Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, United States of America

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located between Cleveland and Akron in Ohio, is a unique national park that preserves the rural landscape along the Cuyahoga River. Unlike many national parks featuring dramatic wilderness, this 33,000-acre park showcases the beauty of the American Midwest with its rolling hills, lush forests, scenic waterfalls, and historic canal towpath. The park is home to the famous Brandywine Falls, numerous hiking and biking trails, and the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail that runs for 87 miles through the heart of the park. What makes Cuyahoga Valley National Park special is its accessibility and blend of natural beauty with cultural history. Visitors can explore everything from pristine wetlands and meadows to historic buildings, working farms, and charming small towns within the park boundaries. The park offers year-round recreation opportunities, from hiking and biking in warmer months to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

Top Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Hiking the Brandywine Falls Trail

This easy 1.5-mile loop trail leads to the park's most iconic feature, the 65-foot Brandywine Falls. The boardwalk viewing platform provides spectacular views of the waterfall cascading over sandstone ledges. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, making it perfect for families and photographers.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed, free access year-round. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as boardwalks can be slippery when wet.

Biking the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

This historic 87-mile trail follows the route of the original Ohio & Erie Canal through the park. The flat, crushed limestone surface is perfect for biking, walking, or jogging while experiencing the area's canal heritage. Lock 29 Trail offers a shorter 1.5-mile option for those wanting a quick ride.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals available at Century Cycles locations near the park for $30-50/day. Trail is free to use, open dawn to dusk. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with fall foliage being particularly spectacular.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

This vintage train offers scenic rides through the national park aboard restored passenger cars from the 1940s and 1950s. The railroad provides unique perspectives of the Cuyahoga River valley, forests, and farmlands while offering themed excursions throughout the year including holiday trains and wine tastings.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $20-60 depending on excursion type. Book online in advance, especially for popular themed rides and fall foliage tours. Coach seating is comfortable, but first-class options include snacks and beverages.

Exploring Hale Farm & Village

This living history museum within the park recreates life in 19th-century rural Ohio through costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and hands-on demonstrations. Visitors can watch blacksmithing, glassblowing, and other traditional crafts while exploring authentic period structures moved from throughout the Western Reserve region.

Booking Tip: Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children. Open seasonally May through October, weekends only in spring and fall. Special events like Civil War reenactments and harvest festivals require separate tickets that sell out quickly.

Winter Sports and Cross-Country Skiing

When snow covers the park, it transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. The Kendall Hills area offers groomed trails for skiing, while the towpath provides excellent snowshoeing opportunities along the frozen canal route.

Booking Tip: Equipment rentals available at local outdoor shops for $15-25/day. No fees for trail access. Best conditions typically December through February, check park website for snow reports and trail conditions before visiting.

Getting There

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is easily accessible by car, located along Interstate 77 and State Route 8 between Cleveland and Akron. The park has multiple entrances and visitor centers, with the main Canal Exploration Center located in Valley View. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is about 30 minutes from the northern sections of the park, while Akron-Canton Airport serves the southern areas. Public transportation options are limited, though the Greater Cleveland RTA connects to some park areas, and the scenic railroad provides transportation between certain park locations.

Getting Around

A personal vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the park, as attractions are spread across 33,000 acres with multiple access points. The park has several visitor centers and parking areas connected by scenic drives like Riverview Road and Akron-Peninsula Road. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a unique transportation option between Peninsula, Boston, and other stops within the park. For those staying in nearby communities, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail provides car-free access to many park features, and bike rentals are available at several locations.

Where to Stay

Peninsula

Hudson

Brecksville

Cuyahoga Falls

Akron

Cleveland

Food & Dining

The charming village of Peninsula, located within the park, offers several dining options including the Winking Lizard Tavern for casual American fare and Fisher's Cafe & Pub for comfort food and local beers. The nearby town of Hudson features upscale dining options and farm-to-table restaurants that showcase Ohio's agricultural heritage. Within the park itself, dining options are limited to seasonal concessions at some visitor centers and aboard the scenic railroad. Many visitors enjoy picnicking at designated areas throughout the park, and the surrounding communities of Brecksville, Cuyahoga Falls, and parts of Cleveland and Akron offer everything from family restaurants to fine dining establishments.

When to Visit

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and moderate temperatures perfect for hiking, while summer (June-August) offers lush greenery and warm weather ideal for all outdoor activities. Fall (September-November) is arguably the most spectacular time, with brilliant autumn foliage painting the valley in vibrant colors - peak foliage typically occurs in early to mid-October. Winter (December-March) transforms the park into a snowy landscape perfect for cross-country skiing and winter photography, though some facilities have limited hours or seasonal closures.

Insider Tips

Download the NPS Cuyahoga Valley app for self-guided tours and real-time trail information

Visit the Boston Store Visitor Center to learn about the area's canal history and pick up detailed trail maps

Combine a scenic railroad ride with hiking by taking the train to one station and hiking back along the towpath to your starting point

Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park