Did you know there are 20 states in the United States that have only one National park? Ohio is one of them. Green lush overlooks for miles. The flowing river water. Weaving your way through gigantic boulders. Driving through a red covered bridge. Navigating your way up and down through tall trees. Meandering past people up to their knees in the water.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in Ohio and one of the 63 in the United States. It became a national park in 2000, previously labeled as a national recreational area. The area runs along the Cuyahoga river between Cleveland and Akron. It is located three and a half hours from Cincinnati, Ohio and two hours from Columbus, Ohio. I live in Ohio, and it only took me 22 years to get there.
My fiancé Eaton and I visited in July of 2024. We enjoyed hiking and riding the train, where we met two awesome strangers we still talk about to this day. We enjoyed visiting the many waterfalls (11 total in the park!), and exploring the Cleveland area! Afterwards, we headed up North to the small town of Lewiston, New York and Niagara Falls.
Here’s everything to see and do on your trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Don’t have time now? Pin and save for later.
Best Weekend Itinerary for Cuyahoga
Day 1: Brandywine Falls and Brandywine Gorge Trail, Ledges Trail, Winking Lizard Tavern or Fisher’s for dinner
Day 2: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Train Ride, Towpath Trail, Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook, Bridal Veil Falls
WHERE TO VISIT & HIKE
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
One thing I’d recommend is taking the Cuyahoga Valley train to see the ecological area from a different perspective. You get to relax and take in great views! They offer various excursions year round including murder mystery events, wine-tasting trains, and trivia on the train. Trains depart from Rockside Station, Akron Northside Station, and Peninsula Depot all year round. Train durations vary from 2 to 3.5 hours. Coach tickets range from $20 to $25, round trip table car seating is $30 per adult, and first class round trip tickets are $33 per adult. Restrooms are on board, and food and beverage are available to purchase. Free parking is available near the stations. I would recommend getting there early as it can be crowded, both parking spots and train seats get scooped up quickly! My fiancé and I got there early to get good seats and ended up being asked to move to accommodate a large family. We didn’t love the idea of sitting next to strangers for an hours-long train ride but we ended up really getting to know the couple we sat next to and now look back at the train ride quite fondly! They were a retired couple from California who were both teachers so we ended up having quite a lot in common. Afterwards, you can explore the nearby Ohio Erie Canal Towpath Trail or walk through historically charming Brecksville.
The Ledges
Moss-covered boulders. Rock stairs made from natural material that was a project done during the FDR Civilian Conservation Corps era. Squeezing yourself through narrow passageways. Seeing the rocks weathered over time. The Ledges is a picturesque hike where you aimlessly amble through caves and shaded hikes covered by tall trees. This is a hike where you can choose to explore for a short time or slow it down to explore more fully. The Ledges overlook is also known for awesome fall foliage! This is a hike I would absolutely recommend and do again! We enjoyed this hike and to me it is quite similar to the landscapes around Hocking Hills or Mohican State Park. If you hike the ledges, you may notice some areas caged off. Ice Box Cave is closed in order to prevent the spread of diseases that affect cave-hibernating bats.
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation: 219 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Restrooms: Ledges Shelter area near the Ledges Trail trailhead
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a cascading waterfall known for its short walk and location along Bedford Reservation. It is located near the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek and Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook. The Bridal Veil Falls trail to Great Creek Tinker Falls is a 6.5 mile walk route, but you can also access Bridal Veil Falls by driving along Gorge Parkway and parking in one of the small lots. You can choose whether to make it a short stop, or take the longer route. This area was hardly crowded at all when we visited and we were able to explore and take pictures without anyone else around. The water in the creek was also low at this time so we were able to walk across and wander around. We took lots of pictures here!
