Between Cleveland and Akron, the Cuyahoga River runs through a green valley of waterfalls, sandstone ledges, old farms and a historic canal path. It's one of the easiest national parks to reach, and you can see a lot of it in a single unhurried day. Start at a waterfall, walk the cool rock corridors of the Ledges, then bike the Towpath and ride the train back. Fall brings some of the best color in the Midwest.
TRAILS
1 OF 6
Brandywine Gorge Loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
1.4 mi loop
Elevation gain
160 ft
Northeast · Brandywine Falls trailhead — Brandywine Falls is the park's signature waterfall, a lacy drop of about 60 feet over layered sandstone and shale. A boardwalk leads to the viewing decks, then the loop drops into the gorge and follows the creek back. Seeing just the falls from the boardwalk takes a few minutes. Go early on weekends, when the lot fills fast.
Photo: Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 6
Ledges Trail
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2.2 mi loop
Elevation gain
80 ft
Virginia Kendall · Ledges trailhead — This loop circles a block of mossy sandstone cliffs, with narrow cracks, cool shady corridors and Ice Box Cave along the way. A short spur leads to the Ledges Overlook, a favorite place to watch the sun set over the valley. The ground is rocky with roots and a few steps. Kids love squeezing through the gaps between the rocks.
Photo: Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 6
Beaver Marsh Boardwalk
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1 mi
Elevation gain
Flat
Towpath Trail · Ira trailhead — A quarter mile up the Towpath from the Ira trailhead, a boardwalk floats across a marsh that beavers rebuilt after it was once an auto junkyard. Look for herons, turtles, muskrats and, near dusk, the beavers themselves. The path is flat and smooth, good for strollers and wheelchairs. Bring binoculars.
Photo: David Fulmer, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 6
Blue Hen Falls
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2.5 mi
Elevation gain
500 ft
Boston · Boston Mill Visitor Center — A pretty 15-foot falls tucked into a quiet ravine, reached on the Buckeye Trail from Boston. The trail climbs through the woods, crosses a road, and drops down to the creek. Use care on the slick rocks near the falls. Pair it with lunch in the village of Peninsula.
⚠︎ The small Blue Hen Falls lot has been closed; park at Boston and hike in.
Photo: Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 6
Towpath Trail and Scenic Railroad
Difficulty
Easy
Length
Up to 20 mi one way
Elevation gain
135 ft
Whole valley · 10 Towpath trailheads — The old canal towpath runs almost 20 miles through the park, flat and smooth, past canal locks, wetlands and farm fields. Bike or walk as far as you like, then flag the train at a boarding station and ride back with your bike. Peninsula makes a good starting point, with food and bike rentals nearby. It is the easiest way to see the whole valley in a day.
⚠︎ Train schedules and fares are set by the railroad and change by season.
Photo: Cuyahoga jco, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 6
Everett Covered Bridge
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.2 mi
Elevation gain
Flat
Everett · Everett Road — The last covered bridge in Summit County spans Furnace Run on a quiet country road. It is a short stroll from the trailhead and lovely in fall color or fresh snow. Trails from here link to the Towpath and the Buckeye Trail if you want more. A quick, peaceful stop on a valley drive.
Photo: jskuya, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Cuyahoga Valley trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.