I find that Cuyahoga Valley is one of those love or love to hate national parks. If you’ve never been then it’s easy to look down on this smaller Ohio national park. For those who have tried some of the fun things to do at Cuyahoga Valley National Park it’s a different story.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Map
15 places to explore — click a pin to learn more
Cuyahoga Valley National Park at a Glance
3 alertsCuyahoga Valley is actually one of the more popular national parks with wealth of activities for everyone including kids, mobility-limited folks, and adventure-seekers alike. It’s one of the more family friendly parks, and its close proximity to surrounding cities makes it convenient to travel to and explore.
In this article I’ll cover all of the top things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park from a local’s perspective.
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During your visit to Cuyahoga Valley, you might hear a familiar sound in the distance: a train! That’s right, you can take a scenic train ride alongside the historic Erie Canal, directly through the park.
A lot of people ask if Cuyahoga is the only park to have train access (it’s not). Since national parks are protected, very few have active railroads running through them.
The train is just one of many things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National park, and we’ll cover plenty of other great things to do on your trip.
Things to Know Before Visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Entrance Fees
Guide Book
The Best Guide Book: There isn’t a lot of literature on Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but this handbook is the best one available.
Map
The Best Cuyahoga Valley Map: For a physical map you’ll have to stop by the park visitor center. In the meantime you can view it online here.
Sunscreen
Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which we prefer because it doesn’t have any of those harsh chemicals our friend the earth doesn’t like.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Cuyahoga Valley is in the Fall. Autumn brings a spectacular fall foliage display that lifts the scenery at the park to another level.
Where to Stay at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Looking for somewhere to stay? Here’s our favorite spot to stay when visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Hike one direction on the Towpath Trail and take the scenic railroad back. The railroad has bike-aboard service during season. This lets you do a one-way hike or bike ride (downhill with the river) and ride the train back to your car. It is the single best way to experience the park.
15. Beaver Marsh
Location: Ira Trailhead North
Why you’ll love it: Come for the boardwalk and tactile exhibits, stay for the charming local famer’s market.
Activity rating: Easy
Beaver’s Marsh is a fun detour off Ira Trailhead. One neat feature of this area is that it’s autism friendly. Both children and adults will gravitate towards the interactive and sensory-minded exhibits. In particular, there’s a tactile map of the area, as well as a large painted turtle statue.
The beavers, bullfrogs, and other abundant wildlife are active year round, but in the fall months, you can go right across the street to check out the Countryside Farmer’s Market. This is a great area to introduce the younger crowd to national parks, so consider adding this spot to your itinerary for Cuyahoga Valley.
Tip: There’s quite a few trading outposts throughout national parks, and proceeds help support conservation. Just don’t make the newbie mistake of buying something and having to carry it around all day. For maximum comfort and carefreeness on a day trip, we recommend a backpack like this one.
14. Boston Mill Visitor Center
Location: Corner of Riverview and Boston Mills Road
Why you’ll love it: Start your trip off with convenient access to trail heads, parking, and information.
Activity rating: Easy
Not every national park site has a convenient hub for access to the park, so Boston Mill is a great place to stop. Not only can you get information from park rangers and volunteers, but you can shop, grab a train, or set off for the nearest trailheads.
It may not appear as much, but the Boston Mill Visitor Center is somewhat beloved by park regulars. Perhaps it’s the train crossing, colonial style building, or picturesque bridge in the background. Stopping by Boston Mill Visitor Center is a good idea if you’re unsure of what activities to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park .
13. Take the Buckeye Trail to Blue Hen Falls
Location: Boston Trailhead, Buckeye Trail
Why you’ll love it: See Cuyahoga’s famous falls that are so stunning, they almost look designed by man.
Activity rating: Moderate
Check it out! See our complete guide to visiting Blue Hen Falls.
This challenging hike has a great payoff: the beautiful Blue Hen Falls. The falls tucked away at the end of this trail are absolutely remarkable. They feature the famous ledges seen throughout the park, with a gentle stream pouring into the pool framed by this rocky cove.
The unique amphitheater design of this feature makes it appear almost man made, but like many other things to do in Cuyahoga Valley, it’s all natural. The hike up to Blue Hen Falls is quite difficult, so be sure to keep that in mind. It gains over 500 feet in elevation, and isn’t recommended if it’s icy or rainy outside.
12. Red Lock Trailhead
Location: Highland Road
Why you’ll love it: See how nature is taking back what once was hers, and marvel at a pristine view of the night sky.
