Research Paper: Cuyahoga Valley National ParkThe area surrounding the Cuyahoga River is known for being extremely polluted and industrialized. An exception to this rule is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This region has a rich history and has been used as a source of subsistence, industrialization and recreation for centuries. This rural oasis occupies nearly thirty-two square miles in northeast Ohio and is the state's only national park. It was recognized as an official national park in 2000 and was previously known as the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area. Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves a rural landscape along the Cuyahoga River and contrasts with the otherwise metropolitan setting. Cuyahoga Valley National Park was formed in the same way as most other valleys. It is believed that long before the Ice Age, an ancient river carved out this area. This river left behind deposits that, after millions of years, transformed into the sandstone bedrock of the park. At the start of the Ice Age, this river froze and became part of a glacier which had an even greater effect on the valley's landscape. These glaciers scraped northeast Ohio and left behind deposits that today make up the park's fertile soil ("Rock, Ice, and River"). The American Indians who first called this region of Northeast Ohio home had an immense impact on it. . Even the name of the river and therefore the valley is an indigenous word meaning “tortuous river” (“Industrialization”). This name was given because the river has many meanders and flows from north to south. The history of this park dates back to the Ice Age. The first people to roam this vast valley were known as the Paleo Indians... middle of paper ... it's cool all year round. Park visitors have the opportunity to hike and climb around ledges and explore caverns (“Ritchie Ledges”). Although the natural beauty of this park is the main attraction, the man-made attractions should not be overlooked. The Ohio Erie Canal Towpath is the man-made attraction that provides the most recreation for park visitors. This trail follows the exact route of the historic Erie Canal. People have the opportunity to walk, run, cross-country ski, and bike on this trail (“Ohio Erie Canal Towpath”). Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves a rural landscape in an otherwise metropolitan area. This thirty-two thousand acre national park is nestled between suburban Cleveland and Akron and covers twenty-two miles of the Cuyahoga River. This park gives people the opportunity to connect with the outdoors and enjoy the beautiful sights that come with it..