Best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Updated April 27th, 2022
Best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located in northeastern Ohio between the cities of Akron and Cleveland, is a scenic park with many recreational activities and tourist attractions. The park is famous for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic views. The best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park include hiking, picnicking, fishing, and canoeing.

The best time to visit the park is in the fall, when the leaves are changing color.

Some of the top tourist attractions in Cuyahoga Valley include the following:

  • The Ledges: The Ledges is a 1.5-mile loop trail that takes you through a rock formation that is over 500 million years old.
  • Brandywine Falls: Brandywine Falls is a 65-foot waterfall that is one of the most popular attractions in the park.
  • The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a historic train that takes you through the park.
  • Beaver Marsh: Beaver Marsh is a nature preserve that is home to beavers, birds, and other wildlife.

1. Hiking

Visitors hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park may experience a wide variety of natural and cultural features, including forests, meadows, lakes, and rivers. Some of the most significant attractions include the Summit County Fairgrounds, the Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area, and the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Historical Society.

2. Biking

When biking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, visitors will feel the excitement of the natural environment while experiencing the beauty of the valleys and forests. The landscapes will flow by as they ride through the park, and they will be able to take in the views while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the bike.

3. Fishing

A visitor's experience when fishing in Cuyahoga Valley National Park could involve enjoying the peace and tranquility of the park while fishing in the clear, refreshing waters. The visitor could also enjoy the scenery while fishing, including the hills and valleys in the area.

4. Boating

A visitor's experience when boating in Cuyahoga Valley National Park would be beautiful and relaxing. The water would be clean and the scenery would be breathtaking.

5. Camping

When visitors camp in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, they may experience different types of weather. Visitors may experience hot weather during the day and cool weather at night. Visitors may also experience rain or snow.

6. Canoeing

A visitor's experience when they canoeing in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is beautiful. The water isclear and calm with a variety of wildlife to be seen such as turtles, ducks, and geese. The canoes are stable and easy tocontrol, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.

7. Kayaking

Kayaking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great way to see the scenery and wildlife. The water is calm and the scenery is beautiful.

8. Picnicking

When someone visits Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a picnic, they may notice that the park is filled with many different types of trees, including oak, maple, and beech. They may also see many different types of flowers, including goldenrod, buttercups, and thistles. In addition, the visitor may see many different types of animals, such as deer, turkeys, and raccoons.

9. Wildlife watching

A visitor's experience when they Wildlife watching in Cuyahoga Valley National Park would be filled with excitement, as they would be able to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. Some of the animals that a visitor could see while Wildlife watching in Cuyahoga Valley National Park include deer, hawks, owls, and snakes.

10. Hike the Ledges or Buttermilk Falls trails

The visitor's experience when hiking the Ledges or Buttermilk Falls trails in Cuyahoga Valley would be awe-inspiring. The trails are steep, but well-maintained, and provide an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. The waterfalls are beautiful and the trails are easy to follow.

11. Visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

A visitor's experience when they visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Cuyahoga Valley is a memorable one. The scenery is beautiful, and the train ride is thrilling.

12. Take a scenic drive down the winding roads of the national park

When someone takes a scenic drive down the winding roads of the national park in Cuyahoga Valley, they may experience beautiful views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, wildlife, and nature. They would also likely hear the sound of the rolling hills and see the various wildlife that lives in the park.

13. Visit the Brandywine Falls

Visitors experience a beautiful view of Brandywine Falls when they visit the park. They may feel the mist created by the falls and the cool air that flows over them.

14. Go boating or fishing on one of the many lakes in the park

A visitor's experience when they go boating or fishing on one of the many lakes in the park in Cuyahoga Valley is exhilarating. The views are stunning and the waters are crystal clear. The boats are comfortable and the fishing is great.

15. Take a tour of the historic Stanley Steamer car factory

When a visitor takes a tour of the historic Stanley Steamer car factory in Cuyahoga Valley, they are likely to be impressed by the scale of the building and the quality of the cars that were manufactured there. The tour guide will likely discuss the importance of the Stanley Steamer car brand and the role it played in the history of automobiles. The visitor may also be surprised to learn about the unusual manufacturing process that was used to create these iconic cars.

16. Visit the Boston Store Visitor Center

If a visitor visits the Boston Store Visitor Center in Cuyahoga Valley, they would likely be impressed by the impressive collection of historical documents and artifacts on display. The visitor center would also be a great place to learn about the history of the Cleveland area and the Boston Store, which is one of the region's most iconic tourist destinations.

17. See a show at the Cuyahoga Valley Lyric Opera

When a visitor sees a show at the Cuyahoga Valley Lyric Opera, they are likely to experience a sense of excitement. The opera house is a beautiful and historic venue, and the performances are always top-notch. The visitors are likely to feel a sense of community with the other theater-goers, and may even leave feeling inspired.

18. Shop at one of the local farmers markets

When a person visits a local farmers market in Cuyahoga Valley, they may be in for a pleasant experience. The markets typically have a variety of local foods, crafts, and even flowers for sale. This allows residents to buy items that are fresh and made in close proximity to where they live.