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1. The Ledges Trail
Hike along the base of these stunning and dramatic sandstone cliffs! Moss-covered ledges, healthy hemlock trees, and secretive dripping springs may just make this trail the highlight of your vacation.
What You Need to Know
If you only have time for one hike in Cuyahoga Valley, make it this one. You’ll pass by picturesque cliffs, an overlook, a cool staircase, and a cave (to protect the bats, no entry is permitted).
The Ledges Loop is 2.2 miles roundtrip, and it gains about 100 feet of elevation. Wear shoes with good traction because the rocks can get slippery!
For a map of the trail, click here.
Getting Here
This trail is located in the Peninsula area of the park. From the town of Peninsula, head east and turn right onto Locust Street/Akron Peninsula Road. Follow this road for 1 mile, then turn left onto Truxell Road. Continue driving on Truxell Road for 2 miles (passing the turnoff for Kendall Lake). Turn left when you see the sign for The Ledges and follow the road to the parking area. Park here and start your hike near the large shelter.
2. Blue Hen Falls
Soak in the lush surroundings and babbling creek at this small, peaceful waterfall. Bring your camera, because you’re about to see one of the prettiest falls in Cuyahoga Valley!
What You Need to Know
The trail to Blue Hen Falls is 3 miles roundtrip, and it gains about 580 feet of elevation. The trail travels through a beautiful forest to get to the falls.
Note: The Blue Hen Falls parking lot is closed. You are now required to park at the Boston Visitor Center or the Boston Trailhead and hike up to Blue Hen Falls via the Buckeye Trail.
Getting Here
This waterfall is located in the Boston area of the park. You can park at the Boston Store Visitor Center, the Boston Trailhead, or the large vehicle lot across the road to begin this trail.
3. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Twist and turn through the trees as you travel through the heart of Cuyahoga Valley! This path was used by mules to pull canal boats through Ohio, but now it’s the perfect way to experience the beauty and history of this national park.
What You Need to Know
The Towpath Trail is a multi-use trail that passes by some of the most interesting and historic areas of the park, such as the Canal Exploration Center, the Boston Store, and the Peninsula Depot. You’ll even see remnants of the canal (such as the locks) along the way!
For the most fun and immersive experience on the Towpath Trail, I recommend biking. The path is mostly flat and incredibly scenic, so riding a bike and covering a good amount of ground is ideal.
If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from Century Cycles and get right on the Towpath Trail from their office.
Getting Here
The Towpath Trail can be accessed from almost anywhere in the park. If you’re renting your bikes from Century Cycles, head to the town of Peninsula. Their office is located next to the railroad tracks across from the Winking Lizard.
4. Canal Exploration Center
Learn all about the importance of the Ohio & Erie Canal and how it completely transformed the state of Ohio! Discover how the canal locks functioned, what the canal was used for, and how it impacted many people looking for a better life.
What You Need to Know
To fully appreciate what you are seeing in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it’s important to learn more about this canal system and why it made such an impact on the lives of the local people. The Canal Exploration Center offers an immersive learning experience, complete with interactive displays and knowledgeable tour guides!
Hours vary, but it is typically open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Getting Here
The Canal Exploration Center is located in the northern section of the park. From the Brecksville Railroad Station/Station Bridge, travel north on Riverview Road for 0.2 miles. Then turn left onto OH-82 East/Chippewa Road and drive for 1 mile. Turn left onto Chaffee Road and continue for 1.6 miles, then turn left onto Valley View Road and drive for another 3.2 miles. Turn left onto Hillside Road to access the parking lot for the Canal Exploration Center.
Click NEXT to see sights 5-8 (including the most majestic waterfall in the entire park!)
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!