If you’re looking to escape into nature without straying too far from the comforts of civilization, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the perfect destination for a weekend retreat. Nestled between Cleveland and Akron in Ohio, this park offers a wealth of natural beauty and recreational opportunities that are easy to explore in a weekend over the course of 1-2 days!
If you’re a National Park junkie like me then this one would be easy to overlook, but I promise it is not to be missed. A fairly small park, but beautiful to visit, especially in the fall when the leaves have changed colors. You can make a weekend out of this trip and that’s exactly what we did. Left Friday mid day and returned on Sunday. Had plenty of time to visit and see everything we needed to in the park. So let me show you some of the best things to see and do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Trails and Waterfalls
Start your adventure by hitting the trails early. One of the must-visit spots in the park is the Ledges Trail, which takes you through lush forests and towering rock formations. It’s a moderate hike that offers stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s about a 2.5 mile loop round trip hike that takes you through the woods. A very cozy area especially in the fall and a terrific hike to start off your day!
If you’re not into the hiking portion there is an overlook spot that is very close to the parking lot where you can take terrific views at the gorge. But I highly recommend doing the hike as the trail really is the best part of this hike.
After the Ledges Trail, make your way to Blue Hen Falls. This picturesque waterfall is about a 1.5 mile walk from the parking area and surrounded by serene woodland. There and back plan for about 3 miles with some stairs you will have to walk up as well. A challenging hike in some parts but for the most part it was flat. It’s a great spot for a picnic or just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
This was probably my favorite hike in Cuyahoga Valley. Walking through the quiet trees surrounded by lush orange, red and yellow leaves was very peaceful. The waterfall at the end was really beautiful as well and a perfect place to rest and enjoy a snack for a bit before trekking back.
Next visit Brandywine Falls, one of the park’s most iconic attractions. This 65-foot waterfall is easily accessible via a boardwalk trail and provides a mesmerizing sight year-round. Another area where you can choose to just see the waterfall from two different view points, or you can hike around the gorge and through the trees. About a 1.5 mile round trip trail that is definitely worth the hike as well.
Drive up north towards Bridal Veil Falls, another gem in the park known for its cascading water and tranquil setting. The short hike to the falls is easy and suitable for all ages. About less than a mile from the parking area and while it’s a fairly small waterfall, it’s unique shape gives it its name as it looks like a veil.
Don’t miss a chance to stop at Kendall Lake as well for a photo op of you can take the short walk around the lake through the trees along the mossy water
If you’re a biker then biking the Towpath Trail is something you would love to do. It follows along the Cuyahoga river from north to south. You will bike a total of 20 miles on the trail with several different access points if you wish you cut your bike ride short at any time.
Other Things To Do / See
Take a break from the hiking and experience the charm of Cuyahoga Valley National Park aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This historic train ride offers breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes, including forests, meadows, and the Cuyahoga River. The train ride there and back is about two hours, but it is a nice relaxing experience and something to do while you take a break from the hiking.
During the Christmas season they even turn the train into the Polar Express and bring on a Santa for the little ones! You can book tickets with the link here
Beaver Marsh is another area that is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Wander along the boardwalks and witness the marsh teeming with wildlife. You’ll see many birds, turtles, beavers, deer etc. The spot used to be a used car lot for broken down and old cars, and has such transformed into a serene marsh host to plentiful amounts of wildlife today!
If you visit in the Autumn months, I highly recommend visiting Szalay’s Pumpkin Farm. A local market with fresh produce, pumpkins, apples, honey, berries, apple cider, hot chocolate you name it! Plenty of activities as well including a corn maze, pumpkin picking and food vendors. We picked out a few pumpkins while enjoying some hot apple cider. A perfect way to spend a chilly autumn day.
Nearby Towns and Dining
As mentioned, the top of the park is only about a 30 minute drive to downtown Cleveland, on our last day we drove up there to visit and eat dinner in beautiful spot along the Cuyahoga River at a place called “The Lakehouse” If you have more time you can visit the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” or the “Cleveland Browns Stadium.”
However we did not stay in Cleveland, we stayed in an Airbnb in the nearby quaint town of Hudson. Just about 10 minutes outside the park. A beautiful little town with a book store, coffee shops and a few different restaurants as well. We stopped in at Hudson’s Restaurant and Bar for a terrific dinner. We went right during Halloween Weekend and the whole place was decorated and the waiters and waitresses were all dressed up in costumes. It was a fun place to visit, eat and drink as well. We had a great time walking around the downtown area and visiting the little shops as well.
Another place we visited for a bite to eat inside the park, check out “Fishers” a family owned restaurant and bar with typical bar food and lively atmosphere. Feel free to sit outside and watch the train go by and try some of the local food!
Conclusion: Why Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
While not many people may know about Cuyahoga Valley, it is one of the few National Parks located in the North East part of the United States. For people living in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and the surrounding areas, looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy urban cities, this is a great place to visit, especially in the fall!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park stands as a serene haven where nature’s beauty and cultural richness intertwine. Whether you’re captivated by cascading waterfalls, scenic hikes, or the nostalgic charm of a historic railroad, this park offers something for every adventurer and nature lover.
Beyond its natural allure, the park’s proximity to charming towns like Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls, Akron and Cleveland invites visitors to explore local culture and cuisine, ensuring a well-rounded getaway experience. Whether you’re seeking solitude among ancient forests or a family-friendly outing filled with seasonal delights at places like Szalay’s Pumpkin Farm, Cuyahoga Valley promises memories that linger long after you’ve returned home.
Plan your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park today and discover why it’s a beloved gem tucked away in the heart of Ohio!
Days Needed: 1-2
Best Time to Visit: Fall
Rating: 6.2/10
Overall Opinion: It served as a great weekend getaway from my area. Only about a 4 hour drive and got to hike some beautiful trails while being surrounded by fall foliage. It’s not a super busy National park which is nice as it’s not over flowing with tourists and you will get to enjoy some peace and quiet while walking the trails.