Activity rating: Easy
Red Lock trailhead and the corresponding trails it serves is sort of a hit or miss with park guests. Some see abandoned buildings and historical structures and yawn. Others, however, find fascination at how nature is slowly reclaiming areas once used for industrialization purposes.
Regardless, anyone will appreciate the immense clarity of the night sky viewable from this trail. In fact, stargazing is one of the most popular activities to do in Cuyahoga Valley . You’ll see many amateur astrologists with their telescopes propped up in the trailhead in the evening hours.
11. Buckeye Trail
Location: Miscellaneous
Why you’ll love it: Enjoy an unlimited variety of activities along this trail that stretches across the entire state.
Activity rating: Easy, Moderate, and/or Strenuous
Blue Hen Falls isn’t the only attraction you can find on Buckeye Trail. This state-wide trail is divided into a Northern and Southern portion, and both open up into a variety of offshoots and other things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Having so many trails that feed into one larger corridor is great, because it helps prevent every ranger’s worst nightmare: a lost park guest. Advanced hikers can pitch ahead to see some of Buckeye’s more dramatic lookout points, while more laidback hikers can use shorter, flatter trails to see what Cuyahoga has to offer.
Tip: Keep an eye out for buckeyes! These round seeds that resemble eyes can be found all throughout the trail. Just remember not to take any for yourself. It’s against park rules. Instead, try opting for a photo.
Beaver Marsh in the early morning or late afternoon is where the wildlife is. Beavers are most active at dawn and dusk. Great blue herons, kingfishers, and occasionally bald eagles hunt here. The boardwalk viewing area is right off the road, so it takes zero effort to check.
Top 10 Best Things to Do at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
10. Tinker’s Creek Aqueduct
Location: Canal Exploration Center
Why you’ll love it: An insta-worthy spot popular among park guests gets a modern twist.
Activity rating: Easy
Many people are surprised to hear that the Ohio and Erie canals are only four feet deep. Maintaining the water depth of a canal is no easy task, and even the smallest of storms can break barriers and flood the area.
The Tinker’s Creek aqueduct was engineered with the same principles used by the ancient Romans to help divert water flow. Unfortunately, it’s collapsed under pressure–more than once.
The most recent rebuild happened in the last decade, this time out of concrete. Although the aqueduct has changed locations a few times, it looks like this one is here to stay.
Now, it’s a popular photo op for many park guests. Add this spot to your list of activities to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park . It’s especially beautiful in the fall with the many colors from the changing trees.
9. Paddle the River Directly into Cleveland
Location: Lock 39, Valley View
Why you’ll love it: Enjoy brilliant foliage in the fall or a playful chorus of birds in the summer during your relaxing journey downstream.
Activity rating: Moderate
While Cuyahoga National Park doesn’t offer kayak rentals or other paddling amenities, it is one of the most popular things to do in Cuyahoga Valley. There’s a variety of river access points, including Red Lock, Buckeye, Boston Mill, and Towpath. Consider going a bit further out to start at Lock 39 in the nearby area of Valley View, however.
If you start here, you can enjoy a 12 mile water route that leads directly into Cleveland, Ohio. Not only is this convenient in terms of travel, but it also allows for a great comprehensive view of the entire park.
If you like fall foliage and dynamic waterfront views, Voyageurs National Park has plenty to offer.
We had a once in a lifetime experience to witness the majesty of Minnesota’s fall season in all its colorful splendor. Normally, this park is almost exclusively accessible via boat. But we’re bringing it directly to your phone, computer screen, or TV with our acclaimed short film.
Voyageurs National Park 8K (Visually Stunning 3min Tour)
With Cuyahoga’s stunning river and aquatic ecosystem, could the park stack up to the likes of Voyageurs and Isle Royale? Check out our acclaimed National Parks Ranked list to find out!
8. Take a Train out of Canal Exploration Center
Location: Canal Road, Valley View, OH
Why you’ll love it: An old village tavern gets a fresh new take with a recent renovation and interactive exhibits.
Activity rating: Easy
The Canal Exploration Center was unveiled to the public in 2014, but the building itself dates back to the 1800s. Once used as a tavern, this building was a resting spot for people traveling via water, rail, or foot.
Today, you can visit the center to learn more about Ohio’s heritage and historic canals. But if you add anything to your itinerary for Cuyahoga Valley, be sure to add a scenic train tour.
