Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Guide, Camping, and Best Tips

by Petr Novák, ? The accuracy of the information provided in this article was last verified on this date. If you spot any errors, please let us know in the comments. Thank you. :-) Updated 06/01/2023 National Parks, Ohio, Tips for Trips

While Cuyahoga Valley National Park may not be the most renowned or the largest in the USA, it still attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. This is primarily due to the park’s location—it is nestled in the Cuyahoga River Valley in the State of Ohio, flanked by the cities of Cleveland and Akron.

Information About Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley was only designated a National Park on October 11, 2000, making it one of the youngest of its kind. It has an unconventional history for a national park, as part of the valley was once a landfill riddled with toxic substances. The clean-up operation for the area spanned from 1987 until the middle of 2011, aided by financial contributions from companies such as Ford, 3M, GM, and Chrysler, which were identified as the primary polluters.

The extensive cleanup restored the park to its original state. Today, the park is primarily comprised of wetlands, forests, fields, and waterfalls. The name Cuyahoga Valley translates to “crooked river” in the Mohawk language. The total area of Cuyahoga Valley National Park is only 51 mi².

Regarding fauna, the park is home to smaller creatures. Alert observers might spot a raccoon, bald eagle, beaver, coyote, bat, or great egret. Approximately 80% of the park’s vegetation is a mixed forest of oaks, maples, birches, spruces, and pines. In addition to trees, Cuyahoga Valley harbors 90 species of grasses and flowers.

What to See and Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

If you enjoy hiking, or even just leisurely walking, you will find plenty to appreciate in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. While the shortest trail can be completed in just 15 minutes, you can spend up to 10 hours trekking the longest one. In winter, cross-country skiing is available. Below are some recommended trails—you can download the maps for them here:

• The Ledges Trail: Though only 607 ft long and entirely flat, it’s perfect for a warm-up and offers the most magnificent views of the entire park.
• Brandywine Falls: This 2 mi trail culminates with views of the falls. It is at its most beautiful in the fall, when it is blanketed in fallen leaves.
• Accessible Overlook: An observation deck located next to the parking lot.
• Blue Hen Falls: An 2,625 ft loop with smaller waterfalls.
• Bridal Veil Falls: Slightly larger falls best visited after heavy rainfall.

Another unique way to explore the national park is by train. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has stops at Rockside, Peninsula, and Akron stations. Check the linked website for the current schedule and fares. If you are a train enthusiast, this attraction should not be missed.

When to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open year-round, but certain areas of the park, such as Brandywine Falls and Kendall Lake, close overnight.

Cuyahoga Valley is one of those parks that can be recommended for a visit at almost any time of the year. As one might expect, most visitors come during the weekends from spring through fall, and in the summer, you may encounter crowds on the Towpath Trail. In the winter, a blanket of snow covers the park; if you have some cross-country or downhill skis, you can enjoy a pretty unique experience.

• Current Weather Forecast for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Average Temperatures and Visitor Numbers in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Average temperatures in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Visitor numbers are based on a 2017-2021 average. The data source is the National Park Service.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Entrance Fees

Admission to Cuyahoga Valley National Park is free.
However, if you plan to visit other national parks during your visit to the USA, read about the excellent value America the Beautiful. Pay $80, and you can visit America’s National Parks as often as you like over the course of 365 days.

How to Get to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The most convenient way to get there is by rental car, which offers complete freedom and flexibility. For your reference, I’ve included distances, driving times, and routes from major cities in the area:

Lodging in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

🏨 Hotels

Numerous hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodations are available in the cities of Cleveland and Akron, which border Cuyahoga Valley Park:

• View available lodging in Cleveland
• View available lodging in Akron

⛺ Campsites

There are no campgrounds within Cuyahoga Valley, unlike in other national parks.

Tips and Recommendations Before Traveling to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

ℹ️ Visitor Center

Starting your tour of Cuyahoga Valley National Park at the Boston Store Visitor Center is highly recommended. It is located in Peninsula, right off the exit from Highway 271. The center is open daily from morning until afternoon, and staff are available to answer your questions and assist with souvenir purchases from the park.

👍 Good to Know

A single day, or even just an afternoon, is typically sufficient to visit Cuyahoga Valley. In comparison to Yellowstone or Yosemite, it’s a smaller park with fewer noteworthy vistas.

• Official Cuyahoga Valley National Park website
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park Map

Photos of Cuyahoga Valley National Park