Heavy Rains Cause Significant Flooding

On Thursday, June 22nd, heavy rains caused significant flooding in the park. Sections of the popular Ohio & Erie Canal towpath trail were washed out or covered with mud, and the tracks of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad were damaged. Assessments are being made to determine the extent of that damage before train operations are resumed. The basements of some NPS buildings were flooded, including the Canal Visitor Center, which filled with eight feet of water, and those in the headquarters area. Park personnel removed items from basements and maintenance employees pumped water out. Rangers were busy through the day assisting motorists and bicyclists stranded in parking lots and transporting 21 railroad passengers safely to their vehicles. Interpretive programs were temporarily cancelled but resumed on Saturday.