Hey there! Are you ready to plan an exciting trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park?! Transport yourself from the bustle of the city to a peaceful refuge within the trees! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Cuyahoga Valley is a unique destination — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come. It’s not every day you get to ride a train through a national park! And with fantastic waterfalls and wildlife, this beautiful and historical place will leave you speechless.
There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Cuyahoga Valley National Park and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to Cuyahoga Valley, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 8 things is for you.
What You Need to Know About Cuyahoga Valley
- Cuyahoga Valley is more of an urban park, so expect it to be a little different than other parks you may have visited! Driving through neighborhoods or cities to get to your next hike is totally normal. Click here to take a look at the park map.
- This park is open year-round. Most activities are accessible 24 hours a day, but some areas of the park close at dusk, and the facilities have more limited hours.
- There are two lodging options within the park, but many other options exist in the nearby communities. To make lodging reservations or to learn more about your options, click here.
- Camping is prohibited in the national park! Backcountry camping is no longer allowed, and overnight parking in trailers/RVs/vans, etc., is not permitted. Find other nearby camping options here.
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the most popular sights, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!
Click NEXT to see this awesome list of 8 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
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Hi Ashley, Hi John,
My wife and I just listened to your Podcast about Cuyahoga Valley National Park while we are HERE in the CVNP!!!
We were told that recently the upper section of the Railroad track has been washed out and so the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Train ride is only the Akron to Peninsula section. The Northern section above Peninsula is being repaired. So we vote to Bike the whole Towpath Trail.
BTW we really love your podcast, you two make us laugh, and we learn a lot also. Thank you for helping us get Dirt in our shoes.
Thanks for the updated info! I love biking the towpath…that’s my choice as well. I hope you’re able to get lots of dirt in your shoes this summer!!
How dog-friendly are any of these 8 places?
Hey Susan, you can find the park’s pet policy here. Have fun!
I learned a lot about coming to the park and what to see thanks for your time and trouble. We have a small welsh terrier can we take him on the train?
No, pets are not allowed on the train: https://www.cvsr.org/faqs/general-information
Thank you for your suggestions on where to visit on the first time in Cuyahoga. We enjoyed our visit today and found your suggestions very helpful. We did find to get to Blue Hen Falls that it was a 3 mile hike now starting at the Boston Mills Visitor Center. They had blocked off the parking area right at the entrance to the falls.
Glad you enjoyed it! The Blue Hen Falls parking is being evaluated…not sure if they’ll close that for good or if it’s just temporary, but thanks so much for the update.
Love, love, love, the CVNP review and recommendations! Having grown up in the valley prior to CVNP and now…. it delights me to see the awe reaction with visitors! It really is a beautiful destination that is chock full of local fare and activities. And, I would be horribly remiss if I didn’t recommend – Szalay’s Farm Market and Country Maid Ice Cream as long-standing local favorites in Peninsula.
I now live in Greenville, SC which is also a sight to see! But, I am warm-heartedly grateful for the CVNP hometown article and heartstrings!
Thanks, Kelly! It’s fun to find such a fun and historical area to explore like Cuyahoga Valley. Glad it’s a national park!
Nice post – a lot of great info…
FYI, it appears that the NPS changed some of the links, and you Ledges Map link is not working correctly.
Thanks so much…I’ll check it out!
We are so lucky to live in this beautiful national park that is the Cuyahoga Valley. I am the president of the Merriman Valley Association. I love my Valley and I’m glad you appreciate it too. Keep up the good work and I surely can share the beautythat I see on a daily basis.
What a beautiful place to live!