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.
About under an hour from Cleveland by car.
Alerts
- ClosureParking lot repairs
The following parking lots will be closed for short periods for maintenance work: Lock 39 Trailhead: 10/15-10/16, Station Road Bridge Trailhead: late October, dates TBD. Scheduled dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions.
- ClosureNPS ↗Towpath Trail between Boston and Peninsula
Closed from Boston Trailhead to Lock 29, August 24–November 20, 2026 and March 29–April 21, 2027.
- CautionNPS ↗Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
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.
- InformationNPS ↗Current East Rim Trail Status: Open
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.
- InformationExpect Crowding
Parking lots and popular destinations are crowded especially on weekends and days with warm weather between 10 am and 3 pm.
Fees & passes
Free. No entrance fee here.
Hours
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Daily · All Day |
When to go
July draws the most visits here and January the fewest, averaged over 2021 to 2025.
Visitor centers
- Hunt HousePassport stamp
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 allows. Restrooms stay open even when Hunt House is closed.
- Boston Mill Visitor CenterPassport stamp
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 places to visit. The visitor center is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, March through December. January and February, hours are shortened.
- Canal Exploration CenterPassport stamp
Discover the Ohio & Erie Canal in the storied Canal Exploration Center that was once used as a tavern, a general store, a residence, and a park visitor center. Find out how the canal shaped the nation through in-depth, interactive Canal Era exhibits for children and adults.
Explore
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 within the national park. Several have roadside stands or host events throughout the year.
Opens on the Park Service site - Go Mountain Biking in Cuyahoga Valley20-60 Minutes
The East Rim Trail system has stunning views, varied terrain, exciting obstacles, and an element of adventure for intermediate mountain bikers.
Opens on the Park Service site - 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.
Opens on the Park Service site - 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 recommend waiting for there to be at least four inches of packed snow on the trail.
Opens on the Park Service site - Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop1-2 Hours
The Brandywine Gorge Loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning views of Brandywine Falls along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
Opens on the Park Service site - Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger1-3 Hours
Learn how kids ages 3 and older can become Junior Rangers of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Opens on the Park Service site
Show all 12Hide
- Hike the Ledges Trail1-2 Hours
The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
Opens on the Park Service site - Visit Canal Exploration Center30-120 Minutes
Arrive by car, bike, or scenic railroad. Hands-on exhibits at this historic tavern and store bring the canal era to life. Lock demonstrations are offered seasonally. From here, you can stroll the Towpath Trail.
Opens on the Park Service site - 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.
Opens on the Park Service site - 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 you plan a visit that fits your time and interests.
Opens on the Park Service site - 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 how to responsibly enjoy this pastime.
Opens on the Park Service site - Hike to Blue Hen Falls from Boston1-2 Hours
Blue Hen Falls is a popular hike-in destination in the Boston area. Hikers can reach the waterfall via the Buckeye Trail from Boston Mill Visitor Center. Learn more about this popular hilly hike.
Opens on the Park Service site
Films
National Park Service productions, public domain.
Events
- 09:00 AM · runs through Oct 31 · registration requiredRockside Station: 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131 | Peninsula Depot: 1630 Mill St., Peninsula, OH 44264 | Akron…
- 09:00 AM · free · registration requiredBoston Run Trailhead: 501 West Streetsboro Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
- 01:00 PM · free · registration requiredLocation provided after registration.
- Low Power Happy Hour10/1405:00 PM · registration requiredHappy Days Lodge: 500 West Streetsboro Road, Peninsula 44264
- 06:00 PM · freeSummit ArtSpace: 140 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308
- 01:00 PM · free · registration requiredHorseshoe Pond: 2075 Major Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Show all 10Hide
- 09:00 AM · runs through Oct 31 · freeHowe Meadow: 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
- 11:00 AM · runs through Oct 25 · freeThe Boston Gallery: Parking is available at the Boston Trailhead (1508 Boston Mills Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264).
- Ranger Talk10/1710:00 AM · runs through Nov 29 · freeBoston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
- 10:00 AM · free · registration requiredKendall Lake Shelter and Trailhead: 1000 Truxell Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
News
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park to temporarily close Towpath Trail section for boardwalk replacement ↗2026-08-17
Cuyahoga Valley National Park will temporarily close the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Boston Trailhead and Lock 29 in Peninsula from August 24 to November 20.
