Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Fast Facts
- Location
- Founded
- Popularity
- Size
- Website
- Phone
- Yearly
- Closest City
- Time Zone
- Ohio
- 2000
- 13 of 63
- 51 sm/ 132 sq kms
- www.nps.gov/cuva
- 207-288-3338
- 2,238,000 (2019)
- Peninsula, OH
- Eastern
Current Weather
Map
The story of Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a story of reclamation and history. The backbone of the park is the Cuyahoga River, once so polluted it regularly caught fire in the industrial areas on its banks in Cleveland. The stories made national news and spurred the beginning of the nation’s environmental movement. Fifty years later, the river that runs through the park is as picturesque and lively as any in the Midwest. Wildlife driven away by pollution and humans have begun returning the river to its natural state, including blue herons, beavers, otters and black bears.
Close to the river and running the length of the park is the old Ohio and Erie Canal, once a major transportation artery until the early 20th century. Here you can still see the remnants of the canal and learn about its history and operation. The park also has a covered bridge, waterfalls and over 100 miles of trails. The historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will also take you from one end to the other. And the towpath, right next to the old canal, is an ideal all-purpose path for hiking, jogging or biking. And getting to the park is easy as it’s located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, and admission is free.
Getting There
Find out how to get to the park, including the closest airport and and highways.
Plan Your Trip
Things to know before coming, including cost, weather and the best time of the year to visit.
Attractions
Find out everything there is to do in the park. Don’t miss these recommendations from TripAdvisor.
Best Hikes
Discover the most popular and beautiful hikes the park has to offer. Alltrails has reviews and more.
Top 3 Must See
Limited time, or just want to hit the highlights? These are our top three “must see” attractions in the park.
Our Most Recent Blog Posts
One Day in North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park, situated in Washington state and spanning over 500,000 acres, is a stunning landscape. With its ecosystems, peaks, and pristine waterways it
Looking to camp in one of the most beautiful and iconic National Parks in America? Look no further than Death Valley National Park. Camping here
7 Best Kayak Racks for Cars Without Rails in 2022
Kayaks are a great way to get around and explore waterways, but they can be cumbersome and difficult to transport. If your car or SUV
Everything You Need to Know About Bear Bangers
If you’re a hiker, camper, or outdoors enthusiast in bear country, your safety should be a primary concern. In case of a bear encounter, what
Best National Parks to See Bears
Best National Parks to See Bears The chance to see bears in the wild is still something that fills us with awe and wonder. To
The Best Camping Fan for Your Next Trip: Our Top 9 Choices
Are you looking for a great camping fan for your next trip? Whether you’re trying to keep cool or just want to have some extra