Did you know there is a national park in Ohio? Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron but seems world away. It was first established as a National Recreation Area in 1974 and then earned its National Park designation in 2000. The park covers 33,000 acres of land along the Cuyahoga River and it’s a great place for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Must-Sees
The Boston Store Visitor Center is a great place to start your journey and ask questions of the park rangers. Inside there is a display on the history of the boats on the canal and you can pick up your map and park brochures here for your visit. The park is in the middle of towns and homes, so it will be helpful to have a map to get the lay of the land.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the oldest scenic tourist railroads in the country. It travels a little over 25 miles along the Ohio and Erie Canalway through the park and a round trip takes about two and a half hours. Purchase a National Park Scenic Day Pass that allows you to get on or off at any station throughout the day. While you ride you can listen to the audio tour (included in your ticket price) that tells stories of the valley and park history. Tip: Ride the train to the cute small town of Peninsula and have lunch at the Winking Lizard. There are also special events held on the train, with themed trips like the Polar Express and Murder Mystery rides!
One of the most popular things to do in the park is to walk or ride the Towpath Trail. This 20-mile hard-packed trail follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal route and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of the park. It passes the Canal Exploration Center, the Boston Store, and the Peninsula Depot. You can rent a bike from Century Cycles and get right on the Towpath Trail from their office.
Hike the Ledges Trail along the base of dramatic sandstone cliffs. The Ledges Loop is 2.2 miles round trip, gaining about 100 feet of elevation ass you pass limestone boulders, caves, and mossy cliffs. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction because the rocks can get slippery.
The Canal Exploration Center offers an immersive learning experience complete with interactive displays and tour guides. You will learn about the Ohio & Erie Canal, how the locks functioned, and how it impacted the people of the area. The building is an old tavern that used to serve passengers while they waited for their boats.
Brandywine Falls is the most dramatic waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A short walk along the boardwalk will take you to two viewing platforms for the 65-foot falls!
Lodging
There are two lodging options within the park, and there are also plenty of other hotel options in the nearby communities.
The Stanford House is a remodeled house that offers nine guest rooms, picnic grounds, and a self-service kitchen.
The Inn at Brandywine Falls is a 6-room bed & breakfast that is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been renovated and modernized but keeps its historic Greek-revival appearance.
There are several camping options in and near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park offers 5 primitive campsites that must be reserved ahead of your stay. Note that campsites are only available May through October.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