Distance: 0.4 miles
Elevation: 32 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Restrooms: Located off of Gorge Parkway between Friendship and Moore Trail
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls is likely the most visited hike in Cuyahoga. It is an impressive 60-foot waterfall viewed via the boardwalk. You can hike the 1.5 mile Brandywine Gorge Loop to explore the landscape around the waterfall and take in the scenery. It brings you along the creek leading to the falls. You can expand your hike by going off route and walking the creek bed on your own and getting your feet wet! Be cautious though because we ended up lost for a brief time due to us just carelessly wandering and failing to pay mind to where we were. Luckily it was a short hike so we were able to find our way back. Alternatively, you can also walk the 1.5 mile Stanford trail which leads to Brandywine falls as well. Additionally, due to crowds, it is recommended to plan a visit before 10am and after 2pm, and plan for backup parking as there are no overflow lots. You can also park at the Boston Mill Visitor center and hike to Brandywine Falls which is 5 miles roundtrip. My fiancé and I got there shortly after 4pm in July on a Saturday and did not have terrible trouble with parking but still faced crowds while hiking and visiting the falls.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation: 160 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Restrooms: Brandywine Falls trailhead
Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook
For a quick picture and a wonderful view, I’d recommend stopping at Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook. Tinkers Creek travels 28.2 miles and is the largest tributary that feeds the Cuyahoga river. To hike Tinkers Creek Gorge, you can follow the Bridle trail to the Scenic overlook which is a 5 mile out and back trail.
Explore Cleveland
There are tons of things to do in the Cleveland area including visiting the famous Christmas Story house and visiting the Rock n’ Rock Hall of Fame as well as exploring the parks and gardens.
WHERE TO EAT
Winking Lizard Tavern
This indoor/outdoor eatery was located within walking distance from our hotel which was a major win for us! We enjoyed our meals as well as sitting outside. They have locations throughout Cleveland. They have plenty of dining options from pizza and burgers to steak and ribs. They have specials throughout the year including deals on beverages as well as Guinness nights where you get a customized Guinness with a picture of your choosing.
Fisher’s Pub
Located in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley, they are a family cafe founded in 1958. Fisher’s serves breakfast on weekends from 8-11am. Dinner choices include grilled shrimp, crab cake dinner, and bourbon salmon. They have lunch specials Monday through Friday 11am-4pm and dinner specials begin at 4pm everyday, rotating monthly. Furthermore, they have happy hour Monday through Friday 3pm through 7pm.
Honey Hut Ice Cream
I love ice cream so anytime there is a chance to stop for ice cream, I am all in. I typically get chocolate chip cookie dough or black raspberry chocolate chip. Honey Hut ice cream has various locations throughout Cleveland. They are open weekends starting February 14 and open daily starting March 1. They have special flavors rotating monthly including chocolate covered strawberry, honey graham, and key lime pie.
WHERE TO STAY
Eaton and I typically try to look for affordable, comfortable, and convenient stays when booking. We prefer hotels because they offer quick and easy bookings, free breakfast, and other conveniences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Cuyahoga Valley National Park including hotels and unique stays.
The Inn
The Inn was built in 1848 and is located near Brandywine falls. The historical charm is visibly noticeable in the decor. They have a number of rooms available, ranging from $200 to $300 a night. Discounted rates are available when you stay two or more nights. Amenities include a television, microwave, a mini refrigerator, burning stove/fireplace, and free breakfast.
Valley Overlook
Valley Overlook is a lodging and camping area open year-round sitting on 62 acres surrounded by Cuyahoga Valley. Located 25 miles from downtown Cleveland, they offer furnished glamping tents, cabin rentals, and tent sites. They do not offer RV, trailer, or car camping. Tent sites are around $50 a night whereas cabins and glamping tents range from $100 to $300 nightly.
Sheraton Suites
Sheraton Suites has an 8.8 rating on bookingdotcom and is located about twenty minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Prices range from $200-$300 a night. Amenities include separate living and sleeping areas, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and onsite restaurant and bar.
Comfort Inn Independence
Comfort Inn is located 3 miles from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and 8 miles from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There is a seasonal outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast provided. This hotel is also conveniently located within walking distance to Winking Lizard Tavern! We stayed here 2 nights for under $300. We enjoyed our stay!
Thank you for reading my guide! I hope I have encouraged you to visit Cuyahoga Valley.
Ella Explores 