Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Photo by Sukumar Shah


Just a short drive from bustling crowds and built-up cities is a haven of woodland walks and gorgeous waterfalls. 

Stroll along trails of maple and oak trees past dramatic high-sided gorges at Cuyahoga National Park. Relax at leafy picnic spots beside the river and marvel at cascading waterfalls. 

Head off along one of the forest paths beginning at the park’s visitor center. You will soon find yourself beneath a thick canopy of oak, birch and hemlock. Look for herons and ducks flying overhead and listen to the sound of water rushing along the winding river. 

The park features 70 waterfalls that momentarily bring the gentle river to a crashing roar. Perhaps the most impressive of these is Brandywine Falls, which can be viewed from the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) trail of the same name. Climb the path up a short rugged hill to a lookout before descending into an impressive rocky gorge. 

Elsewhere, walk sections of the Buckeye Trail which winds through the park and incorporates views of several sumptuous waterfalls. Pristine clear water plummets from a sandstone shelf at Blue Hen Falls while Bridal Veil Falls is a slanted rock surface that becomes particularly spectacular after heavy rain. 

Reenergize with lunch at one of the picnic tables along the idyllic river before you grab your bike and enjoy a relaxing cycle along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Running beside the charming waterway, this completely flat route is a great option for families with young children. If your legs tire before finishing, flag down the train that has several boarding stations along the trail as part of the Bike Aboard! program.

Try the park’s two scavenger hunts: Earthcaching uses a GPS to locate geological formations and questing provides clues to find hidden natural treasures. 

Cuyahoga National Park is in northeast Ohio, 22 miles (35 kilometers) south of Cleveland and 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of Akron. The park is open year-round and entry is free. Stop at the Boston Store Visitor Center near the park entrance for maps and information. Book guided walks and tours here as well. 

Find adventure, relaxation and affordable fun at U.S. national parks including Cuyahoga National Park.

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Top Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hotel Deals

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia
3 out of 5
268 East Highland Rd, Macedonia, OH
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia
Hot Tub, Walkable to CVNP, Private Waterfall Trail, Firepit
Hot Tub, Walkable to CVNP, Private Waterfall Trail, Firepit
Peninsula
Hot Tub, Walkable to CVNP, Private Waterfall Trail, Firepit
Luxury Barn with Best View in the Cuyahoga National Park.
Luxury Barn with Best View in the Cuyahoga National Park.
Peninsula
Luxury Barn with Best View in the Cuyahoga National Park.
Hidden Gem in the Valley!
Hidden Gem in the Valley!
Peninsula
Hidden Gem in the Valley!
Peninsula Paradise - Walk to Hiking & Shopping!
Peninsula Paradise - Walk to Hiking & Shopping!
Peninsula
Peninsula Paradise - Walk to Hiking & Shopping!
Quality Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
4742 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH
Quality Inn & Suites
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland - Richfield, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland - Richfield, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
5171 Brecksville Road, Richfield, OH
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland - Richfield, an IHG Hotel
Comfort Inn, Cleveland South - Richfield
Comfort Inn, Cleveland South - Richfield
2.5 out of 5
4860 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH
Comfort Inn, Cleveland South - Richfield
Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield/Cleveland
Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield/Cleveland
2 out of 5
4845 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH
Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield/Cleveland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.