Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- WD - Home
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Travel Guide
Between the urban hubs of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a refuge for plants and wildlife along the winding Cuyahoga River. Deep forests, rolling hills, and farmlands recall the region's agricultural past, while the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail invites hikers and cyclists to retrace history. Waterfalls like Brandywine and Blue Hen cascade through sandstone gorges, creating a patchwork of natural beauty and heritage.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park feels like a world apart from the city, where the winding Cuyahoga River flows through deep forests, rolling hills, and farmlands, providing a refuge for plants, wildlife, and history seekers.
How to Get There
The park stretches along a 20-mile corridor between Cleveland and Akron. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is approximately 30 minutes away, while Akron–Canton Airport (CAK) is 25 minutes away. Major highways (I‑77, I‑271, and the Ohio Turnpike) provide access. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs between Independence and Akron with stops at trailheads. Visitors often combine the park with trips to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
Know Before You Go
The park is free to enter. The weather is variable; summers are humid, winters are snowy, and spring thaws bring muddy trails. Stay on boardwalks to protect fragile wetlands. Cyclists and pedestrians share the Towpath; ride slowly and announce passing. Parking lots fill quickly on weekends. The park hosts a variety of ranger programs and concerts at the outdoor amphitheater.
Best Time to Visit
Fall showcases brilliant foliage, crisp air, and harvest festivals. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls at peak flow, but also mud. Summer offers lush greenery and concerts, while winter transforms the Towpath into a cross‑country ski trail. Any season is rewarding with the right gear.
Best Things to Do
Bike or hike the 20-mile section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Visit Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot cascade accessible by boardwalk and stairs. Explore historic canal locks and the restored village of Peninsula. Paddle the Cuyahoga River on a guided canoe trip. Attend a summer concert at Blossom Music Center, home to the Cleveland Orchestra. Families will enjoy the Everett Covered Bridge and the ledges at Virginia Kendall Park.
Best Hikes
Brandywine Gorge Trail (1.5 miles, easy): Circle the waterfall and descend into the gorge.
Virginia Kendall Ledges (2.2 miles, moderate): Hike past massive sandstone formations and enjoy valley vistas.
Blue Hen Falls (3 miles round trip, easy): Follows the Buckeye Trail to a secluded cascade.
Towpath Trail (20 miles, easy): Choose a section to walk or bike along the historic canal.
Places to Stay
Within the park, the Inn at Brandywine Falls offers a historic bed and breakfast experience overlooking the falls. Two primitive campsites are available by permit. Nearby towns, such as Hudson, Peninsula, and Independence, offer hotels, inns, and Airbnbs. Cleveland and Akron provide a full range of lodging and dining options.
Places to Eat
The park has picnic areas but no restaurants. For meals, head to nearby Peninsula for the Winking Lizard Tavern or Fisher's Café & Pub. Grab coffee and pastries at Trail Mix Peninsula, operated by the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In Cleveland, explore the West Side Market for fresh food to pack on your hike.
