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 

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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 

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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, 

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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.

Ohio Turnpike bridge. ©JACK RIGBY

Canalway Quest

On the Move Quest

Enjoy an easy-to-moderate trek to explore who 

and what is moving.

STAMP HERE 

This quest was created by participants in the Questing Workshop 

for Teachers, March 2010. It was updated in 2012.

6. :SP[OLYHSVUN[OLWH[ORLLWPUNSLM[VM[OLÄLSK

Pass many trees; soon a large culvert is revealed.

This allows water to move hidden beneath your feet.

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“Roots in the water, I grow up thin and tall. 

I’m pretty to look at, but I’ve fooled you all.

Wetlands are the habitat I am moving in.

Natives don’t have a chance—I always win!

Who am I?”

7. Past tall stalks of the invasive reed, phragmites,

Move along to the bridge that’s mighty.

Admire the scenery as you continue your hike. 

Stop between the pillars under the turnpike.

Turn right and admire this bridge from below.

Use your voice. Can you hear an echo?

Holding the weight of many cars, built to be strong—

Did you know that this bridge is half a mile long?

This bridge is the longest on the Ohio Turnpike.

It was built for moving cars, not to ruin your hike.

Tread carefully—water collects here in a “lake.” 

Right at post. Pause for count of steps to take. 

The end of your quest is approaching, for sure.

Recall how many arches and add three more. 

Look to your right, beyond gravel on ground. 

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When no one is looking, remove the box with care.

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Done? Return items to the box and close the lid tight.

Place the box back where you found it—out of sight!

Return to the trail and turn right to stay on track.

Follow the arches to the towpath in order to get back.

Go right on the towpath, and soon Boston Store you’ll spy.

We hope you enjoyed our quest—[OHURZMVYZ[VWWPUNI`

Clues Continued...

SUMMIT COUNTY SECTION

CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

BOSTON STORE VISITOR CENTER
Left at the fork ahead, not right.

Your next target is clearly in sight.

As you proceed, watch for animal scat*—

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Stop at the brown NO BICYCLES post;

Watch out for the movers, or you’ll be toast.

 *droppings

Look to the river. Listen far and near.

What do you see? What do you hear?

Look around high. Look around low.

What’s new here compared to many years ago? 

3. Trekking uphill, look to your left to see 

The long, sharp thorns of a hawthorn tree.

Eight paces straight and the pavement ends.

As you walk, keep a lookout for furry friends.

“Up on the highways people move to and fro,

But folks with paws travel down here, you know. 

I’m a member of the canine family. 

I howl at night. Might you know me?”

4. Continue on the trail through the tunnel green.

Ignore the BUCKEYE and stick to this scene.

The light at the end of the tunnel is sought.

Stop to look upward and get lost in thought.

More things move here than you can view:

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Some birds are residents that will stay;

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As you observe the sky, close your eyes.

Use your other senses—give it a try.

5. Set your eyes straight ahead, a short distance you’ll go.

Be sure to look all around and see everything grow.

Notice two metal posts atop concrete on your right;

These are part of the constructed wetland in sight. 

Park wastewater from Boston this wetland does clean.

Its plants, soil, and bacteria act like a living machine.

Look beyond. Count the sets of bridge legs standing tall. 

You’ll need this number later; be sure to count them all! 

Next, can you follow cars left to right with your eyes?

Where the bridge’s legs get short, a road you can spy. 

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Replacing river, canal, and train, which were too slow! 

Now over the footbridge, ’round the bend to the right,

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Stop, turn, and face the river; look across to see

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Don’t forget you’re on the towpath with many moving through:

Bikers, hikers, joggers—ZVTL[PTLZOVYZLZ[VV

“I was born back in 1880 and steamed along twin tracks,

Carrying my load from Cleveland to Canton and back.

I ran faster than canal boats, and the river I’d outpace, 

But all three of us together made Boston a bustling place.

These days I carry passengers along a scenic route.

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Planning Ahead

This treasure hunt takes about 60 minutes. Trail conditions are 

often muddy. On the Towpath Trail, stay to the right and watch for 

cyclists. Walking shoes, a hat or sunglasses, and insect repellent are 

recommended. You will need a pen or pencil to sign the logbook. Some 

people prefer using their own signature stamp and ink pad or marker.

Getting There

Start at the Boston Store Visitor Center, 1550 Boston Mills Road, east of 

Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264. Parking is available in the main 

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the east. The Boston Store Visitor Center is open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Summer hours may be extended. This quest is entirely outside.

Clues

There is so much here that is on the move ...

Follow our clues and this point we’ll prove! 

Begin at the kiosk by the parking lot. 

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The clues in italics will lead you around.

Clues in bold tell what you’ve found.

1. The mules in the photo point the way

To get you moving on your quest today.

Past the barn perched on rocks angled right,

Straight on the path to the big ditch in sight.

Along the trail away from the past,

Toward giant bridges, built to last.

Stop at the footbridge where the path is low;

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2. /VSK[OVZLOVYZLZ(UK[\YUHYV\UK—

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“I was 4 feet deep and 40 feet wide,

So two canal boats could pass side by side.

Cleveland through Akron, moving to and fro,

Loaded full of goods that mules would tow.

Look where I have disappeared to the south,

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Who am I?”