPUZ

Walk to the bridge. Look up. Who built this span?

It’s the oldest wrought-iron truss in the nearby land.

(Z`V\JYVZZ[OLIYPKNLNSHUJLKV^UH[[OLÅVVY

That’s treated wood bricks. They make a strong core. 

Look north at the graceful arches galore.

The Route 82 bridge makes the eyes soar.

Cast your eyes down at the Cuyahoga River.

Dancing wind and light make the water quiver.

 Joggers, photographers, and bicyclists by the score

:OHYL[OPZ[YHPSZVILHSLY[MVY[YHMÄJHZ`V\L_WSVYL

 As you continue east, imagine all who once used this lane

 To cross the valley’s narrowest part—time and again.

Pause at the intersection and gaze straight ahead.

Up the old Station Road, pack horses were lead.

Turn left on the Towpath Trail, but stay to the right.

Follow this quest to the grand arches in sight.