Map
Interactive map by the National Park Service
Historic landmarks nearby
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Guidebooks for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Ohio
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject.
Reference
Wildlife
Seen this monthEastern Fox Squirrel 12× · Trumpeter Swan 11× · Bald Eagle 5× · Belted Kingfisher 4× · Barred Owl 2× · Sandhill Crane 2×Research-grade observations within 25 km, last 30 days, via iNaturalist
Full checklist: 241 birds, 42 mammalsHide
Raptors & owlsAmerican Kestrel · Bald Eagle · Barn Owl · Barred Owl · Broad-winged Hawk · Cooper's Hawk · Eastern Screech-owl · Great Horned Owl · Long-eared Owl · Merlin · Mississippi kite · Northern Harrier · Northern Saw-whet Owl · Osprey · Red-shouldered Hawk · Red-tailed Hawk · Sharp-shinned Hawk · Turkey Vulture · black vulture · peregrine falcon · rough-legged hawk · short-eared owl · snowy owl
Waterfowl & wadersAmerican Bittern · American Black Duck · American Coot · Black-crowned Night-heron · Blue-winged Teal · Canada Goose · Double-crested Cormorant · Glossy Ibis · Great Blue Heron · Great Egret · Greater Scaup · Green-backed Heron · Hooded Merganser · Least Bittern · Northern Pintail · Pied-billed Grebe · Ruddy Duck · Tundra Swan · Virginia Rail · Wood Duck · american wigeon · bufflehead · cattle egret · common goldeneye · common loon · common merganser · green-winged teal · horned grebe · lesser scaup · little blue heron · mute swan · red-breasted merganser · red-necked grebe · ring-necked duck · sandhill crane · snow goose
Shorebirds & seabirdsAmerican Woodcock · Black Tern · Common Snipe · Greater Yellowlegs · Herring Gull · Killdeer · Least Sandpiper · Lesser Yellowlegs · Pectoral Sandpiper · Ring-billed Gull · Solitary Sandpiper · Spotted Sandpiper · black-bellied plover · bonaparte's gull · dunlin · great black-backed gull · semipalmated plover · white-rumped sandpiper
Gamebirds & dovesCommon Ground Dove · Mourning Dove · Ring-necked Pheasant · Rock Dove · Ruffed Grouse · Wild Turkey
WoodpeckersDowny Woodpecker · Hairy Woodpecker · Northern Flicker · Pileated Woodpecker · Red-bellied Woodpecker · Red-headed Woodpecker · Yellow-bellied Sapsucker · black-backed woodpecker
Hummingbirds & swiftsChimney Swift · Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Also on the checklistAcadian Flycatcher · American Crow · American Goldfinch · American Redstart · American Robin · American Tree Sparrow · Bank Swallow · Barn Swallow · Bay-breasted Warbler · Belted Kingfisher · Black-and-white Warbler · Black-billed Cuckoo · Black-capped Chickadee · Black-throated Blue Warbler · Black-throated Green Warbler · Blackburnian Warbler · Blackpoll Warbler · Blue Jay · Blue-gray Gnatcatcher · Blue-headed Vireo · Blue-winged Warbler · Bobolink · Brewster's warbler · Brown Creeper · Brown Thrasher · Brown-headed Cowbird · Canada Warbler · Canvasback · Cape May Warbler · Carolina Wren · Cedar Waxwing · Cerulean Warbler · Chestnut-sided Warbler · Chipping Sparrow · Common Grackle · Common Moorhen · Common Nighthawk · Common Yellowthroat · Connecticut Warbler · Dark-eyed Junco · Eastern Bluebird · Eastern Kingbird · Eastern Meadowlark · Eastern Phoebe · Eastern Towhee · Eastern Wood-pewee · European Starling · Evening Grosbeak · Field Sparrow · Fox Sparrow · Golden-winged Warbler · Grasshopper Sparrow · Gray Catbird · Gray-cheeked Thrush · Great Crested Flycatcher · Henslow's Sparrow · Hermit Thrush · Hooded Warbler · Horned Lark · House Finch · House Sparrow · House Wren · Indigo Bunting · Kentucky Warbler · Least Flycatcher · Lincoln's Sparrow · Louisiana Waterthrush · Magnolia Warbler · Mallard · Marsh Wren · Mourning Warbler · Nashville Warbler · Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrow · Northern Cardinal · Northern Mockingbird · Northern Oriole · Northern Parula · Northern Rough-winged Swallow · Olive-sided