Cuyahoga Valley National Park Travel Guide

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most visited National Parks, but also one of the most underrated. It’s clear from the moment you enter this park that it’s different from the others. It’s bookended by two of Ohio’s major metropolitan cities, Cleveland and Akron, and has homes and businesses, and even other park systems weaving throughout it. However, what’s more impressive, is what this park has done for the local ecosystem. By saving wetlands and forests from dump sites and beyond, they have made this park something special.

You won’t see giant mountains, rainforests, or rocky ocean coasts here like at some of the older, well known National Parks, however, you’ll have endless hiking trails through unique rocky terrain, beautiful forests, serene waterfalls, impressive wetlands perfect for a great day away in nature.

Learn more about the history and ecological efforts of this unique National Park on their official site.

The Best Time To Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Because this National Park is in Ohio it will experience all four seasons.

Fall: The cool, crisp breeze with multi-colored leaves on the trees. Farms celebrating festive, fall activities. It’s hard to beat this time of year. While fall is arguably the most beautiful season, it can be a little on the rainy side. There will be sunny, blue sky days with white puffy clouds, but more often you’ll have gray, cloudless days. Peek Fall color viewing for this part of Ohio often lands around mid-October.

Spring: This season is a mix of rainy days with bright skies. It’s the most optimal season to spot wildflowers and wildlife throughout the park. It will take a while for the trees to grow their leaves back, so sometimes spring can feel barren. However, as soon as they do grow back everything is lush and green,

Summer: Summer in Ohio is hot and humid and can sometimes border on unbearable unless you’re into the heat. The plant life is green and lush, the days are often sunny and blue skies, and if you’re lucky you’ll get a mild summer day in the 70-degree range.

Winter Winter often starts in mid-late December, with January and February having the bulk of the snowfall. If you get to the park right after fresh snow, it almost looks surreal, if it hasn’t snowed, it can come off as grey and dismal looking. You can enjoy many winter activities from skiing and snowboarding at Boston Mills/ Brandywine, to sledding, snowshoeing, and beyond. There are also winter-themed train rides like the North Pole Adventure on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

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Hike The Ledges Trail

One of the most popular trails in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is The Ledges Trail. This 2.2-mile loop trail offers epic views of moss-covered sandstone and conglomerate rock formations cutting their way through a trail of lush fern and a variety of trees like Oaks, Hickories, Pines, Spruces, and Evergreens. One of the best parts of this trail is how easy it is to customize.

You’ll want to start off by parking your car in the Ledges Shelter parking lot. From here, you can visit the trail entrance kiosk sign which has paper maps and special bulletins, and information about this part of the park. You’ll continue from there and either do the full trail loop or cut it in half through various points on the map. You’ll definitely want to head towards the Ice Box Cave for some of the more epic views of the park.

This surreal trail will give you stunning views and make you feel tiny compared to the towering ledges. You can crawl through narrow rock formations, hike through dreamy moss and fern-covered trails, climb a moody carved-rock staircase, and more.

What To Know About The Ledges Trail

The Ledges Trail:

• A moderate 2.2-mile customizable loop trail
• 105 feet elevation change
• Combination of paved, dirt, and rock-covered trails that can include larger rock formations to climb over to reach narrow openings.

Other nearby trails:

Pine Grove Trail: A moderate 2.2-mile loop trail with 100 feet elevation change that is connected to the Ledges Trail through a 0.4-mile link

Forest Point Trail: An easy 0.5 loop trail just north of the Pine Grove Trail with minimal elevation change.

Haskell Run: Another easy 0.5-mile trail north of The Ledges trail with about a roughly 70-foot elevation change. The trail connects to the Boston Run Trail north of Haskell Run.

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Information: Visit the official National Park Service page on The Ledges Trailhead for more.
Parking: Ledges Trailhead, 405 Truxell Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Map: Visit the trail entry kiosk sign for a paper map or reference the digital version.
Fees: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a free National Park
Don’t Do: No rock climbing allowed. Avoid walking on delicate vegetation. Please do not carve into rocks or trees, even if you have seen others have. Finally, leave no trace. Bring back everything you brought in.

