Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

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This unusual National Park is a mix of nature, history and general recreation. The park is full of activities that make a visit interesting but it is definitely not your standard National Park. The park protects the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland before it empties into Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland. Congress established the park in 1974 while trying to develop parks in metropolitan areas. Most give the park one or two days; we gave it a half day since a lot was closed.

United States Travel

Riverview Road

The river is the spine of the park. Just driving the road, you will see a lot. If you were just driving through the park, it is only 15 miles, so around 30 minutes of time.

Virginia Kendell Ledges

This is a 2 mile trail around the ledges along with an overlook. Plan an hour, there is lots of parking.

Brandywine Falls

This waterfall is the largest and most popular waterfall in the park.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

This takes up about a half day and the views about the same as the road or Towpath Trail.

Biking the Towpath Trail

Bike rental is around $10 an hour so pretty pricy for a large family but a nice paved trail does run across the park. If you can get your bikes to the park and have the time, this is a good way to experience the park.

Other suggestions by the park

Everett Covered Bridge, Blue Hen Falls, looking for wildlife at the Beaver Marsh, Kendall Lake picnic and hiking trails, Boston Mill Visitors Center, Brecksville Nature Center, Hale Farm and Village,
Canal Exploration Center, Tinkers Creek Gorge.