You can catch a train here, which circles around the canal’s many lock systems (and a beloved mule statue, named Blossom).
7. Take a Trot to Everett Covered Bridge
Location: Everett Road, Peninsula, OH
Why you’ll love it: This popular destination for horseback riders comes alive once a year for a spectacular dance festival.
Activity rating: Easy
There are plenty of activities to do in Cuyahoga Valley year round, especially at the Everett Covered Bridge. This is the preferred starting point for many riders on horseback, but you’ll also see a number of photographers, too.
The covered bridge is a fantastic photo op, especially given its legacy. In 1975, a storm wiped out Everett bridge, much to the dismay of avid park goers. They decided to band together and build a historically accurate replica, which you can see here today.
6. Wetmore Trail
Location: Wetmore Trailhead
Why you’ll love it: Enjoy a leisurely 1.5 hour trot with serene river views and convenient horse trailer access.
Activity rating: Moderate
One of the neatest things to do around Cuyahoga Valley is to ride horses on the trails, and not every national park allows this. But Cuyahoga’s staff seems to be a bit more laidback and attuned to rustic life, and Wetmore trail is a popular pick for horseback enthusiasts.
There’s a fascinating feeling you get when you take to the trails on horse, just like the early settlers of Ohio did years ago. You get to see the terrain just as they did, during the construction of the canals and the industrial revolution that came with them.
Brandywine Falls is a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, but the lot fills up on weekends by 10 AM. Arrive before 9 or go on a weekday. Blue Hen Falls nearby gets about a quarter of the traffic and is almost as good.
Top 5 Best Things to Do at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
5. Canalway Questing
Location: Miscellaneous
Why you’ll love it: This feature is so much fun, you’ll be asking yourself why it’s not at every national park!
Activity rating: Easy
Of all the things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National park, you absolutely have to put this one down, simply for the fact that it’s one of the few (if not only) national parks to have this. Canalway questing is a fun, interactive activity anyone can do alongside the canals.
Similar to geocaching, you travel the canal searching for the boxes hidden within the trail. Inside the box is a stamp for your guidebook, and the goal is to find every box.
The boxes also come with interesting tidbits about the ecosystems, history, and heritage of the canals, so it’s educational, too. People of all ages can enjoy this activity, and it’s especially exciting for younger ones.
4. See the Historic Buildings
Location: Everett Village
Why you’ll love it: Catch up on the rich historical background of Cuyahoga and its famous canals.
Activity rating: Easy
Before Cuyahoga earned its designation as a national park, the valley was a hub for agricultural and mercantile growth. The Ohio and Erie canal opened up a new world of possibilities for the state, and many famous figures came through these small crossroads.
Throughout the park you’ll find various historic cabins, barns, farms, and plenty of other interesting and rustic structures. All of these contribute to add a weathered charm to the park and its trails that’s all the better appreciated in the fall when they’re adorned in spectacular reds, yellows, and golds.
Of note, the Hunt House is both a trailhead and small museum featuring stories, photos, and memorabilia from the surrounding community, which includes the village of Everett. Its convenient location on the trailhead makes it a great place to “pitch camp” and rest for a while.
It’s also a good jumping off point for other things to do around Cuyahoga Valley, as it’s in close proximity to Towpath and Beaver Marsh.
3. Ledges Trail Hike
Location: Ledges Trailhead
Why you’ll love it: Compelling rock formations frame the views of Ledges Overlook.
Activity rating: Moderate and/or Strenuous
We’ve reached the top three things to do in Cuyahoga Valley, and NPS enthusiasts familiar with this park know that Ledges Trail is a guaranteed pick. The earth is riveted with facets of stone here.
Some describe it as being akin to a staircase, whereas say it looks more like a rough gemstone. Whatever you see it as, you’ll enjoy hiking your way through these natural staircases to reach Ledges Overlook.
If you’re not keen on the steep gains in elevation, there’s a more relaxed trail to follow (with a man made staircase that’s popular for taking pictures).
2. Towpath Trail
Location: Miscellaneous
Why you’ll love it: Challenge yourself with a stimulating jog alongside the Ohio and Erie canals, then relax on the way back with Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Rail.
Activity rating: Easy
You’ll find that the Towpath trail will compose quite a few days on your itinerary for Cuyahoga Valley, and for good reason. This 20 mile trail has several access points to popular trailheads, like Red Lock, Ira, Hunt House, and more. It’s the most accessible trail too, since it has a compacted limestone path that’s suitable for strollers, bikes, and more.
