#Gates50States

We certainly have a lot to say about our home state, and high-lighting one of my (RG) all-time favorites here is a real pleasure: the Beaver Marsh located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  It’s my favorite place to run, my favorite place to photograph, and my favorite place to unwind.

Bisected by the Towpath, the Beaver Marsh is reclaimed land that used to be a junk yard.  Beaver moved in, flooded the area, and it’s as good of a place to watch birds as any these days.  The Towpath has its own neat history as well, as the path that the mules, you guessed it, towed the canal boats along the Ohio & Erie Canal.  The old lock ruins along the way are neat to observe while reflecting on what travel and commerce was like in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Today it’s a full on wildlife sanctuary accessible from the Ira Road Trailhead off of Akron Peninsula Road in Bath.  Just a couple dozen steps from the parking area, the wildlife show begins, and by the time you’ve reached the boardwalk, the main event is on.

Tree swallows buzz around like World War I Flying Aces, Redwing Blackbirds screech somewhat obnoxiously, and Cardinals chirp and stay just out of close reach.

Great Blue Herons pose as though they’re professional models.  And there are lots of these as there is a large heronry about a mile down the road.  Make sure not to miss the herony in the early spring when the birds are nesting and the leaves aren’t yet obstructing the view.

And while the Beaver are private and elusive (at least for this photographer), River Otters make appearances from time to time.

No matter how much time you have at the Beaver Marsh, it will be time well spent.  And you can spend your time in a variety of different ways.

Before we close this post, we ought to chat a bit more about the Towpath in general, and in the northern Summit County segment of it in particular.  I mentioned running.  The cinder path is soft underfoot and the views of the marsh, followed by the canal, the adjacent farm land and the wildlife in and among the trees is just pretty.

Bicycling is also a favorite along the Towpath with the level trail that follows the Cuyahoga River.  You can bring your own, or rent a bicycle from Century Cycles in Peninsula. (update: Century Cycles burned in a tragic fire in the winter of 2025; other options remain available and can be found via search.)

If you’re not running, you’ll definitely want to pack some glass, either binoculars or a camera lens of at least 300mm to close the distance between you and the wildlife.  And bring your patience, ’cause if you’ve got the time to observe long enough, you’re going to see some something special.