Ledges in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Photo: Niagara66 via Wikimedia Commons
Located on the banks of the Cuyahoga River, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park covers a vast expanse of 33,000 acres. You’ll find evergreen and deciduous forests, a variety of tributaries, and hills and ravines to traverse in this natural haven in northern Ohio. Here’s a brief overview to help you plan a road trip to the park.
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Best months to visit
Spring is the perfect time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Photo: Pixabay
The park is least crowded in January and February. So if you can brave the cold temperatures and want to catch a glimpse of some frozen waterfalls and streams, this can be a great time to visit. As you might expect, the park is most crowded with tourists in July and August when temperatures are warmer. So, spring and fall are good seasons to explore the park. Be aware that some areas of the park close at dusk, so plan your hiking and activities accordingly.
Admission is free so you won’t need a parking pass as you do at some other national parks. Printed maps are available at the Boston Mill Visitor Center in the center of the park, though you can also download them via the NPS website. Trails are grouped into a variety of regions, based on which attraction you want to see during your hike: Brandywine Falls Area, Kendall Lakes Area, Ledges Area, Boston Run, Everett Area, Wetmore Area, Oak Hill and Plateau, Tree Farm, Station Road Bridge Area, and Cuyahoga Valley.
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Where to go and what to do
Brandywine Falls makes a fantastical backdrop for any selfie
Photo: Niagara66 via Wikimedia Commons
The 65-foot Brandywine Falls is one of the park’s most popular attractions. Nature enthusiasts will want to check out Beaver Marsh for a chance to spot local fowl and other wildlife. The Ledges and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail are two other draws.
Besides hiking, you can also explore the park via bicycle. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are a few other popular recreations. If you want a more low-key adventure while still absorbing the park’s scenic views, take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The entire train loop takes about three hours to ride, though you can hop on and off at certain stops if you want.
Where to stay
The park has a few different options if you prefer to overnight on the park grounds. Reserve a camping spot if tenting is your preferred type of lodging on road trips. Though, if you want more modern comforts, book a room at one of the lodges located within the park: the Inn at Brandywine Falls and the Stanford House.
Wildlife to look out for
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to diverse creatures, including 56 butterfly species as well as Great Blue herons, bats, beavers, foxes, coyotes, deer, raccoons, possums, chipmunks, squirrel, and other small mammals.
Whitney Russell is a current resident of Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not adventuring through the exciting world of car news, she can be found hiking with her husband and their two dogs, motorcycling, visiting nephews and nieces, discovering new memes, thrifting, decorating, crafting, woodburning, researching random things, and escaping into a great movie. See more articles by Whitney.
