National Park · Midwest · OH
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
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.
Current alerts
InformationCurrent East Rim Trail Status: Open
As of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the East Rim Trail System remains open. For more information, visit the website linked below. In good conditions the mountain bike trails are open 6 am-11 pm for bikers and as posted for other trail users. In wet or hazardous conditions, the trail will close to all users to prevent damage. Be flexible; conditions may change throughout the day.
Park ClosureTowpath Trail Improvements
Hunt House Trailhead to north end of Beaver Marsh boardwalk closed from Monday, August 17 at 7 am to Friday, September 18 at 5 pm. Weekdays only, open on weekends. Beaver marsh open and accessible via Ira Trailhead. Boston Trailhead to Lock 29 in Peninsula: August 24–November 20, 2026 and March 29–April 21, 2027.
InformationExpect Crowding
Parking lots and popular destinations are crowded especially on weekends and days with warm weather between 10 am and 3 pm.
CautionVehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
Car break-ins in Cuyahoga Valley have tripled since 2022, resulting in theft of personal items like credit cards. Do not leave valuables in your car. As a last resort, lock items in your trunk before arriving. Thieves target parking lots regularly.
Location
41.2609, -81.5712
Key trails & viewpoints
Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop
<p>Take as much time as you need for this hike. We recommend one to two hours for the shorter routes. Longer routes from alternate starting locations may take more time.</p>
The Brandywine Gorge Loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning views of Brandywine Falls along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
Hike the Ledges Trail
<p>Take as much time as you need for this hike. We recommend one to two hours for the shorter routes. Longer routes from alternate starting locations may take more time.</p>
The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
Find the Best Fall Colors in Cuyahoga Valley
Leaf peepers, grab your cameras! Here are our tips for where to find Cuyahoga Valley’s best fall colors throughout October.
Hike to Blue Hen Falls from Boston
<p>Take as much time as you need for this hike. The roundtrip hike typically takes about 1-2 hours.</p>
Blue Hen Falls is a popular hike-in destination in the Boston area. Hikers can reach the waterfall via the Buckeye Trail from Boston Mill Visitor Center. Learn more about this popular hilly hike.
Short Towpath Trail Walks
Take as much time as you need for these walks. To do them all, we recommend spreading them out over one or two days.
These short walks along the Towpath Trail explore many highlights of the valley’s lowlands. They are recommended for people who have mobility disabilities, are visiting with children, or have limited time.
Find Spring Wildflowers in Cuyahoga Valley
Searching for wildflowers is a great way to connect with nature and stay active in spring. Discover what’s blooming along park trails.
Hours & fees
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open everyday, 24 hours a day with the following exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Ledges, Octagon, Kendall Lake, and Kendall Hills close from dusk until morning opening.
| Monday | All Day |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
No entrance fee is charged at this park.
Activities
- Arts and Culture
- Craft Demonstrations
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Live Music
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Hands-On
- Citizen Science
- Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
- Living History
- Paddling
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snow Play
- Snowshoeing
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs