How to Plan One Day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

I’ll admit that I didn’t have super high expectations for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only national park in Ohio. 

We had only just begun a concerted effort to see all of the national parks across the country, and this one was on our way to a New England road trip. Certainly, it couldn’t compete with the biggies we’d already spent time in. 

That included the hoodoos and bristlecone pines of Utah’s Mighty 5, the waterfalls of Yosemite, and the impressive views of the Grand Canyon.

Those are all a big deal, but I was being unfair.

I wasn’t seeing Cuyahoga Valley for what it is: an accessible, hyper-local escape from nearby Cleveland and one of my favorite surprises in our national park adventures. 

You don’t need a ton of time here, either. A full day is great. This Cuyahoga National Park itinerary will get into what we were able to fit in with one day in the park.

Is Cuyahoga Valley National Park worth visiting?

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is worth visiting as an excellent example of an urban national park.

Those familiar with the park know that it boasts varied terrain across a small area, easy access to waterfalls, birdwatching, and other wildlife-spotting. You’ll also have access to hiking trails at all skill levels.

Here’s an added bonus: The park is FREE! You won’t even need your park pass for this one. (If you’re traveling to other parks this year, an annual America the Beautiful pass is usually the most economical.)

How much time do you need in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

You really only need a day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With a full day in the park, you can fit in a long hike and the main highlights and you’ll still never feel like you’re in a rush.

That’s not a knock at the park, though. That’s what makes this one so accessible as far as outdoor adventures in the region.

The Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The best seasons to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park are spring and fall. The weather is perfect for hiking, and you’ll either get blooming wildflowers or fall foliage during those times.

Winter can mean temperatures below zero and lake effect snow from Lake Erie.

Fun fact: If you’ve ever visited anywhere near the Great Lakes in the cold months — that includes Chicago in winter — you know the powder’s no joke when the wind hits just right. 

Summertime is fine as long as you prepare. Bring lots of water and sunscreen, and start your day early. It can get quite humid in this part of the country. Bring insect repellent no matter when you go, especially if you plan on hiking in the park in the early evening.

How to Get to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

You can get to Cuyahoga Valley National Park in a short drive from Cleveland (35 minutes) or Akron (20 minutes). Once you’re there, you’ll need your car to navigate the park.

You can drive through Cuyahoga Valley National Park along Riverview Road. This scenic drive, also known as County Road 9, is 20 miles long and cuts right through the park.

READ MORE: Starting in Cleveland? Steal my guide for all of our favorite things to do while you’re there.

How to Spend a Day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

You can spend one day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park like this:

• Start at the Boston Mill Visitor Center.
• Hike the Ledges Trail.
• See the view from the Ledges Overlook.
• Hike the Pine Grove Trail.
• Check out the Everett Covered Bridge.
• Try to find beavers at the Beaver Marsh.
• Visit Brandywine Falls.

We found one day to be enough time here, but if you’re based in nearby Akron or Cleveland, you can easily find more things to do in the Cuyahoga Valley.

I don’t include food stops here as we’re usually packing a lunch when we’re exploring national parks. I’d recommend you do the same with some sandwiches and snacks from wherever you start.

Otherwise, there are two Trail Mix shops in the park with snacks, but they may have seasonal hours.

Stop 1: Boston Mill Visitor Center

The visitor center wasn’t open yet on our visit to the park, but as it’s billed as a “state-of-the-art” experience, I’ll recommend you start there. 

Visitor centers from the National Park Service (NPS) are a great way to get a historical and cultural perspective of where you are. They’re also a great way to learn about park closures and any recommended hikes you may not already know about.

You’ll find the visitor center on the corner of Riverview Road and Boston Mills Road.

Note: You may see the Boston Store Visitor Center on some apps. This is a retail shop, not the visitor center for the park. If you need provisions, you can pop in as you like. Just keep in mind that it’s along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, so watch for speedy bike traffic.

Stop 2: Ledges Trail

If you’re not that into hiking, do this trail. If you’re short on time, do this trail. If you want a lot of bang for your buck, hit the Ledges Trail.

This is considered the best hiking trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It may be because it’s short and easy at just under two miles, but mostly because it’s all kinds of scenic.

You’ll pass by what I assume are the “ledges,” moss-covered rocky terraces with what I call hidey-holes throughout for critters and small children.

It’s also a loop trail, which Brian loves. You know there are times when you’re out there enjoying nature and the out-and-back trail you’re on is just so-so. This isn’t that. 

The scenery is constantly changing.

Note: I suggest going in a clockwise direction, meaning you’ll take your first right when you see the first signage for the Ledges Trail. You’ll be scrambling less that way, and the hike is even easier in that direction.

While you’re having your nature walk, look for a spur trail to the Ledges Overlook. We were spoiled with a clear day and blue skies, but I imagine it’s even better when the leaves are a bit deeper into what’s known as “the change.” That’s autumn, folks.

You’ll also pass by the Icebox Cave, now blocked off to keep the bats in there safe from us humans. That didn’t stop the renegade Gatorade bottle from being in there during our visit.

Stop 3: Ledges Overlook

If you’re already hiking the Ledges Trail, you’ll catch this overlook anyway. (Return to the hike info above if you missed it.)

If you can’t or don’t want to hike, you can check out the views by parking at the same trailhead and following a short trail into the woods from the lot. It’s about 600 feet from the lot to the view.

Stop 4: Pine Grove Trail

While you’re visiting the Ledges, you may as well tackle the Pine Grove Trail, too. Another loop, this one is just under two miles roundtrip with little elevation gain.

You can take this one from the Pine Grove Trailhead or connect to the loop along the Ledges Trail for a longer hike.

