At a glance
Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Things to do: Arts and Culture · Craft Demonstrations · Cultural Demonstrations · Live Music · Biking · Mountain Biking · Fishing · Food · Picnicking · Hands-On · Citizen Science · Hiking · Horse Trekking · Horseback Riding
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. Tap one to log it in the app.In the app, tap one to log it.
Camping
Approximately 100 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (May – October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: May – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Spring's rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and visitors anxious to get out on the trail. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid. Dressing in layers is advisable. Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night.
Fall foliage often peaks in mid-October. Winter weather conditions can rapidly change due to the lake effect snow from Lake Erie. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero.
Pack for Cuyahoga Valley
Four things worth having for forest trails and afternoon showers. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Black Diamond daypack
Room for water, layers, snacks, and a first aid kit — nothing more.
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Marmot PreCip rain shell
Afternoon thunderstorms are a feature of the mountain West, not a bug.
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Salomon Speedcross trail runners
Grippy on slickrock and mud, light enough to forget about. I hike in these more than boots.
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EVERLIT mini first aid kit
Blister care and tweezers get used more than anything else.
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Entrance fees
Entry is Free.
Getting there
Nearest city: Cleveland, OH. Park center: 41.240°, -81.550°.
The park is easily accessible by car from all directions. A good place to start your visit is at Boston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 44264. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area. Car rentals are available at both airports. Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron.
Some local bus routes including RTA's 19A, 54, 77, and 90 routes stop near the park. There is an Amtrak station in downtown Cleveland.
Coming from a big city? See every park near Cleveland or Detroit.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Entry is Free. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
When is the best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley?
Peak season is May – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Spring's rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and visitors anxious to get out on the trail. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid. Dressing in layers is advisable. Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night.
Can you camp in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Yes — about 100 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Cleveland, OH is the nearest major city. The park is easily accessible by car from all directions. A good place to start your visit is at Boston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 44264. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area. Car rentals are available at both airports. Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron.
What are the best hikes in Cuyahoga Valley?
Popular trails include Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath (20.3 mi), Brandywine Falls Trail (1.8 mi), Ledges Trail (2.0 mi), Blue Hen Falls Trail (1.2 mi). The park has roughly 125 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.