Discover the best-kept secrets with this Cuyahoga Valley National Park ultimate weekend guide. From lesser-known hiking trails to secluded picnic spots, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your visit to this breathtaking national park. Logan and I visited the park for our 1st anniversary in the fall to experience the beautiful colors of the forest. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers because there are things to do for everyone of all ages. Plus, there is no need for a national park pass, visiting is free!
Here’s Your Ultimate Weekend Guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
I always start my national park trips at the visitor centers so I can collect the National Park Service passport cancellation stamps and stickers for my National Park Passport book. Start your weekend at the Boston Mill Visitor Center to pick up a Cuyahoga Valley Park Brochure that includes a driving map, a seasonal Valley Guide newspaper, and trail maps. Park staff and volunteers are available to help with trip planning, where to go, the best hikes for you, and where you can find food and lodging. The passport book, stickers and other souvenirs are available for purchase.
Not sure what to pack for a weekend getaway? Check out my weekend packing guide before you go!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the Fall
Leaf peeping fans, here are my top tips on where to look for the best fall colors in Cuyahoga Valley. Peak color is usually during the third week of October but with warmer weather, that peak seems to be coming later and later each year. The timing of the color changes are mostly tied to the decrease in daylight as winter nears.
Trees under stress from severe drought or other issues will shed their leaves early so the colors are most vivid during warm, sunny days and cool, frost-free nights. Cloudy days and too much rain can dull the leaves colors and it’s important to remember that different trees peak at different times, so it’s possible to admire autumn foliage the entire month of October.
When is the best time to visit Cuyahoga National Park in the fall?
Early October
Get up early to walk the inner loop of the Oak Hill Trail. There you can see the magnificent reds of the maple, glowing oranges of the sassafras, and striking yellows of the white ash. This scenic trail becomes sunlit in the early morning where you’ll see the large trees in the open fields and by Sylvan Pond become brightly colored from the sun.
Mid October
Discover all the autumn colors at Brandywine Falls and along the Brandywine Gorge Trail in mid-October. Colors range from the gleaming reds of the sugar maples to the deep browns of the white oaks. This area is ideal for photography in the late afternoon.
Late October
Head to the Ledges area trails in Virginia Kendall for great places to experience the late turning oaks. Also look for the yellows of hazelnut and witch hazel. Both trees peak late because they grow low in the dense forest. Hike to Ledges Overlook for a view of the changing colors across the Cuyahoga Valley.
How to Get There
Just a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park can be easily reached by car.
The maps show the visitor centers and other attractions:
Where to Stay in Cuyahoga Valley National Parkl
Valley Overlook
Valley Overlook is a lodging and camping area on 62 scenic wooded acres surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
They offer camping sites, furnished canvas tent cabins, and comfortably appointed 4-season cabin rentals. We stayed in one of the primitive canvas tents, and it was COLD. During the day, it was around 70 F/21 C, while at night, the temperatures dropped down to 39 F/4 C. Book early to get an electric site for cute lights and heaters.
Stanford House
There are many places to stay in and around the park. Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls offer lodging within the park. The remodeled house is available as a high-quality day or overnight-use facility and provides moderately priced overnight accommodations near numerous amenities.
Inn at Bradywine Falls
Overlooking the falls, this six-room bed and breakfast, built in 1848, is on the National Register of Historic Places and would be a special place to stay for the weekend. It has been luxuriously renovated and modernized, furnished in Ohio antiques, and features quality amenities and gourmet foods. The Inn provides easy access to the falls and nearby hiking and biking trails.
