Cuyahoga Valley National Park Travel Guide

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a quaint and relaxing park to visit. With both winter and summer activities, you can enjoy this park all year long. Learn about the fascinating history at the new Boston Mill Visitor Center. Or walk the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Easily accessible by car, and free to enter, here are my favorite things at the park and some travel tips!

Where To Find It

Cuyahoga is nestled between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, a retreat from the urban life of northern Ohio. This area was once a polluted River, but thanks to the local community, it now shines as a haven through the valley. Keep an ear, and even an eye out for the great blue heron as it flies over the hunting grounds. Cuyahoga is a Native American name for ‘Crooked Rover’ or ‘place of the jawbone’ and is open all year long.

Where To Stay

There are five primitive campsites within the park, available May-October. (Pro-tip: bring water). There are also campsites available outside the park. Cuyahoga Valley does not have parking spaces designated specifically for RVs. However, RVs can be parked in the RV and Trailer Parking area across from Boston Mill Visitor Center.

The park is close enough to Cleveland or Akron for a day trip. Either of these two cities will have more than enough hotel options.

If you want to stay directly in the park, check out The Inn at Brandywine Falls. Built in 1848, this county home has six individual rooms and offers a delicious breakfast.

Where To Eat

Being a small park, there are not many food options. But, there are two Trail Mix stores within the park. Peninsula offers a mid-park location to stop along the Towpath Trail for food. Merriman Valley in the City of Akron has restaurants near the Towpath Trail south of the park. Valley View has restaurants near the Towpath Trail north of the park.

Another fun option would be a food tour in Cleveland! It is a great way to explore the city and experience great food along the way!

If you don’t wish to leave the park throughout the day, pack a picnic lunch! Picnic areas are scattered throughout Cuyahoga Valley. Some provide grills, and all have tables. First-come, first-serve basis.

Climate And Best Time To Go

Ohio’s only National Park – Although it is more alive and green in the spring and summer, December is a great time to visit if you wish to avoid crowds. We were lucky enough to see some snow on the ground, but thankfully it was warm enough to walk around with a light jacket.

Spring’s rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and more visitors excited to visit the park. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid. I highly recommend dressing in layers. Fall temperatures can range from the low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Fall foliage often peaks in mid-October. Winter weather conditions can rapidly change due to the lake-effect snow from Lake Erie. Temperatures vary from the mid-30s to below zero.

Bucket List Activities

It may be small, but there are countless fun activities to experience in Cuyahoga. Follow the park’s main trail on the Ohio and Erie Canal. Boats pulled by mules once ran next to this trail. Now an ideal path for hikers and cyclists. Speaking of biking paths, try the historical Towpath Trail. If you want to experience a moderate hike, try the Old Carriage Trail – a 5.3-mile trail featuring forest ledges, streams, and a 500-foot ravine. Explore Tinkers Creek or kayak down the winding Cuyahoga River. And even catch a concert at the Cuyahoga Valley Conservancy. Here are a few more top things to do:

Winter Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, snowshoeing, or Snow Tubing.

Summer Activities: Explore the Great Blue Heron nesting area, fishing, backpacking, or golfing.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Experience an old-school iron carriage as it chugs along the Railroad. The track runs from Akron to Independence OH and right through the heart of the park. For the more expensive ticket, catch the beauty of the park from a glassed-topped dome. The round-trip takes around 3 1/2 hours.

Beaver Marsh

Yes, this is exactly what you are thinking. Beaver Marsh is the perfect place to watch for not only beavers but otters and muskrats as well!! We were so disappointed to not spot any, as they were happily taking their winter nap. In the springtime, you will find this marsh hopping with wildlife – including turtles, birds, and herons.

Kendall Lake

Kendall Lake is the perfect place to have a picnic lunch! Enjoy this serene area and soak in nature’s beauty. Need to stretch your legs? Take a walk around the lake to discover the enchanting views of the park.

Instagram Worthy Spots

Ledges Trails

This is my second favorite place in the park! This unassuming 2-mile hike leads to the most stunning geological phenomenon. Feel as if you are in the Lord of the Rings movie as you walk through this magical forest. Climb through the different ledges and even catch a glimpse of Ice Box Cave. And of course, don’t forget to snap those Insta shots!

Brandywine Waterfall

A perfect way to end the day is seeing the Brandywine Waterfall. This pretty spill of ice-cold water sits nestled in a wooded area. Climb down the 1.5-mile boardwalk to view the magnificent falls! There is three main lookout viewing points, and all are amazing! Be careful in the winter, the boardwalk can be icy!

Although it is not as magnificent as some of the National Parks out West, Cuyahoga Valley offers some great wildlife spotting and great hiking trails! It is the perfect park for a day trip just perfect for a day out in nature!

Thank you for reading!

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