Are you looking for the best tips when visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Come with us on the popular trails in Cuyahoga as we’re going to walk through some key questions that you need to answer for a successful visit. Let’s Get Started! To watch the video version of this blog click here or continue reading below.
We’ll discuss the most popular trail later but,
What is the Most Beautiful part of Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
The Ledges in Cuyahoga is the most beautiful area in the park. But our tip for the Ledges is to take the hike but spend time exploring the rock formations. Scramble in between the sandstone and if you are lucky you will discover an entrance to the ice cave and carvings from the early 1900s by an unknown sculptor. Here you will find a 2.2 mile loop trail through the forest that showcases rock ledges to explore and view. Most people come for the trail we are sharing here but there are other features to the area that if you have time you should explore. The Ledges Trail is North of the parking lot, but an amazing view awaits at the Ledges Overlook, a small walk to the South of the parking lot. You’ll also find a picnic pavilion at the parking lot but if you have time seek more in this Virginia Kendall unit of the park.
Later we will discuss some tips that will make it easier for you to get around Cuyahoga Valley but while we continue hiking in the Ledges you should ask this question
What gear should I take when visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
If you spend any time hiking and biking outdoors like we do you quickly discover that having the right gear can make or break an adventure. Even in this small park where you are so close to civilization and services. Our best tip for hiking that most people forget is to carry a first aid kit with you. We’ve had enough stumbles and scrapes, and bumps, that a band aid, or other minor first aid helps our brood continue hiking joyfully. But, if you need more you have it. Since you can’t carry a decent first aid kit in your hand we recommend a hydration day back. These are great for longer hikes with their water bladder but for hikes in Cuyahoga you can probably carry water bottles. There’s no need for a compass as phones work everywhere in the park, but you might want some maps for a bigger view of the park. We’ll let you know where to get those later on. But, for the ledges you should wear good supportive closed toed shoes preferably hiking shoes with a good grip. If you have balance issues trekking poles are a good add to keep your balance. If you are hiking in the warmer seasons make sure you take sunscreen and mosquito spray and also beware of ticks. But, make sure you pack a flashlight in case you are on the trail at sunset.
Here are some examples of what we took exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Teton Sports Hydration Pack Video Review: https://youtu.be/KEBrYwp8RQk
Amazon Link: 2021 model https://amzn.to/3SnKcGR
2022 model https://amzn.to/3vIogMZ
Camelbak Mini M.U.L.E hydration backpack Video Review for younger hikers: https://youtu.be/WbRgZr6C20g
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3Zpj91p
Merrell Moab II Men's Hiking Shoes: https://amzn.to/3Ardw8k
The First Aid Kit we carry: https://amzn.to/3Lcvu2h
Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/3DHj54L
Tactical Flashlights: https://amzn.to/3QLY25T
Compass: https://amzn.to/3GahGU5
We’ll get back to the hikes and where to find waterfalls in a minute but,
What else makes Cuyahoga Valley National Park worth visiting?
We found a lot to do in and outside the park. Here we will list a few that make the park more than a great hike. If hiking isn’t your thing our next tip would be to take a break and ride the railroad. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad travels North and South along the Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga River. The rail cars provide a step back in time. You can board the train at one of the many boarding stations and can even take your bike on the train with you. Next on our list are the Cleveland Metroparks. In Cuyahoga and the Cleveland parks you can find great spots to enjoy a relaxing picnic, read a book, play frisbee or other sports. The region is filled with places for rest and relaxation. If you want something a little livelier drive into Cleveland and check out the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. You’ll also find the Cleveland Zoo, Lake Erie, and many other places for a downtown adventure. But if you want something in the middle the surrounding neighborhoods are great for boutique shops, locally owned restaurants and more. We will tell you all about Boston Mill inside Cuyahoga a bit later but with discussing the surrounding area you may be asking this question
Where Should I Stay when Visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Streetsboro KOA is a great place to stay while visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the surrounding region. This campground offers various amenities such as cabins, full hookup RV sites, tent sites, a pool, and a fishing pond. It's conveniently located just a short drive east of the park, making it an ideal space if you don’t want to stay in a hotel. The campground is dog friendly, has an arcade with pool table and ping pong and a campground store with food, ice cream, laundromat and the normal campground essentials like rv supplies and s’mores. Staying at Streetsboro KOA allows you to enjoy a comfortable and relaxed outdoor environment with easy access to the park's attractions and trails. Speaking of trails
What is the most Popular Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is connected to a network of parks and trails in the Cleveland Metroparks system. But the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is perfect for biking and runs through the park, offering scenic views of the Cuyahoga River and surrounding landscapes. The trail actually extends South out of the park and North to Lake Erie. So from the Towpath Trail, you can easily connect to other trails in the Cleveland Metroparks, allowing for extended bike rides through various terrains and environments. If you bike the trail like we did make sure you carry a bike pump, multitool, tire levers and a spare tube to repair anything during your ride. The tip here would be to make sure you ride through the Beaver Marsh, past some of the locks, and through Boston Mill. But, if the towpath trail inside the park isn’t enough biking our next tip would be to head over to the adjacent Bedford Reservation where you will find great biking to a popular destination which we will get to later. But even if you don’t ride many people hike the trail and the trail is stroller and handicap accessible. Another advantage of the Towpath trail is the number of parking lots along the trail. Take a road trip and check out the spots that interest you by car.