Want to learn more about The Ledges? Check out my post on Hiking The Ledges At Cuyahoga Valley National Park for more.

What’s Nearby The Ledges

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park 6217 Chittenden Rd, Boston Heights, OH 44236
• Appalachian Outfitters 60 Kendall Park Rd suite a, Peninsula, OH 44264
• Winking Lizard 1615 Main St, Peninsula, OH 44264
• Fisher’s Bites & Brews 1607 Main Street St, OH-303, Peninsula, OH 44264
• Historic Cheese Factory Airbnb 6016 Parker Ct, Peninsula, OH 44264

Feel The Mist of Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Another popular destination of Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Brandywine Falls. Depending on the season, and if it has recently rained, these falls can vary from a calm flow of water to an intense rush. There are two trails connected to Brandywine Falls, however, you don’t have to hike far to enjoy the cooling mist of the falls.

To visit the falls, you’ll want to park in the Brandywine Falls Picnic Area parking lot. You’ll then start on the Brandywine Gorge Trail, but only briefly. As you walk through the wooded area surrounding the falls you’ll soon see a wooden path and staircase. Take the staircase to go to a viewing deck across from the falls, or, continue on the wooded path to get an above-falls view. If you continue, you’ll end up on a paved bike and hike trail part of the surrounding Summit Metro Parks.

What To Know About the Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail

The Brandywine Gorge Trail:

• A moderate 1.4-mile loop trail
• Roughly 1 hour to walk through, add more time to stop and explore and take photos
• 160 feet elevation change
• This trail includes the upper boardwalk and parts of the Bike & Hike and Stanford trails.

Other nearby trails:

Stanford Trail A moderate to difficult 1.5-mile loop trail with 190 feet of elevation change. This trail is not a loop.

Bike & Hike Trail: This trail is part of the Summit Metro Parks but merges into parts of the National Park.

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Information: Visit the official National Park Service page on The Brandywine Gorge Loop for more details.
Parking: 8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067 Note: Brandywine Falls parking lot is closed for construction until September 30, 2022. No access from Brandywine Road. Follow the Alternate Routes below for hiking access.
Map: Visit the trail entry kiosk sign for a paper map or reference the digital version.
Fees: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a free National Park
Don’t Do: Do not climb down to the falls, it is very dangerous.

What’s Nearby The Brandywine Falls

• Inn at Brandywine Falls 8230 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
• Stanford House 6093 Stanford Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
• Conservancy for CVNP 1403 W Hines Hill Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
• Boston Mills/ Brandywine Ski Area 1146 W Highland Rd, Northfield, OH 44067

Enjoy The Serene Peace of Beaver Marsh

Beaver Marsh has easily become one of my favorite destinations at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Once a dairy farm and an auto salvage yard, this recovering marshland is another Cuyahoga Valley success story. A wide, wooden boardwalk extends over the marshy wetland with a small overlook area to step off and sit down on one of the benches to relax. Enjoy the birds singing, the sounds of the season, and bullfrogs making noise as you admire the marsh keeping an eye out for wildlife.

To get to the Boardwalk, you’ll first want to park at the parking lot near the Ira Trailhead. You’ll take the trailhead to the intersection of it and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and take a left. Continue walking down the paved walkway for maybe a quarter of a mile till you get to the beginning of the Boardwalk. Enjoy!

What To Know About Beaver Marsh Ira Trailhead

It’s the gateway to Beaver Marsh
Boardwalk Walk a quarter mile north on the Towpath Trail to the Boardwalk viewing area.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Learn more here.

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Information: Visit the official National Park Service page on Ira Trailhead for more info.
Parking: 3801 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Amenities: Bathroom, benches on the boardwalk
Fees: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a free National Park

What’s Nearby Beaver Marsh

• Blossom Music Center 1145 W Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
• Porthouse Theater 3143 O’Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
• Sarah’s Vineyard 1204 W Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

Explore A Real Covered Barn at Everett

The Everett Covered Barn is a serene area in Cuyahoga Valley National Park that is very popular with photographers for school and family photos. The original covered bridge has stood for over a century providing safe passage over Furnace Run. After a flood in 1975 the bridge was reconstructed and now provides a shady path over the stream. At one point, Ohio had over 2000 covered bridges, the most in the country.