Flycatcher · Orchard Oriole · Ovenbird · Palm Warbler · Philadelphia Vireo · Pine Siskin · Pine Warbler · Prairie Warbler · Prothonotary Warbler · Purple Finch · Purple Martin · Red-breasted Nuthatch · Red-eyed Vireo · Red-winged Blackbird · Redhead · Rose-breasted Grosbeak · Ruby-crowned Kinglet · Rusty Blackbird · Savannah Sparrow · Scarlet Tanager · Sedge Wren · Song Sparrow · Sora · Swainson's Thrush · Swamp Sparrow · Tennessee Warbler · Tree Swallow · Tufted Titmouse · Veery · Vesper Sparrow · Warbling Vireo · Whip-poor-will · White-breasted Nuthatch · White-crowned Sparrow · White-eyed Vireo · White-throated Sparrow · Willow Flycatcher · Wilson's Warbler · Winter Wren · Wood Thrush · Worm-eating Warbler · Yellow Warbler · Yellow-bellied Flycatcher · Yellow-billed Cuckoo · Yellow-breasted Chat · Yellow-rumped Warbler · Yellow-throated Vireo · Yellow-throated Warbler · alder flycatcher · american pipit · bohemian waxwing · cliff swallow · common redpoll · dickcissel · gadwall · golden-crowned kinglet · lapland longspur · northern goshawk · northern shoveler · northern shrike · northern waterthrush · orange-crowned warbler · pine grosbeak · red crossbill · snow bunting · summer tanager · western kingbird · white-winged crossbill · white-winged scoter · yellow-headed blackbird
Small mammalsbeaver · eastern chipmunk · eastern cottontail · eastern mole · fox squirrel · gray squirrel · hairy-tailed mole · house mouse · masked shrew · meadow jumping mouse · meadow vole · muskrat · norway rat · red squirrel · short-tailed shrew · smoky shrew · southern flying squirrel · star-nosed mole · white-footed mouse · woodland vole
Predatorsbobcat · coyote · gray fox · least weasel · long-tailed weasel · mink · raccoon · red fox · river otter · striped skunk
Hoofed mammalswhite-tailed deer
BatsIndiana bat · big brown bat · eastern small-footed bat · hoary bat · little brown bat · northern long-eared bat · red bat · silver-haired bat · tri-colored bat
Also on the checklistground hog · virginia opossum
Activities
Activity guides for this park Birdwatching in the national parks · Canoeing and kayaking in the national parks · Fishing in the national parks · Hiking in the national parks · Horseback riding in the national parks · Skiing in the national parks · Wildlife watching in the national parks
Weather & climate
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 freezing during the night. Fall foliage often peaks in mid-October. Winter weather conditions can rapidly change due to the lake effect snow from Lake Erie. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero.
Questions people ask
Does Cuyahoga Valley charge an entrance fee?
No. Cuyahoga Valley is free to enter.
Source: National Park Service
Is Cuyahoga Valley open year-round?
Yes. The grounds are open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Source: National Park Service
Is anything closed at Cuyahoga Valley right now?
5 active alerts as of October 14, 2026: Parking lot repairs; Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning; and more.
Source: Alerts
How busy is Cuyahoga Valley?
3,025,325 recreation visits in 2025, number 29 of 387 units that report visitation.
Source: Most visited parks
Is there cell service at Cuyahoga Valley?
At the park's reference point, FCC coverage maps show Verizon 5G, AT&T 5G, and T-Mobile 5G. Coverage inside the park varies by location.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is the weather like at Cuyahoga Valley?
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.
Source: Weather & climate
Follow this park
- Alerts feed (RSS)
- Every active Park Service alert for this unit, one item each, rebuilt with the nightly data refresh.
- Add dates to your calendar (.ics file)
- Fee-free entrance days that apply here and each published hours exception, as all-day events.
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