A Metropolitan Preserve

The most urban National Park in the system, the Cuyahoga Valley has long been a retreat from city life for residents of Northeast Ohio. Originally a collection of nature parks, the region was affected by heavy industrial pollution in greater Cleveland and was plagued with contaminated soil and waterways. The area was protected in the 1970s to prevent the suburban sprawl from encroaching further on the lush valley, with the rural forests surrounding the Cuyahoga labeled a National Preserve and later designated as a National Park in 2000.

How to Get There

The best way to access Cuyahoga Valley is by car, although biking is also an option. The park is located in highly-developed Northeast Ohio, about 20 miles south of downtown Cleveland and 8 miles north of Akron.

Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport is the primary hub for the region, with flights all across North America. A bit closer is Akron-Canton Airport, which is utilized by some low-cost carriers and boasts direct flights to many East Coast and Midwest destinations. Both airports are approximately 30-40 minutes away from Cuyahoga Valley. There is no public transit access to the park.

Things to Do

Much of the park is easily accessible via its winding roads and extensive trail system. The Ledges Trail is one of the more popular hikes, a nearly 2-mile loop through a rugged forest landscape that is rich with geological history. As you trek through the woods, you’ll find yourself surrounded by large rock formations that are full of narrow gaps and slippery climbs.

Another busy trail through the park is the Canal Towpath Trail, running 20 miles along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal, which played a crucial role in the region’s development during the 19th century. Old locks and remnants of the once-busy canal can still be seen from the trail. At the Canal Exploration Center, visitors can dive into the history of the canal and its impact on Northeast Ohio.

Located along the canal is the historic Station Road Bridge, which spans the Cuyahoga River and provides a picturesque vantage point of the Brecksville-Northfield Bridge, a towering structure that carries OH-82 across the valley. Brecksville is also one of the stops along the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a 90-minute adventure train that hugs the riverbank. This is a unique, family-friendly way to enjoy the park without driving or hiking, with the train running from Rockside at the northern end of the park all the way down to the outskirts of Akron. Between the bridges, the train station and the river, the area near Brecksville makes for a postcard-worthy scene.

No visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park would be complete without seeing Brandywine Falls, the park’s most famous waterfall. With a drop of 86 feet, the falls are the tallest in the valley and are easily accessible via a short, well-maintained trail that leads to a viewing platform. The cascading water flows just below a small bridge that carries Brandywine Road and is a popular spot for visitors during the vibrant fall months.

A more serene experience can be had at Blue Hen Falls, a smaller water feature that offers a quieter alternative to the crowds at Brandywine. At just 15 feet in height, Blue Hen Falls may not have the same grandeur as its bigger sibling, but it makes up for it with its tranquil beauty. Located in the central part of the park, the falls are a 3-mile roundtrip hike from the Boston Mill Visitor Center.

Another serene location is the Beaver Marsh, a swampy area rich with wildlife and quiet trails. This peaceful wetland is home to a variety of animals, including beavers, muskrats, and a wide range of bird species. It’s easily accessible from the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, which crosses the marsh via a boardwalk.

What to Eat

Because it’s in such a developed part of Ohio, plentiful food options surround Cuyahoga Valley on all sides.

In the town of Richfield, located on the west side of the park, The Richfield Brewing Company offers a variety of platters paired with local beers. To the northeast, Pat Dees Pub and Spennato’s Ristorante & Pizzeria are some of the sit-down highlights in the town of Northfield.

Closer to the heart of the park is Fishers Cafe in Peninsula, a small village surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley boundaries. Elsewhere in town is the Peninsula Coffee House and Market and, for dessert, Country Maid Ice Cream. Chain restaurants are also prevalent in the area.

Where to Stay

Sandwiched in between Cleveland and Akron in the suburban townships, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is surrounded by sprawl that’s chock full of accommodation options.

Hotels:
– La Quinta Inn & Suites Cleveland Macedonia
– Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland/Twinsburg
– Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield Area

Bed & Breakfasts:
– The Inn at Brandywine Falls
– Shady Oaks Farm Bed and Breakfast