To get to the bridge, you’ll park in the Everett Trailhead lot and walk a short distance through a field and wild grass until you see the bridge. To get down to Furnace Run, just walk across the bridge and turn to your left for a downward path to the stream.

What To Know About Everett Covered Bridge

Nearby Trails:
Furnace Run Loop Trail A moderate to difficult 2.1-mile loop trail with a 240-foot elevation change.
Riding Run Loop A moderate to difficult 4.6-mile loop trail with a 260-foot elevation change. This trail is made for people and horses.
Perkins Trail Loop A difficult 2.7-mile trail with an elevation change of 260 feet. This trail is made for people and horses.

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Information: Visit the official National Park Service page on Everett Trailhead for more info.
Parking: 2370 Everett Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Map: Grab a paper map at the information kiosk sign, or reference the digital version here.
Amenities: Bathroom, picnic table
Fees: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a free National Park

What’s Nearby Everett Covered Bridge

• Szalay’s Farm & Market 4563 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264

Ride The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

This is an adventure I’ve yet to have myself but is definitely on my bucket list. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has several stations from Cleveland down to Akron, Ohio that allows you to hop on and off at various points through the National Park. Additionally, there are themed train rides, from meals to the popular North Pole Adventure.

What To Know About The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Information: Visit the official Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Site for more details.
Fees: Ticket prices range from $20-$40+ for special events and parts of the train.

Enjoy Blue Hen Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Blue Hen Falls is a 15-foot waterfall that is a little more challenging to get to than Brandywine Falls but worth the visit. While these falls are oftentimes a slow trickle to the light flow of water, there is something so simple and beautiful about them. As you start the trail there is an immediate elevation of 200 feet followed by another elevation of 100 feet as the trail climbs and descends several times along the route.

Be prepared to trek over hilly and challenging terrain to get to the falls as the trail climbs and descends several times along the route. With an almost immediate elevation of 200 feet followed by another 100-foot elevation. This trail is part of the Statewide Buckeye Trail as noted by “blue blazes” marked on the trees.

What To Know About Hiking To Blue Hen Falls

The Buckeye Trail to Blue Hen Falls: A moderate 3-mile out-and-back trail with a 580-foot elevation.

Nearby Trails and Alternative Routes:
Jaite Trailhead A moderate 7.3-mile point-to-point trail with a 682-foot elevation.
Buttermilk Falls via Blue Hen Falls: A moderate 3.9-mile out-and-back hike with 620-foot elevation.
Buckeye Trail If the Boston Mills Visitor Center or Trailhead is too busy, try starting at a different point on the Buckeye Trail.

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Information: Visit the official National Park Service page on Blue Hen Falls.
Parking: Park at the Boston Mill Visitor Center at 6947 Riverview Road Peninsula, OH 44264 or the Boston Trailhead at 1508 Boston Mills Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Amenities: Bathroom, visitor center with water, benches
Fees: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a free National Park

What’s Nearby Blue Hen Falls

• Country Maid Ice Cream & Orchard 3252 W Streetsboro Rd, Richfield, OH 44286
• Parkside House Antiques Boston Mills Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
• Michael Angelo’s Winery 5515 Broadview Rd, Richfield, OH 44286

Relax at Kendall Lake

Quiet, serene, and peaceful, Kendal Lake is a great spot to go to when you need a break in between hikes or just want to sit out and enjoy the sounds of nature. Learn about the interesting history of this recreational area here.

