In 1969, the polluted Cuyahoga River burned, attracting negative national media attention. Then, only three fish species were found to be living in those contaminated waters. Now, in 2026, 77 fish species are thriving. Otter, beaver, and blue heron have also returned to the river’s banks. And people, too, are benefiting from the cleaner waters, enjoying water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddling.

Stretching between Cleveland and Akron in heavily urban northeastern Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park has been called a “Green-Shrouded Miracle,” preserving precious green space and offering a retreat to more than two million visitors each year. It is a refuge for native plants and wildlife and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands.