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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
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.
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.
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.
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.
Become a Cuyahoga Valley Junior Ranger
Learn how kids ages 3 and older can become Junior Rangers of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Self-Guided Tours
Native American Heritage Walking Tour
For thousands of years, Native peoples have lived, raised families, and created culture in the Cuyahoga Valley. This flat, unpaved walk is a little over two miles out and back on the Towpath Trail. It explores the remnants these peoples left on the land. Be aware: at times, nearby Canal Road can be noisy.
Ever-changing Boston Walking Tour
The village of Boston may look like it has not seen progress or change in years, yet the area has transformed repeatedly. Explore the pros and cons of progress. This walk is intended to be around 35 minutes in length, covering about a mile over roads and trails of flat terrain. Be aware that this walk uses current paths, trails and roadways, all adjacent to Boston Mills Road and an active railroad line. At times, noise may be an issue. Watch for cyclists along the Towpath Trail.
Visitor Centers
Hunt House
Hunt House offers child-friendly nature exhibits, a rest area along the Towpath Trail, and information about nearby attractions. Hunt House is open seasonally as staffing allows. Restrooms stay open even when Hunt House is closed.
Boston Mill Visitor Center
Start your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park at Boston Mill Visitor Center. Meet park staff, get questions answered, and learn about the park and places to visit. The visitor center is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, March through December. January and February, hours are shortened. For the summer season, hours are extended and additional staff are available outside the visitor center to assist with trip planning, weather permitting. Restrooms stay open even when the visitor center is closed.
Canal Exploration Center
Discover the Ohio & Erie Canal in the storied Canal Exploration Center that was once used as a tavern, a general store, a residence, and a park visitor center. Find out how the canal shaped the nation through in-depth, interactive Canal Era exhibits for children and adults. Restrooms at the trailhead stay open even when Canal Exploration Center is closed.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
The park is easily accessible by car from all directions. A good place to start your visit is at Boston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 44264. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area. Car rentals are available at both airports. Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron. Some local bus routes including RTA's 19A, 54, 77, and 90 routes stop near the park. There is an Amtrak station in downtown Cleveland.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Boston Mill Visitor Center Main Lot
This is a large lot that provides access to Boston Mill Visitor Center. The lot is paved and visitors follow paved pathways to the visitor center. The lot has 106 spaces including 6 accessible, 1 carpool, 2 limited mobility, and 6 fuel efficient vehicle spaces. Six oversized vehicle spaces are located across the street from the main Boston Mill Visitor Center parking area. This lot also contains 9 additional vehicle spaces, 1 fuel efficient vehicle space, and 1 accessible vehicle space.
Open in MapsBrandywine Falls
A midsized paved parking area that provides access to Brandywine Falls (via boardwalk) and the Summit Metroparks Hike and Bike trail.
Open in Maps
Canal Exploration Center Lot
Medium sized paved lot that provides access to the Canal Exploration Center, the Canal Exploration Center Station, and the Towpath Trail. The lot has a total of 92 spaces with 3 designated accessible spaces. Next to the lot is an accessible restroom with flushing toilets and a water fountain.
Open in MapsIndigo Lake Lot
A small gravel lot with access to Indigo Lake, the Towpath Trail, and Indigo Lake Station. The size and location of the lot means it is usually full.
Open in MapsIra Trailhead Lot
A medium sized paved lot with access to the Towpath Trail and Beaver Marsh.
Open in MapsKendall Lake Lot
A large paved parking lot with access to Kendall Lake, the Loop Trail, Salt Run Trail, and Cross Country Trail. Access to wider Ledges Trail system from these trail systems is possible.
Open in MapsLedges Trailhead Parking
A large 223-space parking lot that provides 8 accessible spaces and access to the Ledges shelter, trail, and restrooms.
Open in MapsLock 29 Trailhead Main Lot
This is a 43-space accessible parking lot that serves the Lock 29 Trailhead (Towpath access) and the Peninsula Boarding Station for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Open in MapsOctagon Lot
A large paved lot, with tiered parking spaces. Octagon provides access to the Octagon Shelter, Ledges Trail system, and Forest Point Trail.
Open in MapsStation Road Bridge Lot
A large paved parking lot with access to the river, Brecksville Station, and the Towpath Trail.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
The park is easily accessible by car from all directions. A good place to start your visit is at Boston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 44264. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area. Car rentals are available at both airports. Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron. Some local bus routes including RTA's 19A, 54, 77, and 90 routes stop near the park. There is an Amtrak station in downtown Cleveland.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Operating Hours
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open everyday, 24 hours a day with the following exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Ledges, Octagon, Kendall Lake, and Kendall Hills close from dusk until morning opening.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Photos
Two people stand at the edge of a gray rock cliff; in the distance, sunset and trees in fall colors.
A yellow-and-red engine with number 6777 leads a passenger train along tracks through green trees.
Viewed from above, people stand on a platform near frothy white water falling over a rocky ledge.
Visitors line the concrete edge of a canal lock filled with water, in front of a white building.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Cuyahoga Valley
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.