What To Know About Kendal Lake

Nearby Trails:
Lake Trail: An easy 1-mile loop trail with only a 20-foot elevation change.
Salt Run Trail: A moderate to difficult 3.3-mile loop trail with 160-foot elevation.
Cross Country Trail: A moderate 2.5-mile loop trail with a 160-foot elevation change

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Information: Visit the official National Park Service page on the Kendall Lake Trailhead.
Parking: 1000 Truxell Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Map: Pick up a paper map at the trailhead or reference the digital version here.
Amenities: Bathroom, benches
Fees: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a free National Park

What’s Nearby Kendall Lake

• Dilly’s Drive In 4280 State Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
• Russo’s Italian & Creole 4895 State Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
• Suncrest Gardens 5157 Akron Cleveland Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
• The Wine Mill 4964 Akron Cleveland Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264

Other Park Systems Within Cuyahoga Valley National Park

What is interesting about this National Park is that it not only is nestled between two major Ohio cities, but it includes land that is part of other park systems. Cuyahoga Valley weaves its way through parts of The Cleveland Metroparks Bedford and Brecksville Reservations and the Erie & Ohio Canal. I wanted to give a nod to these photogenic and interesting destinations.

The Cleveland Metroparks

Bridal Veil Falls at Bedford Reservation

This waterfall is part of the Bedford Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks, however, the land also overlaps with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park so it’s technically a part of both parks. It’s a peaceful and serene spot to relax and enjoy the sounds of the rushing waters of Deerlick Creek and admire the hemlock and hardwood trees surrounding it.

To get to the falls, you’ll park in the Bridal Veil Falls Parking Lot across the street off Gorge Parkway. Walk briefly through a wooded area until you see a set of wooden steps. Take these steps down to the creek and waterfall. You can continue to another overlook, or enjoy the area the stairs lead to.

What To Know About Bridal Veil Falls

Nearby Trails:
Bridal Veil Falls Overlook: A 0.4-mile out-and-back trail that has a 32-foot elevation. About half of this trail is a wooden staircase.
All Purpose Trail: A 7.6-mile paved trail that follows along the Bedford Reservation.
Multiple Mountain Bike Trails

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Information: Visit the official Bedford Reservation page for more details.
Parking: Off Gorge Parkway, Walton Hills, OH 44146
Map: Reference the digital map here.
Fees: The Cleveland Metroparks are free for all.

What’s Nearby Bedford Reservation

• Los Gallos Mexican Restaurant 630 Broadway Ave, Bedford, OH 44146
• Northfeild Park 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream 10333 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067

Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook at Bedford Reservation

Tinker’s Creek is the longest tributary that feeds into the Cuyahoga River at 28.2-miles. The Tinker’s Creek Gorge has a dramatic drop of 220 feet over 2 miles which have carved out a steep gorge that is a National Natural Landmark in 1967. This overlook is most spectacular in the fall but is a nice view in any season.

What To Know About Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook

Nearby Trails:
Bridal Veil Falls Overlook: A 0.4-mile out-and-back trail that has a 32-foot elevation. About half of this trail is a wooden staircase.
All Purpose Trail: A 7.6-mile paved trail that follows along the Bedford Reservation.
Multiple Mountain Bike Trails

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Information: Visit the official Bedford Reservation page for more details.
Parking: Off Gorge Parkway, Walton Hills, OH 44146
Map: Reference the digital map here.
Fees: The Cleveland Metroparks are free for all.

Deer Lick Cave at Brecksville Reservation

The Deer Lick Cave is a part of a 4-mile trail taking you through the Brecksville Reservation. There’s also a shorter trail if you just want a small hike to see the cave. On Valley Parkway, park in one of the spots across from the Deer Lick Cave sign and take a short walk to the Buckeye Trail entrance. From there it’s a short walk to the cave. Or, you can start at the Nature Center Trailhead on Chippewa Creek Drive for a full 4.2-hour hike. Since there are several hikes nearby, make sure to follow the trail marked with the Oak Leaf blaze mark.

What To Know About the Deer Lick Cave Trail

The Dear Lick Cave Trail:

• A moderate 4.2-mile loop trail
• Roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to walk through, add more time to stop and explore and take photos
• 498 feet elevation change
• This trail includes the upper boardwalk and parts of the Bike & Hike and Stanford trails.

Other nearby trails:

Buckeye Trail: Learn more about the trail here.

All Purpose Trail: A 7.6-mile paved trail that follows along the Bedford Reservation.

