Be sure to check out the Midwest Region page for other ideas around the best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
*Last updated March 8, 2024
Best Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
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How Long to Stay at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
If you only have a few hours to spend at Cuyahoga Valley, then you can definitely stop at the visitor center and do a trail or two. However, Cuyahoga Valley makes a great place to spend a weekend while you are in the area. I’ve listed options below that will keep you busy for a couple of days.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
As of August 2023, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is the newest USA national park! Located south of Cleveland, it can make for a good weekend destination.
The Cuyahoga River that flows north through the park. Also, it is famous for having caught on fire at least a dozen times! Finally, in 1969, Cleveland mayor Carl Stokes decided it was time to clean up the river. Today, the park stands as a testament of wildlife restoration.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs from Akron Northside to Peninsula Depot. The roundtrip ride takes about 2 hours.
We boarded at the Akron stop and there is a short break at Peninsula if you want to get out and stretch your legs. Just make sure you don’t miss the departure!
There are a couple special cars with raised roofs to you can get a more open view. However, it can get a little warmer up there in the sunroom!
Additionally, there is a special bike car if you’d like to take the train one way and pedal the 13.5 miles back.
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls is a small, but picturesque waterfall. It is a short hike from the parking lot to reach the waterfall. However, if you are looking for longer hikes, there is a longer loop as well.
Be aware that on weekends, there is a sign in the lot stating “lot full, return after 5pm”, however, people will continuously be leaving, so pull in and you will likely find a parking spot.
Ledges Trail
The Ledges Trail is one of the most popular trails. Also, it is a loop with numerous routes and depending on which path you take, it will be around 1-2 miles. To reach the “ledges” head from the parking lot to the first intersection and go right from there. This will take you down a path to below the cliffs.
From here, you will pass the Ice Box Cave. However, you can feel the cold air emanating from within, even though it is closed to protect bats from white-nose fungus.
Once you pass most of the cliff ledges, there is a stairway caved into the rocks that leads you back to return to the parking lot. We got hit by a pop up storm, but the little caves made for a nice rain shelter.
This was a fun hike for the kids. Also, I was concerned how my in-laws would do on this trail since it is rated moderate on All-Trails so we did it on our own. However, I think they probably could have handled it as there are no need to be right up along any of the ledges. Be aware, there are a lot of tripping hazards like exposed roots and rocks.
The Hunt House
At the time of our visit, August 2023, the Hunt House is closed for renovations. However, you can still view the area from the outside. Additionally, there is a parking lot and trails from this spot that go along the Cuyahoga Canal and canal locks.
Also, you can hike a little further to the Everett Covered Bridge. However, if you prefer you can drive and park by the bridge. Directly next door is Szalay’s Farm & Market. I’ve described all three below.
The Cuyahoga Canal
About 5-10 minutes on the trail north of the Hunt House is the Johnnycake Lock / Lock 27. Additionally, you can view the old lock as well as read information how these were trading stations when the canal was in use.
Szaylay’s Farm & Market
Directly next to the Hunt House is Szalay’s Farm and Market. It is a large outdoor market with tons of food. On the Saturday that we were there, they even had live music.
Szalay’s Farm is cash only, so make sure you bring some money on your visit.
The Everett Covered Bridge
The Everett Covered Bridge is located just to the northwest of the Hunt House. It is a short walk from the parking lot to the bridge. Also, the original bridge collapsed during a flood, so the current bridge is a recreation.
Also Consider Nearby
Check out some of the other sights in the Midwest Region. Some nearby sights are Columbus and The Wilds, Hocking Hills State Park, as well as Lake Erie (Cleveland, Cedar Point, Port Clinton and Put-In-Bay).