Photo:
Dougtone / CC BY-SA 2.0
Cuyahoga Valley is an unexpected pocket of nature between Cleveland and Akron, a green corridor of forests, waterfalls, wetlands and rolling farmland along the winding Cuyahoga River. Once heavily industrialized, the reborn valley now offers waterfalls like Brandywine, the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, and a beloved scenic railroad, all within easy reach of millions of people.
The park follows the Cuyahoga River as it winds through a broad valley of deciduous forest, ravines and waterfalls, restored wetlands, and pockets of preserved farmland. It is a recovering landscape, a river once infamous for pollution now clean enough to draw herons, beavers and river otters, and a haven for birds and wildlife amid a dense urban region.
Spring brings wildflowers and full waterfalls, summer offers lush green and full services on the railroad and trails, and fall lights the valley in color, the most popular season. Winter is quiet and often snowy, good for cross-country skiing and sledding, with the waterfalls sometimes frozen into ice sculptures.
The park sits right between Cleveland and Akron, easily reached off I-77 and I-80 and a web of local roads, with many access points. The Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad run the length of the valley (you can even ride the train one way and bike back), making it one of the most accessible national parks.
See Brandywine Falls from its boardwalk, hike the Ledges and Blue Hen Falls trails, and walk or cycle the flat, historic Towpath Trail. Ride the scenic railroad, watch for birds in the Beaver Marsh, tour the historic canal locks and farms, and enjoy winter sports when the snow falls.
Trails near waterfalls and the river can be slippery, so stay on marked paths and behind railings. Ticks and poison ivy are common in the warm months, summer can be hot and humid, and winter paths turn icy. Carry water, use repellent, and wear appropriate footwear for the season.
There is no entrance fee, but the scenic railroad and some programs are ticketed and popular, so book ahead. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report; always confirm current hours, railroad schedules and closures with the National Park Service before your trip.
Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.
