RoadRangeROADRANGE
People in bright orange kayaks paddle around a bend in a river, past green trees and a rocky shore.
NATIONAL PARK

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away.

Photo: NPS Photo / D.J. Reiser / NPS

OH
state
29
things to do
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

About Cuyahoga Valley National 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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Driving times from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
THINGS TO DO

Activities

Arts and CultureBikingBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCanoeingCitizen ScienceCraft DemonstrationsCross-Country SkiingCultural DemonstrationsFishingFoodGift Shop and SouvenirsHands-OnHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramKayakingLive MusicLiving HistoryMountain BikingPaddlingPicnickingShoppingSkiingSnow PlaySnowshoeingStand Up PaddleboardingWildlife Watching
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Spring's rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and visitors anxious to get out on the trail. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid. Dressing in layers is advisable. Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Fall foliage often peaks in mid-October. Winter weather conditions can rapidly change due to the lake effect snow from Lake Erie. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Canoeing, Citizen Science.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Within about a day's drive you can reach James A Garfield National Historic Site (45 min), First Ladies National Historic Site (46 min), Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial (2 h 2 min), River Raisin National Battlefield Park (2 h 15 min), Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument (3 h 2 min), Friendship Hill National Historic Site (3 h 5 min).