Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s only national park, is a haven of varied attractions, making it easy to see why it’s one of the most visited national parks in the country. Take your pick from thick forests, rushing waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, wildlife-filled wetlands, and even a picturesque train ride. Here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
When to Visit Cuyahoga Valley
Did you know that Cuyahoga Valley National Park is FREE to enter? That’s right, no entrance fee! Plus, with no set entrance station, you can come and go as you please. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a stunning natural wonderland that’s worth a visit any time of the year. However, the best time to visit the park depends on your interests and what activities you hope to enjoy.
Spring
Spring is an excellent time for hiking, as the park blooms with wildflowers and the temperature starts to warm up. It’s worth noting that there might be more rain during this season, so pack accordingly.
Summer
Although summer can be hot and humid, it’s the perfect time to see those wildflowers in full bloom. With the average daily temperature hovering around the mid-80s, it’s the ideal time for water activities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the Cuyahoga River. Visitors can also attend the park’s outdoor concerts during this time!
Fall
As the temperature starts to cool, the park trails begin to light up with fall colors. The best time to view the foliage is during mid to late October when the leaves are at their brightest shades of orange. Plus, with temperatures ranging from low 70s during the day, it’s the perfect weather for hiking.
Winter
Winter transforms Cuyahoga Valley into a wonderland of frozen waterfalls and, if you’re up for it, skiing! With two ski resorts and several snowshoe and cross country skiing trails, winter is a great time to explore this National Park. It does get quite cold, with temperatures varying from mid-30s to below zero, so bundle up!
No matter what time of the year you choose to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you’re sure to find something beautiful and unique to appreciate.
Where to Stay in Cuyahoga Valley
There are only two lodging options within the park; the Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls. There are no campgrounds or backcountry sites located within the national park itself, but there are plenty of nearby options if you prefer to camp.
Inn at Brandywine Falls
The Inn at Brandywine Falls offers the ultimate luxury experience in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Perched above the iconic Brandywine Falls, this historic Bed and Breakfast dates all the way back to 1848 and has undergone modern renovations while preserving its original charm.
Begin your day of adventure with a candlelit breakfast and peaceful views, or simply relax on the front porch in one of the rocking chairs, savoring the serene environment.
Stanford House
Built in 1843, the historic Stanford House sits on an old family farm on the Cuyahoga River where two centuries of Stanford generations farmed before converting the home to a B&B. The B&B now has nine bedrooms and two shared restrooms. With the Towpath Trail located right out front and Brandywine Falls a short hike away, Stanford House is situated in the perfect spot to start your Cuyahoga Valley adventures!
Camping
While there is no camping allowed within the park itself, you can find free backcountry camping sites just north of the park in Brecksville Reservation at Ottawa Overlook. Just be sure to obtain a free permit through Cleveland Metroparks! There are also proper campgrounds located at West Branch State Park, Punderson State Park, Findley State Park, and Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park.
Read More: How to FinD FREE CAMPING IN THE U.S.
What to Do in Cuyahoga Valley
Brandywine Falls
The iconic Brandywine Falls cascades down 60 feet of exposed bedrock, making this the tallest waterfall in Ohio and is a must-see when visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park! This popular waterfall is also one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park. A short, wooden boardwalk leads you to an observation deck to view the falls, then a few flights of stairs lead you to a second observation deck with the perfect vantage point to take in this alluring waterfall.
Hike The Ledges
If you’re looking for a hike that’s both super cool and has a great view, check out the Ledges Trail. It’s a 2.2-mile trek dotted with pristine sandstone cliffs and enchanting caves. Make sure you take your time to appreciate the beauty surrounding you as you weave through lush hemlocks and velvety moss-covered rocks. And don’t miss the Ledges Overlook, with its sweeping view of the Cuyahoga Valley.
Everett Covered Bridge
Everett Covered Bridge, which crosses Furnace Run, is the only remaining covered bridge in Summit County. The bridge is thought to have been built in the 1870s after a farmer drowned when trying to cross the stream with his wife and horses. Some believe that the farmer still haunts the bridge to this day. The bridge is no longer open to cars, but you can walk across it to decide for yourself if it is truly haunted.
One thing is for certain though, this beautiful bridge is a sight to see! Walk across the bridge, then take in views of the bridge from Furnace Run as you cool off in its’ refreshing waters.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs north and south through 26 miles of the national park, passing many of Cuyahoga’s top attractions along the way! This historic steam engine train allows you to see the more remote side of the park as it rumbles past forests and waterfalls, and part of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath. You can ride the train round-trip, making for a 3 hour ride, or another popular option is to ride the train one-way and then bike back along the Towpath Trail.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs year-round, offering different themed rides throughout the year. From fall foilage rides and Christmas experiences, to dinner train rides, there’s no shortage of new ways experience this scenic route!
Beaver Marsh
Beaver Marsh is the best place to view wildlife within Cuyahoga Valley. Beavers, otters, turtles, ducks, and birds thrive in these wetlands (though the beavers can be tough to spot). From the parking lot, a short walk along the Towpath Trail leads you to a boardwalk that spans the marsh and allows you to walk over the water to look for animals.
Try to visit in the early morning or late evening when animals are more active!
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail cuts through the park for 20 scenic miles (the full trail is 85 miles) passing several highlights along the way including Beaver Marsh, old canal locks, and the town of Peninsula. Following along the historic parts of the Ohio and Erie canal, this flat, easy to ride trail is best experienced on a bicycle. You can rent bikes year-round at Century Cycles in downtown Peninsula.
Pro Tip: Combine two park adventures in one, by biking one length of the park’s Towpath Trail then bringing your bike aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for the ride back.
Blue Hen Falls
Blue Hen Falls is a beautiful 15-foot waterfall, tucked away in the lush forests of Cuyahoga Valley. The trail to the falls leaves from Boston Mill Visitor Center and continues along the Buckeye Trail for a total of 2.8-miles round trip. This short hike is moderately strenuous, with a total of 580-feet change in elevation. The effort put into this hike is worth the reward, views of Blue Hen Falls’ cascade as it flows gracefully over sandstone ledges into a crystal-clear pool below.
Visit a Farm
Cuyahoga Valley is full of farmland, with nearly a dozen farms still operating within the park’s borders. Try fresh Ohio produce on Saturdays from 9-12 in the summer at the Countryside Farmers Market in Howe Meadow (located adjacent to the Towpath Trail) or at the Countryside Old Trail School Winter Farmersโ Market on Saturdays in the winter. With over 50 farmers and vendors, you will have no shortage of choices, but don’t miss the grilled corn in the summer!
Visit Greenfield Berry Farm in the summer to pick your own blueberries. Then, head to Hale Farm & Village to get a glimpse into Ohio’s agricultural history. This outdoor living history museum offers several artisan demonstrations including candle-making, glassblowing, and blacksmithing. You can also stroll through the heritage gardens and see farm animals.
Go Skiing
In the winter, Cuyahoga Valley National Park has two side-by-side ski resorts located right in the middle of the park. Boston Mills and Brandywine offer lift tickets and equipment rentals for their slopes varying from beginner bunny hills to black diamonds. The facilities sell food, but do not offer overnight accommodations.
The park also has several cross-country skiing trails and snowshoe trails, one of which being the Towpath Trail. You can rent skis and snowshoes from the Boston Mills Visitor Center or Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake.
