Parks / Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
National Park · OH
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (4)
Current East Rim Trail Status: Open
As of Wednesday, August 26, 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.
Towpath Trail Improvements
Hunt House Trailhead to north end of Beaver Marsh boardwalk closed from Monday, August 17 at 7 am to Friday, September 18 at 5 pm. Weekdays only, open on weekends. Beaver marsh open and accessible via Ira Trailhead. Boston Trailhead to Lock 29 in Peninsula: August 24–November 20, 2026 and March 29–April 21, 2027.
Expect Crowding
Parking lots and popular destinations are crowded especially on weekends and days with warm weather between 10 am and 3 pm.
Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
Car break-ins in Cuyahoga Valley have tripled since 2022, resulting in theft of personal items like credit cards. Do not leave valuables in your car. As a last resort, lock items in your trunk before arriving. Thieves target parking lots regularly.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Voices in the Valley Concert
Sep 2, 2026 · G.A.R. Hall: 1785 Main St, Peninsula, OH 44264
Adopt-a-Trail: Wetmore Trail
Sep 2, 2026 · Wetmore Trailhead: 4653 Wetmore Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Adopt-a-Trail: Lake & Cross Country Trails
Sep 3, 2026 · Kendall Lake Trailhead: 1000 Truxell Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Voices in the Valley Concert
Sep 4, 2026 · G.A.R. Hall: 1785 Main St, Peninsula, OH 44264
Hale Farm & Village: Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival
Sep 4, 2026 · Hale Farm & Village: 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath, OH 44210
Ranger Talk
Sep 5, 2026 · Boston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Habitat Restoration - Volunteer Invasive Plant Removal
Sep 10, 2026 · Location provided after registration.
Voices in the Valley Concert
Sep 11, 2026 · G.A.R. Hall: 1785 Main St, Peninsula, OH 44264
CVNP Annual Fall Bird Census
Sep 12, 2026 · Cuyahoga Valley National Park Headquarters: 15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141
Voices in the Valley Concert
Sep 12, 2026 · G.A.R. Hall: 1785 Main St, Peninsula, OH 44264
Photo Exploration Hike: Ledges Trail
Sep 12, 2026 · Octagon Shelter: 801 Truxell Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Adopt-a-Trail: Furnace Run
Sep 13, 2026 · Everett Covered Bridge: 2370 Everett Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Hale Farm & Village: La Macchina Molto Bella Car Show
Sep 13, 2026 · Hale Farm & Village: 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath, OH 44210
Adopt-a-Trail: Salt Run
Sep 16, 2026 · Pine Hollow and Salt Run Trailhead: 5465 Quick Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Cuyahoga Valley Photographic Society: Monthly Presentation
Sep 16, 2026 · Hines Hill Campus: 1403 West Hines Hill Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Nature Rx: Mindfulness Walk
Sep 17, 2026 · 5555 Akron Peninsula Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Habitat Restoration - Volunteer Invasive Plant Removal
Sep 19, 2026 · Location provided after registration.
Lake Sturgeon Release Celebration
Sep 19, 2026 · Boston Store Trailhead River Access. The public can park at Boston Trailhead (1508 Boston Mills Road, Peninsula, OH 44264) and the Boston Mill Visitor Center (6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH 44264) for the event. However, spots are limited. Boston Mills Ski Area (7100 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH 44264) is available as overflow parking.
Village of Peninsula: Music on the Porches
Sep 19, 2026 · Village of Peninsula, Ohio
Adopt-a-Trail: Ledges Trail
Sep 19, 2026 · Ledges Trailhead: 701 Truxell Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
Things to Do
Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger
Learn how kids ages 3 and older can become Junior Rangers of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Find Spring Wildflowers in Cuyahoga Valley
Searching for wildflowers is a great way to connect with nature and stay active in spring. Discover what’s blooming along park trails.
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.
Go Birding in the Cuyahoga Valley
Birding is a popular activity at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Thanks to the park’s wide variety of habitats, it is possible to observe more than 200 bird species throughout the year. Grab a field guide and a pair of binoculars and see what awaits your discovery.
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.
Go Mountain Biking in Cuyahoga Valley
The East Rim Trail system has stunning views, varied terrain, exciting obstacles, and an element of adventure for intermediate mountain bikers.
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.
Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop
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.
Hike the Ledges Trail
The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
Hike to Blue Hen Falls from Boston
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.
Kid- and Autism-friendly Activities in the Everett Area
Three short walks in the Everett area offer sensory activities that appeal to children or individuals with autism. They include tactile and audio exhibits.
Let's Go Canalway Questing
Put your detective hat on! Quests are fun, self-guides hikes that help you explore the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Follow rhyming clues to hidden boxes. Sign the logbook and collect impressions of each hand-carved stamp.
Plan Your Event at Cuyahoga Valley
Find out how you can host an event in the park.
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.
Short Towpath Trail Walks
These short walks along the Towpath Trail explore many highlights of the valley’s lowlands. They are recommended for people who have mobility disabilities, are visiting with children, or have limited time.
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.
Visit Canal Exploration Center
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.
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. Learn more about these farms and about weekly farmers markets in and around the park.
Visitor Centers
- Boston Mill Visitor Center
- Canal Exploration Center
- Hunt House
Source: National Park Service.