National Park Guide

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio, US

A green ribbon of forested valleys, waterfalls, and winding rivers nestled between Cleveland and Akron.

32,572

Acres

125

Trails

2000

Established

2.8 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

Free

Nearest Airport

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), 30 minutes

Best Months

May, June, October

Highlights

Brandywine Falls
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Blue Hen Falls
Ledges Trail

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Brandywine Gorge Trail

Moderate

1.5 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Blue Hen Falls Trail

Easy

1.0 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Ledges Trail

Moderate

2.2 miles loop

260 ft gain

Stanford Trail

Easy

1.2 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Buckeye Trail

Strenuous

8.0 miles round trip

500 ft gain

About Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves 33,000 acres of natural beauty along the Cuyahoga River between two of Ohio's largest cities. The park features dramatic waterfalls, rolling hills, and the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, making it one of the most visited national parks in the country.

In-Depth Guide

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Top trails, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for exploring Ohio's river valley park between Cleveland and Akron.

12 min read

Weather Overview

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Hotels

3 options near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn

A 3-star Hilton hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, Beaus Grille restaurant, and a location just 15 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the University of Akron.

15 min drive$120-200/night

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Hampton Inn Stow

A clean and comfortable hotel just off Route 8 in Stow, offering complimentary hot breakfast, an indoor pool and spa, and close proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Blossom Music Center.

10 min drive$110-170/night

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Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland/Independence

A well-located Hilton property in Independence offering free breakfast, an indoor pool, and quick access to both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and downtown Cleveland attractions.

15 min drive$120-190/night

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Compare Cuyahoga Valley National Park

See how Cuyahoga Valley National Park stacks up against other national parks

Cuyahoga Valley National Park vs Indiana Dunes National Park

Choose Indiana Dunes for sandy beaches, dune landscapes, and surprising biodiversity near Chicago. Choose Cuyahoga Valley for scenic river trails, waterfalls, and a more traditional nature escape.

See full comparison