Campgrounds in Cuyahoga National Park
| Campground | Address | Distance from Visitor Center | Type of Camping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Farms | 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula 44264 | 1.9 mi (4 minutes) | Tent |
| Valley Overlook | 4451 Akron Peninsula Road, Peninsula 44264 | 5.1 mi (10 minutes) | Tent, Furnished Canvas Tent, Cabin |
| Silver Springs Park | 5238 Young Road, Stow 44224 | 8.8 mi (15 minutes) | Tent, RV |
| Streetsboro/Cleveland KOA | 187 State Route 303, Streetsboro 44266 | 9.8 mi (20 minutes) | Tent, RV, Cabin |
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
There are over 125 miles of hiking trails to explore on your weekend in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, ranging from nearly-level to more challenging. They pass through various habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and old fields. Some trails require you to cross streams with stepping stones or log bridges, while others, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, are nearly level and are accessible to all. A portion of the state-wide Buckeye Trail also passes through the park.
- The Ledges Trail: 2.2 mi/1.5 hours
The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. It ends at the Ledges Overlook with spectacular views of the valley.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Trails with Waterfalls
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls is accessible by hiking or driving. The parking lot for the falls fills up quickly, so arrive early, or you won’t get a spot! The other option is to hike from the Boston Mill Visitor Center taking the Stanford Trail to Stanford House then continuing on to Bradywine Falls.
- Stanford Trail: 1.5 mi/1.25 hours
- Brandywine Gorge Loop: 1.4 mi/1 hour
Blue Hen Falls
Moderate: 2.5 mi, 1.14 hours
This is a popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Take the Buckeye trail at the Boston Mill Visitor Center until you reach the falls. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Deer Lick Cave and Buckeye Trail
4.1 mi/1.40 hours
This dirt trail mostly weaves through forests and features a waterfall and creek.
Check out these amazing waterfall hikes in Big South Fork Kentucky!
Take a Ride on the Scenic Train
Go on an exciting journey through nature on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad! This is a must-do weekend activity. The National Park Scenic excursion is a unique way to experience all the natural wonder Cuyahoga Valley National Park has to offer. There are different class seatings such as coach, tabletop, and executive class. However, no matter where you sit – you can sit back and relax as the train weaves through the Cuyahoga Valley and races along with the rushing Cuyahoga River.
Visit Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s website for tickets and detailed trip planning information. Rockside and Akron Northside are the primary stations. Schedules will vary seasonally, and tickets book up fast in the fall, so book as early as you can for the best seats.
Go on a Bike Ride
Most people who bike Cuyahoga Valley National Park ride the popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. It runs north to south and 20 of its 101 miles are within the national park. The Towpath is a shared trail so you might encounter runners, families with young children, dog walkers, and horseback riders. To keep everyone safe, there are speed limits and it’s important to practice trail courtesy. You can rent bikes at Valley Bike Rental: $20-Hour or $125 Daily, open 9am-9pm.
The Towpath links to three other shared trails and bikers can enjoy these separately or in combination.
- The All Purpose Trails: are paved and managed by Cleveland Metroparks crossing Brecksville Reservation and Bedford Reservations from east to west.
- The Bike & Hike Trail is a paved trail managed by Summit Metro Parks that borders the national park to the east. The closest trailheads are at Brandywine Falls, East Rim/Boston Heights, and State Route 303. The entire trail is 33.5 mi long and a steep connector trail joins the Bike & Hike Trail at Holzhauer Road with the Towpath Trail just north of Red Lock Trailhead.
- The Hemlock Creek Trail is managed by the City of Independence. Hemlock Creek joins the Towpath Trail by Stone Road, just north of Canal Exploration Center. It is 1.7 mi long, paved, steep, and scenic.
In conclusion, Cuyahoga Valley National Park truly is a hidden gem that offers endless opportunities for adventure and rejuvenation. From hiking through stunning landscapes to indulging in local cuisine, this breathtaking national park has something for everyone.
Planning a weekend trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park is not only easy, but also incredibly rewarding. So why wait? Pack your bags and escape into nature’s embrace this weekend. As the saying goes, “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”
Let Cuyahoga Valley National Park be one of those unforgettable memories. And as John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” So go out and start your adventure in Cuyahoga Valley National Park – who knows what you may discover. Happy exploring!
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