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Information: Visit the official National Park Service page on The Brandywine Gorge Loop for more details.
Parking: 8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067 Note: Brandywine Falls parking lot is closed for construction until September 30, 2022. No access from Brandywine Road. Follow the Alternate Routes below for hiking access.
Map: Visit the trail entry kiosk sign for a paper map or reference the digital version.
Fees: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a free National Park
Don’t Do: Do not climb down to the falls, it is very dangerous.

What’s Nearby Brecksville Reservation

• Honey Hut Ice Cream 7304 Chippewa Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
• Blue Habanero Street Tacos 8934 Brecksville Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
• Lemonberry Frozen Yogurt 8483 Chippewa Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141

The Ohio & Erie Canalway

Ohio owes a lot of its growth to the Ohio & Erie Canal. Since being designated a National Heritage Area by Congress in 1996, the 110 miles of land surrounding the canal is protected. You can travel the land by bike or walking along the Towpath Trail, driving along the American Byway, or riding along the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The Canal also weaves its way through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and through several Cleveland Metropark systems.

Canal Exploration Center

Opened in 2014, the Canal Exploration Center has designated rangers and volunteers to help you learn about the history of Ohio and the Canal. With exhibits illustrating early canal life and even demonstrations on using the Canal Lock, it’s a great spot to learn a lot about Ohio’s history.

What To Know About The Canal Exploration Center

Information: Visit the official Canal Exploration Center page.
Parking: Ample parking in the lot behind the center.
Fees: No fees

Terra Vista Natural Study Area Nature Preserve

This off-the-beaten-path destination is a unique home for many plants and animals. This is such a unique area just a short distance and a small hike away from the Ohio & Erie Canal. This peaceful destination is also home to the historic Terra Vista Cemetery from the early 1800s. The history of this area is quite mysterious and many locals believe it to originally have been a burial ground for the Ottowa people, and we can see the remaining stones of white settlers. Some from the war of 1812, others who worked on the Canal and died of Malaria.

Storytime: If you ask me? I believe it’s haunted. One Halloween eve many years ago some friends and I hiked up the hill to the cemetery. On our way back down, my friend with his primitive digital camera said “let’s see what’s following us” and snapped a shot. Later, we see what strongly looks like a wolf in smoke with plenty of orbs. Another time I was hiking around taking photos with a film camera and came across a “car cemetery” off to the side in the woods. My camera made the sound of the film being wound up and ready to switch out. I open the back and the film did not wind up into the canister and was exposed. It felt as if something didn’t want me to take pictures of what I saw. Spooky.

To get to Terra Vista, turn onto Tinker’s Creek Road off of Canal Road. You’ll see a large red barn near the entrance. Shortly after your turn on your left-hand side, you’ll see a sign for Terra Vista Natura Study Area. Park at the small trailhead at 11400 Tinkers Creek Road, just west of the Valley View Village Church.

What To Know About The Terra Vista Natural Study Area

There’s not a lot of website information out there on this unique area. Below are my estimates.

• A moderate 1-2 mile there-and-back hike.
• Estimated 300 feet elevation change
• Trail is grass and dirt leading up to a valley surrounded by tall grass, trees, and a pond.

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Parking: 11400 Tinkers Creek Rd, Valley View, OH 44125.
Fees: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a free National Park

What’s Nearby Terra Vista & Canal Exploration Center

• Flavor of Ohio Gift Baskets 6736 Hathaway Rd Valley View, OH 44125
• Tinker’s Creek Tavern 14000 Tinkers Creek Rd, Walton Hills, OH 44146
• Lockkeeper’s 8001 Rockside Rd, Valley View, OH 44125
• Malley’s Chocolates 8111 Rockside Rd, Cleveland, OH 44125

Summit Metro Parks

A special shout out to some of the Summit County Metro Parks that are part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park land. I have yet to visit these areas but wanted to include them in my list. Parks of Furnace Run, O’Neil Woods, and Hampton Hills Metro Park share the land with the National Park in the southern part of the park. Check out the Summit County Metro Park’s website for more details.

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