Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio’s one and only national park. It is known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. Just because Ohio only has one national park does not mean that it has any less the history or the scenic views than many national parks elsewhere. Cuyahoga Valley offers a great Ohio park with a getaway for anyone who wants to get outside and enjoy the wonders of nature.
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls is perhaps the most well-known and most-visited site in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The water drops 65 feet over a number of natural levels. Boardwalks and the Brandywine Gorge Trail give visitors a chance to view the falls from multiple angles. Make sure to take the time to enjoy the view and see the geologic features of Brandywine Falls when you visit Cuyahoga Valley!
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
The famous Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a major attraction of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The trail follows the Cuyahoga River during most of its length. Patrons of the path get to follow what was the Ohio and Erie Canal. Several historic sites are located along the Towpath Trail, including the remains of canal locks.
The Towpath Trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. With this being the case, you should be aware of some safety concerns and regulations that you can find here. In addition, take a map with you so you know what to expect on the trail.
Biking
The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath is not only popular with hikers but also with bicycle enthusiasts. Cuyahoga Valley makes biking a premier activity. There are miles of paths along the remnants of the Ohio and Erie Canal in Cuyahoga Valley National Park open to bicyclists. On top of the distances, the paths are very wide. This provides plenty of room for bicyclists going north and south to avoid getting too close, and there is still room for hikers. Plenty of bicycle activities await you around this park and others in Ohio!
Cross Country Skiing
During the winter months, the Towpath is still open and available for cross country skiers. Hikers during the winter months should be aware of this for safety concerns.
Train Ride
Cuyahoga Valley National Park has a special excursion available in the form of a scenic train ride through the park. This is a highlight for many park goers, because it is a great way to get around the park and see many of the sites. A full trip on the train ride is three hours long, but there is the option available to purchase a ticket that allows you to get off the train at certain stops to explore the park on your own and then catch a later train.
In addition to the ride through the park and nearby towns, the scenic train ride offers an audio tour that gives background information on the history of the park and the importance of the railroad in the area. To find out more about the train ride, visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad website here or the national park website here.
Directions
From the South: Take Interstate 77 North and take exit 125A (OH-8 North); take the Boston Mills Road (Exit 14A) and follow it approximately three miles to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor Center.
From the North: Take Interstate 77 South to exit 147 (Miller Road); turn right on Brecksville Road; then, turn left on Snowville Road; turn right on Riverview Road; finally, turn left onto Boston Mills Road and follow it to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor Center.
From the West: Take Interstate 80/Interstate 90 to the Interstate 77 exit; take the OH-21 exit toward Brecksville; turn left on Brecksville Road; then, turn left on Snowville Road; turn right on Riverview Road; finally, turn left onto Boston Mills Road and follow it to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor Center.
From the East: Take Interstate 80 to exit 180 (OH-8 South); take the Boston Mills Road exit; then, follow it approximately three miles to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor Center.
Ben’s Visits: July 2017
