Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio's only National Park, offering diverse trails, waterfalls, a scenic railroad, and unique sandstone formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and find parking
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and find parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ohio's only National Park, offering diverse trails, waterfalls, a scenic railroad, and unique sandstone formations.
"A hidden gem with beautiful trails and waterfalls, perfect for a day trip or weekend escape."
🚗 Parking Patience
Popular spots fill up fast! Arrive early or on weekdays. Consider parking at less crowded trailheads.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be rocky and unpaved. Good walking or hiking shoes are a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls Trail
Witness the majestic 65-foot waterfall cascading down sandstone cliffs. An accessible viewing area is available.
The Ledges Trail
The Ledges Trailhead
Explore unique sandstone formations, mossy alcoves, and dramatic stone staircases on this popular, moderate 2.2-mile loop.
Blue Hen Falls
Blue Hen Falls Trail
A fun and rewarding hike leading to a picturesque waterfall, perfect for a shorter adventure.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Various stations throughout the park
Enjoy a relaxing ride through the park's scenic landscapes, offering a different perspective of its beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Pass Not Required
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Popular spots fill up fast! Arrive early or on weekdays. Consider parking at less crowded trailheads.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be rocky and unpaved. Good walking or hiking shoes are a must for exploring.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, the valley can get hot and humid with little breeze. Bring plenty of water.
🗺️ Grab a Map
The park is spread out. A map from the visitor center is helpful for planning your route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Popular spots fill up fast! Arrive early or on weekdays. Consider parking at less crowded trailheads.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be rocky and unpaved. Good walking or hiking shoes are a must for exploring.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, the valley can get hot and humid with little breeze. Bring plenty of water.
🗺️ Grab a Map
The park is spread out. A map from the visitor center is helpful for planning your route.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many trails welcome dogs on leashes, making it a great spot for furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Cuyahoga Valley National Park for its accessible trails, beautiful waterfalls like Brandywine Falls, and unique sandstone formations on The Ledges. It's a great spot for biking and a welcome escape from the city. However, some find the park less visually dramatic than other national parks and note challenges with limited parking at popular sites and potential heat in the valley during summer.
"One of the best national parks I have visited recently. While I was looking to spend a day in Cleveland and my decision to go here was 100% worth. Please start with the visitor center and the senior volunteer Robert was simply awesome! He gave the map and guided me on where to start based on the time I have left for the day... Falls, Ledges are a must-see... Take a look at the map, photos I have attached for your reference."
Gopal K
"It was very different than any other NP I have been too. No park pass needed. Brandywine lookout was very easy to get too. We did the ledges trail which was very cool to see. Trail was overall pretty easy. Very dog friendly."
Kaitlyn Donovan
"To be honest, out of all the national parks we’ve been to across the country, this one was the biggest let down as far as overall appearance goes. Granted, there are tons of bike and hiking trails scattered throughout the park, but with very limited parking at any of the scenic spots, it’s hard to actually be able to bare witness to all this park has to offer. On top of the mentioned issues, just know that due to this park being in a valley, the lack of a breeze during the hotter months can be killer."
Jeremy Gee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is conveniently located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. You can access it via I-80/I-90 (Ohio Turnpike) or I-77. Several entrances and parking areas are available throughout the park.
While there isn't direct public transportation into the heart of the park, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a unique way to travel between various points within the park.
Parking can be limited at popular spots like Brandywine Falls and The Ledges. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends. Consider parking at the Boston Store Visitor Center or other trailheads if main lots are full.
The park is spread out and intermingled with highways, so having a map is recommended. Trailheads are generally well-marked, but the park's layout can be a bit tricky.
Yes, you can drive through the park via Riverview Road and other scenic park roads. This allows you to access different trailheads and points of interest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cuyahoga Valley National Park does not require an entrance fee or a park pass. It's free to enter and explore.
The park itself is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. However, specific facilities like visitor centers may have limited hours. Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
The park itself is free to enter. Fees may apply for specific activities like the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or parking at certain trailheads during peak times, though this is uncommon.
Yes, you can obtain a park map at the Boston Store Visitor Center or download one from the official Cuyahoga Valley National Park website.
No, there is no traditional entrance station. The park is freely accessible, and you can enter from various points along its perimeter.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include The Ledges Trail (unique rock formations), Brandywine Falls Gorge Loop (waterfall views), and Blue Hen Falls Trail. Many trails are easy and short walks from the trailhead. +1
Yes, the park is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including the prominent Brandywine Falls and the charming Blue Hen Falls. Water flow is best after rain.
Absolutely! The park offers miles of paved bike paths, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, making it a fantastic destination for cyclists.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Cuyahoga Valley National Park as long as they are kept on a leash. They can accompany you on most trails and in many areas of the park.
The park boasts unique sandstone formations on The Ledges Trail, a scenic railroad, historic structures like covered bridges, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots include Brandywine Falls, the sandstone formations on The Ledges Trail, Everett Road Covered Bridge, and scenic overlooks along the park roads. Autumn foliage offers stunning photographic opportunities.
Yes, there's an accessible viewing area for Brandywine Falls, making it easy to capture great shots. The loop trail also offers various perspectives.
Landscape photography is very popular, capturing the waterfalls, rock formations, and seasonal foliage. Wildlife photography is also rewarding due to the park's biodiversity.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the official NPS guidelines for current regulations before flying a drone.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the best light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, especially in summer.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of CVNP
+1 For waterfall enthusiasts, the Brandywine Falls Gorge Loop provides stunning views of the park's most famous cascade, with an accessible viewing area for easy access. Shorter, rewarding hikes like the Blue Hen Falls Trail are also popular for those seeking a quicker nature fix. Many trails are relatively easy and short, allowing visitors to experience multiple highlights in a single day.
Beyond hiking, the park is a haven for cyclists. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a paved, multi-use path stretching for miles, offering a fantastic way to explore the park's length and discover hidden gems.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Experience
The CVSR operates various excursions throughout the year, including themed rides and special events. It's a fantastic option for those who prefer not to hike or bike, or for families looking for a different kind of adventure. The train stops at several stations within the park, allowing passengers to disembark for short explorations or to connect with hiking and biking trails.
While not a free activity, the scenic railroad provides a comfortable and memorable perspective of the park's natural and historical attractions. It's a popular choice for visitors seeking a leisurely way to soak in the scenery and learn about the region's heritage.
Is Cuyahoga Valley a 'Real' National Park?
+1 As Ohio's only National Park, it offers a different kind of beauty – one of rolling hills, forests, wetlands, and the winding Cuyahoga River. While it may lack the towering mountains or vast deserts of other parks, its charm lies in its accessibility, diverse ecosystems, and the unique blend of natural and historical features. Many visitors find the park to be a delightful surprise, appreciating its well-maintained trails, waterfalls like Brandywine Falls, and the intriguing sandstone formations of The Ledges.
+1 The presence of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and historic structures adds a layer of cultural interest. For those living nearby, it's a cherished local gem, offering an escape into nature without a long drive. Ultimately, whether CVNP meets everyone's definition of a 'wow factor' National Park is subjective.
However, its designation highlights the importance of preserving diverse natural landscapes across the country, even those with a more subtle, intimate beauty. It provides a valuable recreational resource and a glimpse into the natural history of Northeast Ohio. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit