Park Closure:Towpath Trail Improvements
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Caution:Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
Information:Current East Rim Trail Status: Open
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley

Family Friendly Ohio

Overview

Cuyahoga Valley National Park stretches for 22 miles along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, preserving a pastoral landscape of forests, wetlands, farms, and historic canal towns in the heart of one of the most urbanized regions in the Midwest. The park follows the route of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which in the 1800s connected Lake Erie to the Ohio River and fueled the growth of both cities. Today the Towpath Trail, a flat 20-mile paved path along the old canal bed, is the park's spine and one of the best urban trails in the country. Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall cascading over a ledge of Berea sandstone, is the park's most popular feature, reachable by a short boardwalk trail. Blue Hen Falls, smaller but more secluded, rewards a moderate hike through hemlock forest. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs vintage trains through the valley, stopping at trailheads and villages — visitors can ride the train one direction and hike or bike back on the Towpath Trail. What makes Cuyahoga Valley special is its accessibility. Ten million people live within a day's drive, and the park serves as a living example of how degraded industrial landscapes can be restored to ecological health. The Cuyahoga River, once so polluted it caught fire in 1969 (an event that helped spark the modern environmental movement), now supports fish, herons, and otters in the park's stretch.

Things to Do

  • Bike or hike the Towpath Trail along the old canal
  • See Brandywine Falls from the boardwalk overlook
  • Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
  • Hike to Blue Hen Falls through hemlock forest
  • Visit the Stanford Hostel for overnight stays
  • Explore the historic village of Peninsula
  • Cross-country ski or snowshoe in winter
  • Attend a concert at Blossom Music Center
A shopper reaches over table of vegetables to pay a smiling female vendor in embroidered shirt.
Food

Visit Cuyahoga Valley Farms and Markets

Agriculture has long been an important part of life in the Cuyahoga Valley. Today, there are eight f...

Winter, Spring
A mountain biker wearing a helmet banks around a curve at a 45-degree angle, on a wooded trail.
Mountain Biking

Go Mountain Biking in Cuyahoga Valley

The East Rim Trail system has stunning views, varied terrain, exciting obstacles, and an element of ...

20-60 MinutesWinter, Spring
Yellow, red, and black train engine approaches along tracks through a forest.
Guided Tours

Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

All aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad! Learn more about this unique way to experience Cuyah...

Reservation Required
A group of people in winter hats snowshoes along a snow-covered trail in the forest.
Snowshoeing

Go Snowshoeing in the Cuyahoga Valley

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore and exercise in Cuyahoga Valley National Park when the conditi...

Winter
View down through bare trees at a deck overlooking a waterfall cascading into a gorge.
Hiking

Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop

The Brandywine Gorge Loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning vi...

1-2 HoursWinter, Spring
A child wearing a ranger hat holds up their right hand, across a desk from a uniformed ranger.
Junior Ranger Program

Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger

Learn how kids ages 3 and older can become Junior Rangers of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

1-3 HoursWinter, Spring
View All 18 Activities
Yellow station with two sheltered waiting areas separated by a ticket booth. Snow on the ground.

Akron Northside Station

Ohio

Passengers in the Akron area can catch Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at Akron Northside Station. The station has ample...

A graphic panel and a hand-cranked device stand beside a waterway with white buildings and a road on

Alexander-Wilson Mill

Ohio

Across the canal is a historic mill. Up until 1970, it used waterpower to grind grain. The mill has been operated by two...

Wildlife watchers stand along Bath Road as they observe the heronry there.

Bath Road Heronry

Ohio

The Bath Road Heronry is a pull off along Bath Road, with exhibit panels telling about these prehistoric birds. Unique i...

Two women look over a wooden railing at dense green lily pads dotted with dead trees.

Beaver Marsh Viewing Platform

Ohio

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail becomes a boardwalk through the Beaver Marsh, immersing you in the wetlands. A viewi...

Exhibit with a flipbook mounted to the wooden railing of a boardwalk overlooking a marsh.

Beaver Marsh, North Boardwalk

Ohio

This is one of three exhibits along the boardwalk at Beaver Marsh, a popular location for wildlife watching in Cuyahoga ...

View All 30 Places

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle White-tailed Deer Coyote River Otter Beaver Red Fox

Pro Tips

  • 💡 Combine the scenic railroad with the Towpath Trail: ride the train one way and bike back for a perfect half-day trip
  • 💡 Brandywine Falls is stunning after rain when the water volume increases — visit the morning after a storm
  • 💡 The Towpath Trail is flat and paved, making it accessible to bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs
  • 💡 Peninsula village has bike rentals, restaurants, and shops — a great base for exploring the park
  • 💡 Fall foliage in the valley peaks in mid-to-late October and is beautiful from the scenic railroad

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid (80-90°F). Fall foliage is excellent. Winters are cold with snow ideal for cross-country skiing. Spring brings lush green and wildflowers.

Best seasons: Summer, Fall