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. — nps.gov
Cuyahoga Valley National Park at a glance
- State
- Ohio
- Established
- October 11, 2000
- Size
- 32,607 acres
- 2025 visits
- 3,025,325
- Busiest-park rank
- #11 of 63
- Entrance
- Free entry
Best time to visit
When is Cuyahoga Valley quiet?
Cuyahoga Valley is busiest in July and quietest in January. For a quieter visit outside the dead of the off-season, November is the quietest shoulder-season month, going by National Park Service visitor counts for 2021–2025.
In 2025 the park logged 3,025,325 recreation visits, the #11 busiest of the 63 national parks. Quiet months can also mean closed roads or facilities, so check current conditions before you go.
Crowd calendar, all 63 parks →Is Cuyahoga Valley open right now? →
Average visits by month
2021–2025 · NPS IRMAQuietest: JanuaryBusiest: July
Fees & passes
What it costs to visit Cuyahoga Valley
Cuyahoga Valley National Park charges no entrance fee.
From the NPS fees data, checked October 1, 2026.
Reservations · 2026
No park-wide reservation
The National Park Service lists no timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Campgrounds, tours and backcountry permits may still need booking, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
Things to do
Things to do in Cuyahoga Valley
- Go Mountain Biking in Cuyahoga Valley20-60 Minutes · All year
The East Rim Trail system has stunning views, varied terrain, exciting obstacles, and an element of adventure for intermediate mountain bikers.
- Let's Go Canalway Questing30-75 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Put your detective hat on! Quests are fun, self-guides hikes that help you explore the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Follow rhyming clues to hidden boxes. Sign the logbook and collect impressions of each hand-carved stamp.
Pets OK - Short Towpath Trail Walks30-60 Minutes · All year
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.
Pets OK - Visit Canal Exploration Center30-120 Minutes · Summer, Fall
Arrive by car, bike, or scenic railroad. Hands-on exhibits at this historic tavern and store bring the canal era to life. Lock demonstrations are offered seasonally. From here, you can stroll the Towpath Trail.
Pets OK - Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger1-3 Hours · All year
Learn how kids ages 3 and older can become Junior Rangers of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Pets OK - Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop1-2 Hours · All year
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.
Pets OK - Hike the Ledges Trail1-2 Hours · All year
The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
Pets OK - Hike to Blue Hen Falls from Boston1-2 Hours · All year
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.
Pets OK
Show all 18 things to doShow fewer
- Kid- and Autism-friendly Activities in the Everett Area1-3 Hours · All yearPets OK
- Pets OK
- Pets OK
- Pets OK
- Pets OK
- Pets OK
- Reservation/permitFeePets OK
- Reservation/permitFee
From the National Park Service (checked October 1, 2026). Each title opens its nps.gov page with current conditions.
By activity
- Arts and Culture26
- Biking44
- Birdwatching48
- Canoeing19
- Citizen Science17
- Craft Demonstrations3
- Cross-Country Skiing20
- Cultural Demonstrations12
- Fishing41
- Food46
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs25
- Hiking60
- Horse Trekking32
- Horseback Riding25
- Kayaking23
- Live Music5
- Living History8
- Mountain Biking7
- Paddling32
- Picnicking34
- Skiing23
- Snow Play17
- Snowshoeing24
- Stand Up Paddleboarding12
- Wildlife Watching53
The number shows how many of the 63 national parks offer each activity.
Weather
Weather at Cuyahoga Valley
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.
From the National Park Service.
Getting there
Getting to Cuyahoga Valley
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.
Boston Mill Visitor Center, Peninsula, OH, 44264 · Directions on nps.gov
Nearby
National parks near Cuyahoga Valley
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve236 mi~6 h drive (est.)
- Shenandoah National Park252 mi~6 h drive (est.)
- Indiana Dunes National Park287 mi~7 h drive (est.)
- Mammoth Cave National Park372 mi~9 h drive (est.)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park405 mi~10 h drive (est.)
- Gateway Arch National Park491 mi~12 h drive (est.)
Straight-line distance between park centers; drive times are rough estimates.
Closest big cities: Cleveland (16 mi) · Pittsburgh (101 mi) · Detroit (111 mi) · Columbus (115 mi)
Road trip
Cuyahoga Valley, New River Gorge & Shenandoah
3 parks, about 380 miles between them (~9 h of driving, estimated).
Cuyahoga Valley is the orange dot. Tap any park to tick it off your checklist.
Photos of Cuyahoga Valley National Park
FAQ
Cuyahoga Valley, quickly
- When is the best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
- If you want fewer people, go in November, the quietest shoulder-season month. July is the busiest month on average, and January the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.
- How much does it cost to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park has no entrance fee, according to the National Park Service. Some tours, campgrounds or permits may still cost money.
- Do you need a reservation for Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 2026?
- The National Park Service lists no park-wide timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Campgrounds, tours and some popular hikes may still need bookings, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
- What are some things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
- The National Park Service lists 18 things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including Go Mountain Biking in Cuyahoga Valley, Let's Go Canalway Questing, Short Towpath Trail Walks, Visit Canal Exploration Center, Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.
- When did Cuyahoga Valley National Park become a national park?
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park was established as a national park on October 11, 2000.
- What is the closest national park to Cuyahoga Valley?
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, about 236 miles away in a straight line (roughly 6 hours' drive, estimated).
Sources · 3
- 1.Cuyahoga Valley National Park — official site · National Park Service
- 2.NPS Data API — /parks (all park units) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
- 3.Cuyahoga Valley National Park — Visitor Use Statistics · National Park Service (IRMA)
About this page
Park facts, photos, fees and visitor counts come from the National Park Service (NPS Data API and Visitor Use Statistics), last checked October 1, 2026. Park'd is an independent app and is not affiliated with the National Park Service. For official, current information, visit nps.gov/cuva.
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