Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Image credit: picture by RuggyBearLA licenced under Attribution License.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in northeastern Ohio, covers an area of approximately 33,000 acres. It is situated between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists.

The park holds significant historical background as it encompasses the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. This canal, built in the 1820s, played a vital role in the region's transportation and economic development. Visitors can explore remnants of the canal, including locks and towpaths, and learn about its impact on the area's history.

Within the park, there are plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular activity with over 125 miles of trails, offering diverse landscapes and picturesque views. The park also boasts numerous biking trails, providing opportunities for both leisurely rides and intense mountain biking experiences.

For those interested in wildlife observation, the park is home to a variety of species, including white-tailed deer, beavers, coyotes, and various bird species. Visitors can partake in birdwatching or take a leisurely walk to spot the park's inhabitants.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is also home to several waterfalls that add to its natural beauty. Brandywine Falls, with its 60-foot drop, is especially popular among hikers and photographers. The park offers scenic railway rides as well, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the park from a different perspective.

Nearby attractions include the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers excursions through the park, providing stunning views of the valley and the Cuyahoga River. The Blossom Music Center, an outdoor concert venue, frequently hosts performances by renowned artists, making it a favorite spot for music lovers. For history enthusiasts, the Hale Farm and Village offers a glimpse into the region's rural past with over 30 historic buildings and rich educational experiences.

Overall, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, history buffs, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to escape the bustling cities of Cleveland and Akron.

Location

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is nestled within the northeastern region of the state of Ohio. Spanning over 32,000 acres, this stunning park is located along the Cuyahoga River and is just a short distance from the cities of Akron and Cleveland. It is situated in the midst of the historic Western Reserve, encompassing parts of Summit and Cuyahoga counties. This geographic location blesses the park with a rich variety of landscapes, including serene forests, rolling hills, picturesque waterfalls, and breathtaking meadows. As a green oasis amidst the bustling urban environments, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a tranquil escape and a striking reminder of the natural beauty that can be found in the heart of the Buckeye State.

Address & Contact

Boston Mill Visitor Center
6947 Riverview Road
Peninsula, OH 44264
Driving Directions
Phone: 4407173890
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park would be in May or June. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures of around 71°F in May and 79°F in June. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this time is around 4.2 inches in May and 4.8 inches in June, providing a good balance between enjoyable weather and manageable rainfall. These months also see a moderate number of visitors, avoiding the large crowds that can be present in July and August.

Things to do and learn in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park are: Food Picnicking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Hiking Fishing Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Snow Play Snowshoeing Mountain Biking Citizen Science Cultural Demonstrations Live Music Stand Up Paddleboarding Craft Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Animals Birds Geology Arts Industry Native American Heritage Transportation Tragic Events River and Riparian Trails Water Trails Colonization and Settlement Watersheds African American Heritage Women's History Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Lakes Waterfalls Wetlands Deciduous Forests Mills Canals Trains and Railroads Music Farming and Agriculture

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Hunt House

Hunt House offers child-friendly nature exhibits, a rest area along the Towpath Trail, and information about nearby attractions. Hunt House is open seasonally as staffing allows. Restrooms stay open even when Hunt House is closed.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Hunt House.

Campsites within or near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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Norwood Inn Hudson - Akron North

Located in Hudson, Norwood Inn Hudson - Akron North is connected to the convention center, within a 15-minute drive of MGM Northfield Park and Hudson Springs Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. This hotel has 6 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 6625 Dean Memorial Parkway, Hudson, Ohio 44236
Web: Link

Motel 6 Richfield, OH

With a stay at Motel 6 Richfield, OH in Richfield, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Sleepy Hollow Golf Course and Furnace Run Metro Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5171 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, Ohio 44286
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia

Located in Macedonia, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia is in the suburbs, within a 5-minute drive of Fun 'n' Stuff and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 268 East Highland Rd, Macedonia, Ohio 44056
Web: Link

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Macedonia, OH

Located in Macedonia, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Macedonia, OH is a 2-minute drive from Fun 'n' Stuff and 6 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7820 Capital Blvd, Macedonia, Ohio 44056
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield Area

Located in Richfield, Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield Area is in a state park, a 3-minute drive from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and 8 minutes from Boston Mills Ski Resort. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, an elevator, and coffee/tea in a common area. Planning an event in Richfield? This hotel features 300 square feet (28 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4845 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, Ohio 44286
Web: Link

Knights Inn Macedonia

With a stay at Knights Inn Macedonia in Macedonia, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Windmill Golf Center and Sky Zone Boston Heights. Featured amenities include express check-in, an elevator, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 240 East Highland Road, Macedonia, Ohio 44056
Web: Link

Baymont by Wyndham Boston Heights/hudson

Located in Hudson, Baymont by Wyndham Boston Heights/hudson is in a national park, within a 10-minute drive of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Boston Mills Ski Resort. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a business center, and express check-in. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 6731 Industrial Parkway, Hudson, Ohio 44236
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland - Richfield, an IHG

Located in Richfield, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland - Richfield, an IHG Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of Sleepy Hollow Golf Course and Furnace Run Metro Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Richfield? This hotel has 700 square feet (65 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5171 Brecksville Road, Richfield, Ohio 44286
Web: Link

Budget Inn Hudson

With a stay at Budget Inn Hudson in Hudson, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Sky Zone Boston Heights. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5891 Akron Cleveland Rd, Hudson, Ohio 44236
Web: Link

Peaceful Country Living Pet Friendly

With a stay at this vacation home in Richfield, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Furnace Run Metro Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 3624 Brush Rd, Richfield, Ohio 44286
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-06-23Current East Rim Trail Status: Open
As of Tuesday, June 16, 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. More
2026-02-05National Park Service seeks volunteers
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is hosting a volunteer open house on Saturday, February 28 at Happy Days Lodge in Peninsula. Attendees can find out more about various volunteer opportunities. More
2025-09-29National Park Service to conduct prescribed fires
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires at four locations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, when conditions allow, between October 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. NPS will burn a total area of approximately 198 acres. More
2025-07-10National Park Service and Summit Metro Parks Partner for New Cuyahoga River Access
On July 10, 2025 Cuyahoga Valley National Park opened a new access location along the Cuyahoga River, in partnership with Summit Metro Parks. More
2025-02-20National Park Service to temporarily close Towpath Trail section to install new Brandywine Creek culvert
Cuyahoga Valley National Park will temporarily close the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Red Lock Trailhead and Brandywine Creek from Monday, March 3, to Friday, May 2, 2025. More
2025-01-17National Park Service seeks volunteers
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is hosting a volunteer open house on Saturday, February 8, 1-3:30 pm at Happy Days Lodge. Attendees can find out more about a variety of open opportunities. More