This one boasts less foot traffic than the Ledges Trail, so if you’re quiet, you may have a better chance at wildlife like deer, foxes, or a variety of local shrews.

I’m talking about the local small mammals, not badly behaving tourists.

READ MORE: I know you don’t want to fall into that category. Check out my guide to national park rules.

Stop 5: Everett Covered Bridge

This is the last-remaining covered bridge in Summit County, Ohio. (That’s where you’re at, friends!) Back in the 1800s, the state had over 2,000 covered bridges, so the Everett Road Covered Bridge is a survivor. 

It’s an easy stroll from the dedicated parking area to this lovely bridge. Spend some time partaking in the covered bridge photo shoots of your dreams. You’ve earned it.

Stop 6: Beaver Marsh

So we didn’t see any beavers at Beaver Marsh. A very chatty ranger told us they’re more active in the early morning or around dusk, and we were definitely there midday.

That doesn’t mean you won’t have any luck in this spot, a former salvage yard turned haven for wildlife.

Beaver Marsh is still one of the most accessible places in the park to spot beavers. Get to the boardwalk viewing platforms from a dedicated parking lot off the Ira Trailhead. It’s an easy stroll of under a mile roundtrip to see all there is to see here.

Great blue herons are more common at Beaver Marsh, and groups of otters have been known to swim around in this spot, too. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Stop 7: Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls is one of the most iconic scenes in the park. Access the best viewpoint from dedicated boardwalk trails with little effort, or hike the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail.

We didn’t hike the trail in favor of expediency but don’t feel like we missed out. Walk down the set of stairs once you’re there if you’re able. You’ll get a lower-access viewpoint, too.

More Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

If you have more than a full day in the park, there’s more to explore! One spot we have regrets about is Blue Hen Falls. This one was closed for maintenance during our visit.

If you’ve already seen beavers today, you’re probably lucky enough that the falls will be open during your visit. 

The hike to Blue Hen Falls is a more moderate hike with what looks to be an impressive payoff. It would have been our top pick over Brandywine Falls if it wasn’t closed.

Climb nearly three miles roundtrip along the Buckeye Trail with about 500 feet of elevation gain. That climb includes a very long staircase that will certainly get the heart rate up.

Love a good waterfall? Bridal Veil Falls is an alternative if you come across trail maintenance at Blue Hen Falls yourself. This one is technically part of the Cleveland Metroparks.

It’s just a 25-minute drive from the Ledges Trail, so I’ll allow it here. Don’t come at me over this.

You can access those falls from the Bridal Veil Falls parking lot. A short walk gets you to the main viewing platform.

Here are a few more things we didn’t get to:

• Snap a pic of the Station Road Bridge. If you’re here to paddle, you can see the bridge from above along the Cuyahoga River Water Trail.
• Explore the Cuyahoga River by canoe. You need equipment to get out on the river, but if you have the gear, it’s a unique perspective to this fantastic park.
• Bike the Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail. If you travel with bikes, the full trail is currently over 90 miles long with additions made annually.
• Visit Tinkers Creek, the Cuyahoga River’s largest tributary. See the best views from the Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook.
• Hike around Kendall Lake. The Kendall Lake loop is an easy 1.5-mile roundtrip around, you guessed it, Kendall Lake.
• Go on a quest. If you’re visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park with children, canalway questing involves following a map to hidden quest boxes in the park.
• Support local farmers at the Countryside Farmers’ Market. This market is aacross the street from Beaver Marsh at Howe Meadow. It’s open May through October.
• See a living history museum at Hale Farm & Village. Step back in time and see historic farming properties courtesy of the Western Reserve Historical Society.
• Visit the Canal Exploration Center. Learn about canal life in the good old days, before the park was a national recreation area.
• Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. If you don’t want to hike but still want to see some epic Cuyahoga River scenery, this is a great way to do that. 

You have a few options for your scenic train ride. If you want to sit on your hiney for the full roundtrip (no judgment!) you can do so. It’ll take you about three-and-a-half hours. Book tickets and check schedules online ahead of your trip.

If you want a mix of hiking or biking and train riding, you can do that, too. 

There are eight different train stations along the way. Rockside at 7900 Old Rockside Road is the northernmost point. Akron Northside at 27 Ridge Street is the southernmost point. 

Fun fact: You can literally flag the train down at any of the boarding stations by waving your arms in the air. This is what the NPS says to do, not what I’m telling you to do. In any case, wave them around like you DO care.

Where to Stay Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

If you want to be right in the thick of it, you have two options: Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls. They both look lovely but come at a premium for the convenience of being within the park’s borders.

As the park is so close to several great Ohio cities, I wouldn’t pay the premium for the pleasure of staying in the park…but you do you!

We traveled to Cuyahoga Valley National Park from Cleveland, and I’d recommend you do the same. Cleveland is a great base for Polish food, for starters.  It’s also home to the real house from A Christmas Story, people. Go visit.

Akron is another option if you want to visit the park on a day trip from a metro area. Again, I’d choose Cleveland, but Akron is closer to the park.

If you just want to be close to the park, use the map below:

Don’t miss this respite from the city.

Cuyahoga Valley merges multiple environments, namely the Appalachian Plateau and the Central Lowlands. It features over 1,000 different plant and animal species within its borders. 

There are over 900 plant species in the park alone if you’re into that sort of thing.

I’ve visited national parks all over the country at this point. While Cuyahoga Valley isn’t the largest or most impressive, I love it for what it is as a scenic escape to natural beauty with easy access to some great cities.

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• Spend the Day at Theodore Roosevelt
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Want to see more?