Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Summary Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. The roughly 33,000 acres of park feature free-flowing waterfalls, plenty of hiking trails, and a winding river. The forest and farmland landscape will feel like a secluded escape. Cuyahoga National Park is 1 of 423 national parks in the US and 1 of 8 in Ohio. Key Details When to go: The summer season is the busiest time of year for tourists, which means larger groups. The Fall is one of the most breathtaking seasons to visit because the abundant foliage will begin to change colors. Winter months in Ohio can be brutally cold, but can vary year to year. The Spring time is the best time of year for wildflowers, but is also the rainiest season. Permits that you might need: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, special use permits are being evaluated on a case by case basis. Click here for more information on these permits and special park uses. Top adventures to check out: Hike to Brandywine Falls, hike the Ledges Trail, hike Buckeye Trail to Blue Hen Falls, Walk/run the Furnace Run Trail, Bike the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Camping There is currently no camping within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are, however, nearby campsites within driving distance. Key Contact Information Main Visitor Center: (440) 717-3890 Emergency Contact: (440) 546-5945 Email for questions: cuva_info@nps.gov Mailing address: Cuyahoga Valley National Park 15610 Vaughn Road Brecksville, Ohio 44141 Pet Info Leashed pets are welcome at the park on over 100 miles of hiking trails as well as the Towpath Trail. Only service animals are allowed in park buildings and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Top Spots in and near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
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Novelty, Ohio
Hike to Ansel's Cave
1.5 mi / 100 ft gainThe beginning of the hike to Ansel's Cave starts at The West Woods parking lot next to the visitor center. From there, follow the signs noting the Ansel Cave Trail. About 1/4 mile along, the trail splits into two directions; one takes you on the more direct route to Ansel's Cave along a well main...Read more -
Willoughby Hills, Ohio
Snowshoe North Chagrin Reservation
4 miTake advantage of the abundance of snow in Northeast Ohio with snowshoeing! Only 30 minutes outside of Cleveland, the North Chagrin Reservation has snowshoe and pole rentals for use on any of its trails when there is more than 4 inches of snow on the ground. It is a beautiful hike through the sno...Read more -
Willoughby Hills, OhioScenic Loop Trail
4.01.68 mi / 210 ft gainScenic Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Willoughby, Ohio.Read more -
Grafton, Ohio
Indian Hollow Reservation
3.05 mi / 105 ft gainIndian Hollow Reservation is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Grafton, Ohio.Read more -
Alliance, Ohio
Hike Nelson Kennedy Ledges
5.01.5 mi / 40 ft gainStarting at the the parking lot off of OH SR 282, cross the road and you'll arrive at the base of the conglomerate cliffs that give the park its name. From there, follow the blue blazed trail to get the best views and overall experience of the park. The blue blazed trail follows the base of the c...Read more -
Massillon, Ohio
Sippo Valley Trail
9.64 mi / 361 ft gainSippo Valley Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Massillon, Ohio.Read more -
Mentor, Ohio
Hike the Headland Dunes
1 miFrom the parking lots at the far eastern end of Headlands Beach State Park, head to the sign for the Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve, and follow the trail marked with white painted T-posts. The trail is completely on sand, so it's a bit more strenuous than a normal hike due to the sand shift...Read more -
Thompson, Ohio
Hike into Hell Hollow
4.01 mi / 200 ft gainFrom the trailhead, follow the Beech Ridge Loop Trail to the stairs for a 1/4 mile to the stairs that descend down into Hell Hollow. The views back up the gorge of Paine Creek are beautiful, especially with the shale cliffside in view. The stairway down into the hollow proper is steep, so be prep...Read more -
Perry, Ohio
Hike the Shoreline-Lakeview Loop
1.2 mi / 80 ft gainStarting at the parking lot next to Lake Erie Bluffs brand new 50-foot tall lakefront observation tower, follow the yellow signs noting the Shoreline Trail, a 0.6 mile long trail that follows the beach of Lake Erie. The trail is relatively easy, although sections of it require climbing over drift...Read more -
Madison, Ohio
Hemlock Ridge Loop Trail
4.00.74 mi / 98 ft gainHemlock Ridge Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Madison, Ohio.Read more -
Youngstown, Ohio
Lanterman's Mill Trail
4.52 mi / 266 ft gainLanterman's Mill Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Youngstown, Ohio.Read more -
Youngstown, Ohio
Hike the Gorge Trail Loop
5.02 miThis is a lovely 2 mile hike along Mill Creek. We parked by Lake Newport and started off on the West Gorge Trail toward the Mill. The trail itself was decent, with some rough spots, but still hike able. Make sure you go down to the Creek before you head across the covered bridge to the East Gorge...Read more -
Geneva, Ohio
Camp at Geneva State Park
Swim in Lake Erie and then camp right next to the beach at Geneva State Park! Located an hour outside of Cleveland, Geneva State Park is a beautiful park with lots of outdoor activity options perfect for all kinds of groups. The Park offers boat access to the Lake through a six-lane boat ramp and...Read more -
Salem, Ohio
Explore the Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge
3.03 miHistory behind Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge: Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge was built in 1876. It was in use until 1992 and then later restored in 2003. There are over 125 historic wooden covered bridges in Ohio, and Teegarden Covered Bridge was proudly added to the National Register ...Read more