Follow the path that Cuyahoga’s beloved mules took while towing boats beside them in the canal. Towpath is also the only trail that has rentals for visitor convenience, including bikes, kayaks, and other equipment. It’s a good idea to plan your itinerary for Cuyahoga Valley around a trail like Towpath, since it’s the lifeline of the entire park.
1. Brandywine Falls
Location: Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, OH
Why you’ll love it: These vast falls will spark a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Activity rating: Easy
If you ask anyone for some good things to do around Cuyahoga Valley, Brandywine Falls will always be one of them. Hands down. A short hike from the parking area will take you to Brandywine gorge, where a 60 foot falls tumble into the pool below. If Towpath is the lifeline of the park, then Brandywine is the heart.
The power generated from this gorge sustained a small, growing community as it developed into a busy business hub. More than that, it was a place of inspiration, relaxation, and healing at the intersection of four small towns that would later become the cornerstone of America.
The hike to Brandywine is fairly easy, but rain or snow can make it more intermediate. Fortunately, there’s a paved trail that you can take to the viewpoint that’s wheelchair accessible.
Keep an eye out for any alerts in case of remodeling efforts or inclement weather; access can be cut off in some rare cases. Otherwise, try to fit this beautiful waterfall into your itinerary. You can’t say you’ve been to Cuyahoga without it.
Tip: You’ll definitely want to spend a few hours at Brandywine to take in the spectacular sight. Don’t let rain cut your time short. Pack a solid rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots to make sure you can enjoy your time out there!
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Historic Charm in Metro Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley was incorporated as a national park not only as a nod to its natural beauty, but to the busy community that developed within it. Hundreds of years ago, a small community consisting of a few towns made a decision that would change their lives forever: to open a canal.
Today, the Ohio and Erie canals are still visible, as are the paths that mules and carriages used to take alongside them to move cargo along. You’ll be just as delighted with the friendly staff and locals as you will with the beautiful falls and river.
A National Park Experience Like No Other
Cuyahoga Valley is a smaller park tucked right behind some of Ohio’s more recognizable cities. It’s a spellbinding retreat from city life, but stands alone as a destination for your next big trip.
The charm of the community and park staff will illustrate just how much this park means for the community, as well as what the valley did to make America what it is today.
- Brandywine Falls
- Towpath Trail
- Hike the Ledges Trail
- See the Historic Buildings
- Go Canalway Questing
- Explore the Wetmore Trail
- Take in Everett Covered Bridge
- Ride a Train Through the Park
- Paddle the river to Cleveland
- Explore Tinker Creek Aquaduct
- Hike Buckeye Trail
- Red Lock Trail
- See the Beautiful Blue Hen Falls
- Check out the Boston Mill Visitor Center
- Explore Beaver Marsh
That’s our list for the top 15 things to do in Cuyahoga Valley, but we know we missed one. Have you been? What was your favorite activity? Let us know in the comments below!
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Tips for Visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park (or any national park)
Permit Systems and Reservations
Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.
Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.
Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!
Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.
For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.
Practice Safety, Seriously
National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:
- Sticking to trails
- Checking the weather before going out on a hike
- Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
- Avoid ledges with steep drop offs
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing. Cuyahoga Valley has no entrance fee. The park is completely free to visit. The Scenic Railroad is a separate ticket, typically $13 to $40 or more depending on excursion and season.
Mid-May through June and late September through mid-October are the prime windows. Spring brings peak waterfall flow at Brandywine Falls and Blue Hen Falls. Fall foliage in October is the park's biggest draw and the reason the scenic railroad sells out weeks in advance.
No reservations or timed entry for the park itself. Scenic Railroad tickets should be purchased in advance, especially for fall foliage rides which sell out.
A half day to one full day covers Brandywine Falls, Beaver Marsh, and a railroad ride. Ideally spend 1 to 2 days to add biking the Towpath Trail, exploring Blue Hen Falls, and the historic Stanford Hostel area.
The nearest major airports are Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), about 30 miles north, and Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), about 25 miles south. Drive time from either is 30 to 40 minutes.
How to Get to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The nearest major airports are Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), about 30 miles north, and Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), about 25 miles south. Drive time from either is 30 to 40 minutes. I-77, I-271, SR-8, and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) all provide access. The main visitor center is Boston Mill Visitor Center at 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH.
What to Bring to Cuyahoga Valley
Gear we recommend for Cuyahoga Valley. Affiliate links support our work at no cost to you.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we actually use.
