Getting to Cuyahoga Valley
Cuyahoga Valley is located in Northeast Ohio, about 25 minutes below Cleveland. The closest airport would obviously be Cleveland, at 17 miles away. Other airports you could fly into if you want to see other places on the way would be Pittsburgh (87 miles) or Detroit (114 miles).
If you are driving from the East or West, be mindful of the Pennsylvania and Ohio turnpike tolls. You can avoid the tolls but it will most likely add time and mileage to your trip.
Fees & Cancellation Stamp
Entry to Cuyahoga is free! The only thing you will have to pay for is if you want to go on any of the train rides they offer (I’ll explain those options later in this page). Ticket prices range from $5 for the most basic ride to $150 for an evening ride with a four course dinner and open bar.
Cancellation stamps can be found at the Visitor Center. There is also a special stamp for the train that you can only get if you go for a ride.
Time Required in Cuyahoga Valley
If you want to go see all the major sites, do a hike, and take a train ride, 1.5 days was perfect. I only needed the extra half day for the train. Both days I started early – about 7am – so I could maximize my time.
If you enjoy biking (the Eerie Canal runs through the park), fishing, paddling, or bird watching, add another 2-3 days depending on how you like to spread out those activities.
Camping in Cuyahoga Valley
Camping is no longer offered inside Cuyahoga; however, there are a few campgrounds within driving distance
- Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park (30 minutes)
- Punderson State Park (37 minutes)
- West Branch State Park (32 minutes)
- Findley State Park (50 minutes)
Lodging inside Cuyahoga
There are 2 options for lodging inside the park: Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls.
Standford House
*Nine bedroom house with community restrooms
*Self-serve kitchen
*Community living room
*Outdoor fire pit
*6 room bed and breakfast
*Elegant candlelight breakfast at 9am, cheaper dining options earlier in the morning
*Includes a kitchen, dining room, library, and porches
Things to do in Cuyahoga Valley
Scenic Train Ride
Hop on the National Park Flyer for a 1.5 hour, 16 mile ride through the park. Trains depart at 10am or noon and cost $5-$25 depending how fancy you want your ride to be.
The Explorer train allows you to hop on and off at different stations; however, it is currently not running due to erosion (as of May 2022).
Ohio & Eerie Canal
The Ohio & Eerie Canal is 308 miles long and 20 of those miles go through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is a very popular destination in the park for walking, running, and cycling. You can do overnight trips on the canal, just be sure to inform the park of where your car is located.
Farmer’s Market
The Countryside Farmers Market is open every Saturday at 9am. There are fresh fruits, veggies, produce, flowers, bread, crafts, and live music. I visited at the end of September so I brought a bag of fresh apples home with me!
When I was there you had to buy tokens upon entry to use at every tent. The tents only took these tokens, no cash was accepted.
Paddling
Kayaking or canoeing on the Cuyahoga River is available. However, the river is not maintained by the park service for recreational use. They also do not offer any rentals, so you must provide your own boats. Also, be sure you’re familiar with the registration requirements of your state. If your state requires you to register boats you must carry the registration on board. If your state does not require you to register your boat, you must bring proof of residency on board.
Points of Interest
Boston Mill Visitor Center
Everett Covered Bridge
Beaver Marsh
Indigo Lake
Hiking in Cuyahoga
The Ledges
Distance: 1.8 miles
Review: This is the most popular hike in the park. You can do this hike from a few different places, but I started at The Ledges trailhead. This is an extremely easy hike, with little to no elevation gain. However, it is SO fun! It’s full of rocks walls and mazes. If you go any time from spring-early fall when the moss is out in full force it will be incredibly green! Also, be sure to stay for a sunset at the Ledges Overlook!
Blue Hen Falls
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 508 feet
Review: I barely remember this trail. I definitely remember the falls, but the trail itself – not so much. I do remember reading to get there early because it can get crowded, which I did! When I got to the falls there were just 2 or 3 other people, but on my way out I passed multiple groups. I was able to get pictures of the falls without any people in them, which is amazing!
Bridal Veil Falls
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 83 feet
Review: I got kind of lost on this hike, but I made it to the falls! I just don’t think I did the full 2 miles. It was so pretty and I went later in the evening so it wasn’t busy at all. The falls are not big, so don’t expect much, but again – beautiful scenery.
Brandywine Falls
Distance: 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 396 feet
Review: I went to Brandywine Falls but I didn’t actually do the hike. You can park at the top of the falls and take the steps down to the overlook, which is what I did. I was trying to cram a lot into one day so I sacrificed this hike to make it all work. The falls are beautiful! I recommend seeing them whether you do the hike or not.
Activities Outside the Park
Cleveland
The city of Cleveland is only a 25 minute drive from Cuyahoga. There are plenty of things to do in Cleveland like the zoo, multiple museums, and the house from A Christmas Story. Not to mention, Cleveland sits right on Lake Eerie. So, if you venture out to Cleveland, be sure to walk along the water and grab a bite to eat.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is also in Cleveland, but I made it a separate section because I actually visited! I really enjoyed the Rock & Roll HoF. There is a lot to see and there were more singers/groups I was familiar with than I thought there would be, since I’m not a huge rock and roll fan. I think the entry fee was $25 and I bought a few souvenirs, so it does add a little bit to the budget.
Last Updated: April 7, 2023
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