National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Peninsula · Ohio

Overview

About Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsLive MusicBikingMountain BikingFishingFoodPicnickingHands-OnCitizen ScienceHiking

Weather

Spring's rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and visitors anxious to get out on the trail. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid. Dressing in layers is advisable. Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Fall foliage often peaks in mid-October. Winter weather conditions can rapidly change due to the lake effect snow from Lake Erie. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero.

Key Facts

TypeNational Park

DesignationNational Park

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

5 images

Things to do

Discover Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

A child wearing a ranger hat holds up their right hand, across a desk from a uniformed ranger.

Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger

1-3 Hours

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

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A dozen white blooms dangle off stems above lacy leaves. Each is V shaped with curled yellow points.

Find Spring Wildflowers in Cuyahoga Valley

Searching for wildflowers is a great way to connect with nature and stay active in spring. Discover what’s blooming along park trails.

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Scenic view of red barn with grassy fields in foreground and hillside of colorful leaves behind.

Find the Best Fall Colors in Cuyahoga Valley

Leaf peepers, grab your cameras! Here are our tips for where to find Cuyahoga Valley’s best fall colors throughout October.

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Uniformed ranger points upward, standing with several people on a wooden boardwalk, trees behind.

Go Birding in the Cuyahoga Valley

Birding is a popular activity at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Thanks to the park’s wide variety of habitats, it is possible to observe more than 200 bird species throughout the year. Grab a field guide and a pair of binoculars and see what awaits your discovery.

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A boy sits on the edge of a dock fishing in a pond.

Go Fishing in the Cuyahoga Valley

Fishing is a great way to spend your day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn about the best places to fish and how to responsibly enjoy this pastime.

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

Go Mountain Biking in Cuyahoga Valley

20-60 Minutes

The East Rim Trail system has stunning views, varied terrain, exciting obstacles, and an element of adventure for intermediate mountain bikers.

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

Go Snowshoeing in the Cuyahoga Valley

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore and exercise in Cuyahoga Valley National Park when the conditions are right. We recommend waiting for there to be at least four inches of packed snow on the trail.

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

Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop

1-2 Hours

The Brandywine Gorge Loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning views of Brandywine Falls along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.

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