Every good national park post needs a dad joke: Why don’t trees ever play hide and seek? Because they’re afraid of getting stumped! Feel free to share that one tonight.
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Ok back to the list and
Where can I go for Information While in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
The Boston Mill Visitor Center is a must-visit spot in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s conveniently located in the middle of the park on the Towpath Trail. Here, you can learn about the park’s history, pick up maps, and get the latest information on trail conditions and events. But you can also use the restroom and fill up your water bottle. The center provides insightful exhibits about the park's cultural and natural history, making it a great starting point for your visit. Knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions and help you plan your day. If you need to find more gifts or locally made fare walk over to the Boston Mill Store for more variety. Boston Mill has many historically preserved buildings on the Cuyahoga river, multiple parking lots, a boarding stop for the railroad, and a great view of the Ohio Turnpike bridge that passes through the park.
Let’s move on from the Towpath Trail and ask
What Waterfalls are in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
The most popular waterfall in Cuyahoga is Brandywine Falls. The trail to Brandywine Falls as you can see here includes a well-maintained boardwalk and several viewing platforms offering safe and accessible vantage points for observing the falls and taking photos. The main viewing area offers a close-up view of the waterfall, allowing visitors to appreciate its full beauty and power. Brandywine Falls is one of the most iconic and picturesque landmarks in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This stunning 65-foot waterfall is formed by Brandywine Creek and is surrounded by lush forests and rocky gorges. The waterfall is accessible via a short, scenic hike, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages and abilities.
But our tip here is that there are a couple of other things to take advantage of from this parking lot. There is a longer 1.5 mile Brandywine Gorge Loop trail. But, the metroparks biking and hiking trail passes by for a great paved trail experience, too. We hiked to the top of the falls on the trail bridge and then through this tunnel on our way back to the parking lot. But if you want to spend the night in a piece of history check out the Inn at Brandywine Falls. Built in the late 1840s this Inn is on the national register of historic homes and it's decorated interior is set up to take you back in time. But if you want to make this trip a waterfall tour head over to Bedford Reservation as we discussed earlier and add Bridal Veil Falls. Located adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley National Park you can easily view more waterfalls. Here you can see the tranquil Bridal Veil falls in the woods that spreads wide and long for you to enjoy.
As we continue I’m sure you have asked:
What is so Special About Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is rich in history. As you explore the area you can see the industry of the Ohio and Erie Canal and learn about a time before semis, trains, and planes, transported goods throughout the country. Much of the canal system remains but nature is slowly reclaiming the land and today the National Park is a refuge for birds, animals, reptiles and humans who want to escape the city. Here you can find recreation on trails for hiking, biking, bridal, and jogging. There are many buildings and bridges that showcase the history of the region, too that were vital to the movement west from the East Coast. Ohio provided the means to move West while providing critical resources back to the original colonies. Take your time in this park and reflect on its rich history and significance to the development of the United States.
To continue your experience in Cuyahoga Valley National park read this post next!
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