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5. Brandywine Falls
Stand in the mist of this magnificent 65-foot cascading waterfall! You’ll get to feel the power and majesty of the water as it drops into the rocky gorge below.
What You Need to Know
A short walk along the boardwalk will take you to two viewing platforms. The lower platform requires some stair-stepping, and the upper does not. Both provide lovely views of the falls and surrounding greenery.
The NPS has officially closed the top and the bottom of the waterfall to swimming, playing, or climbing of any kind because of serious injuries and death. Please stay on the boardwalks and do not hop over the fences.
Getting Here
Brandywine Falls is located near the Boston area of the park. From the Boston Store Visitor Center, drive west on Boston Mills Road for 0.2 miles and then take a right onto Riverview Road. Drive for 2 miles and then turn right onto Vaughn Road and continue for 1.8 miles. Turn right onto Brandywine Road and drive for another 1.1 miles, passing by the Inn at Brandywine Falls and a bridge spanning the creek. Just past the bridge, look for the parking area for the falls on your right, and park here.
6. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Experience this national park in the most fun and exciting way — aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad! Catch a glimpse of the mighty Cuyahoga River, enjoy the forest, and, if you’re lucky, spot some wildlife as you chug along this historic railway.
What You Need to Know
Several ticketing options are available for riding the train. The most popular ride is the National Park Scenic excursion, which takes approximately 2 hours and allows you to get on and off the train to sightsee. If you plan on biking in the park, take a look at the Explorer option. And if you’re hoping for an extra-special experience, check out the special events offered throughout the year.
Getting Here
The train travels north-south between Akron and Independence, with 26 miles of the route going through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You can board from Rockside in the north, Peninsula in the middle, and Akron in the south, depending on which tickets you purchase.
7. Beaver Marsh
What used to be a big junkyard is now the most naturally diverse place in the park! This wetland is a critical habitat for many creatures, such as beavers, turtles, ducks, birds, and snakes.
What You Need to Know
If you’re hoping to see wildlife during your visit, the Beaver Marsh is the best place to start. A lovely boardwalk spans the marsh and allows you to walk over the water to search for animals.
Try to visit during the early morning or evening hours when wildlife is the most active! This trail is 0.5 miles roundtrip and is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Getting Here
The Beaver Marsh is located near the southern end of the park. From the town of Peninsula, drive south on Riverview Road for approximately 4.3 miles. Look for the Ira Trailhead and turn left here to get to the parking area. After finding a parking spot, walk down to the Towpath Trail and turn left. Hike along the Towpath Trail for about 0.25 miles to reach the boardwalk at the Beaver Marsh.
8. Everett Covered Bridge
Awaken your imagination with a visit to this charming covered bridge! Local tales ignite the mystery behind this relic, but it truly is a symbol of endurance and survival as covered bridges become a rarity in America.
What You Need to Know
No one is quite sure when the Everett Covered Bridge was constructed, but the guess is that it was sometime near 1870.
Local rumor says that the bridge was built after a local farmer was swept away in the current while trying to cross the river. It is also rumored to be haunted by that same farmer, his wife (who survived the ordeal), and their horses.
One thing is for certain, though….this bridge is beautiful! Cars are not able to drive through it anymore, so a short walk is all that’s required to stand under its tresses.
Getting Here
The Everett Covered Bridge is located in the Peninsula area of the park. From the town of Peninsula, drive south on Riverview Road for 2.8 miles. Turn right onto Everett Road and drive for another 0.5 miles until you reach the parking area on your left.
Have a fantastic time in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Happy trails!
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!