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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Ohio. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open everyday, 24 hours a day with the following exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Ledges, Octagon, Kendall Lake, and Kendall Hills close from dusk until morning opening.
Activities
Current Alerts
Do not leave valuables in your car. As a last resort, lock items in your trunk before arriving. Thieves target parking lots and break-ins can occur.
Closed from Boston Trailhead to Lock 29, August 24–November 20, 2026 and March 29–April 21, 2027.
As of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the East Rim Trail System remains open. For more information, visit the website linked below. In good conditions the mountain bike trails are open 6 am-11 pm for bikers and as posted for other trail users. In wet or hazardous conditions, the trail will close to all users to prevent damage. Be flexible; conditions may change throughout the day.
Parking lots and popular destinations are crowded especially on weekends and days with warm weather between 10 am and 3 pm.
Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car from all directions. A good place to start your visit is at Boston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 44264. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area. Car rentals are available at both airports. Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron. Some local bus routes including RTA's 19A, 54, 77, and 90 routes stop near the park. There is an Amtrak station in downtown Cleveland.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Visit Cuyahoga Valley Farms and Markets
Agriculture has long been an important part of life in the Cuyahoga Valley. Today, there are eight farms that operate…
Go Mountain Biking in Cuyahoga Valley
The East Rim Trail system has stunning views, varied terrain, exciting obstacles, and an element of adventure for intermediate mountain…
Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
All aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad! Learn more about this unique way to experience Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
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…
Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop
The Brandywine Gorge Loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning views of Brandywine Falls along…
Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger
Learn how kids ages 3 and older can become Junior Rangers of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Hike the Ledges Trail
The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this…
Visit Canal Exploration Center
Arrive by car, bike, or scenic railroad. Hands-on exhibits at this historic tavern and store bring the canal era to life. Lock…
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.
Stop by Boston Mill Visitor Center
Begin your adventure at Boston Mill Visitor Center. Pick up maps and shop for souvenirs. Staff and volunteers are available to help…
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…
Hike to Blue Hen Falls from Boston
Blue Hen Falls is a popular hike-in destination in the Boston area. Hikers can reach the waterfall via the Buckeye Trail from…
Short Towpath Trail Walks
These short walks along the Towpath Trail explore many highlights of the valley’s lowlands. They are recommended for people who have mobility…
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.
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…
Kid- and Autism-friendly Activities in the Everett Area
Three short walks in the Everett area offer sensory activities that appeal to children or individuals with autism. They include tactile and…
Let's Go Canalway Questing
Put your detective hat on! Quests are fun, self-guides hikes that help you explore the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Follow rhyming clues…
Plan Your Event at Cuyahoga Valley
Find out how you can host an event in the park.
Visitor Centers
Hunt House
Hunt House offers child-friendly nature exhibits, a rest area along the Towpath Trail, and information about nearby attractions. Hunt House is open seasonally as staffing…
Canal Exploration Center
Discover the Ohio & Erie Canal in the storied Canal Exploration Center that was once used as a tavern, a general store, a residence, and…
Boston Mill Visitor Center
Start your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park at Boston Mill Visitor Center. Meet park staff, get questions answered, and learn about the park and…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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