Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Photo by Sukumar Shah
Photo by throwingsofas
Photo by Stephen Leonardi
Photo by Stephen Leonardi
Photo by Stephen Leonardi


Just a short drive from bustling crowds and built-up cities is a haven of woodland walks and gorgeous waterfalls. 

Stroll along trails of maple and oak trees past dramatic high-sided gorges at Cuyahoga National Park. Relax at leafy picnic spots beside the river and marvel at cascading waterfalls. 

Head off along one of the forest paths beginning at the park’s visitor centre. You will soon find yourself beneath a thick canopy of oak, birch and hemlock. Look for herons and ducks flying overhead and listen to the sound of water rushing along the winding river. 

The park features 70 waterfalls that momentarily bring the gentle river to a crashing roar. Perhaps the most impressive of these is Brandywine Falls, which can be viewed from the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometre) trail of the same name. Climb the path up a short rugged hill to a lookout before descending into an impressive rocky gorge. 

Elsewhere, walk sections of the Buckeye Trail which winds through the park and incorporates views of several sumptuous waterfalls. Pristine clear water plummets from a sandstone shelf at Blue Hen Falls while Bridal Veil Falls is a slanted rock surface that becomes particularly spectacular after heavy rain. 

Reenergize with lunch at one of the picnic tables along the idyllic river before you grab your bike and enjoy a relaxing cycle along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Running beside the charming waterway, this completely flat route is a great option for families with young children. If your legs tyre before finishing, flag down the train that has several boarding stations along the trail as part of the Bike Aboard! programme.

Try the park’s two scavenger hunts: Earthcaching uses a GPS to locate geological formations and questing provides clues to find hidden natural treasures. 

Cuyahoga National Park is in northeast Ohio, 22 miles (35 kilometres) south of Cleveland and 18 miles (29 kilometres) north of Akron. The park is open year-round and entry is free. Stop at the Boston Store Visitor Centre near the park entrance for maps and information. Book guided walks and tours here as well. 

Find adventure, relaxation and affordable fun at U.S. national parks including Cuyahoga National Park.

Popular places to visit


Top Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hotel Deals

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia
3 out of 5
268 East Highland Rd, Macedonia, OH
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia
Quality Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
4742 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH
Quality Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn, Cleveland South - Richfield
Comfort Inn, Cleveland South - Richfield
2.5 out of 5
4860 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH
Comfort Inn, Cleveland South - Richfield
Motel 6 Richfield, OH
Motel 6 Richfield, OH
2 out of 5
5171 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH
Motel 6 Richfield, OH
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland - Richfield by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland - Richfield by IHG
2.5 out of 5
5171 Brecksville Road, Richfield, OH
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland - Richfield by IHG
Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield/Cleveland
Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield/Cleveland
2 out of 5
4845 Brecksville Rd, Richfield, OH
Super 8 by Wyndham Richfield/Cleveland
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Akron Stow
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Akron Stow
2.5 out of 5
4170 Steels Pointe, Stow, OH
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Akron Stow
Comfort Suites Twinsburg
Comfort Suites Twinsburg
2.5 out of 5
2716 Creekside Dr, Twinsburg, OH
Comfort Suites Twinsburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.