The park preserves the remnants of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which once facilitated transportation between Lake Erie and the Ohio River.
The Cuyahoga River is a rare example of a 'crooked' river that flows north into Lake Erie.
The Ledges Trail features sedimentary rock layers formed over 300 million years ago.
The park provides habitat for bald eagles, which have successfully returned to the valley after a long absence.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad operates on tracks originally laid in 1880.
The Everett Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Summit County.
The park contains the Boston Mills and Brandywine ski areas, which are private concessions operating within park boundaries.
Deer populations in the park are managed through a federal controlled hunting program to protect native vegetation.
The park serves as a migration corridor for various bird species due to its diverse forest and wetland ecosystems.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, featuring a distinct blend of deep forests, rolling hills, and farmland. The park is home to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers narrated excursions through the valley floor. Notable geography includes the 65-foot Brandywine Falls and the Ledges Trail, characterized by large, moss-covered Pottsville sandstone formations. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail runs through the park, repurposing the historic canal's route for cycling and hiking. The park was designated a national recreation area in 1974 and re-designated as a national park in 2000. It remains one of the few national parks in the United States located within an urban corridor.
The wooden boardwalk observation deck overlooking the cascading Brandywine Falls.
Download offline maps, as cell service is inconsistent throughout the valley floor.
Rent bicycles to traverse the long stretches of the Towpath Trail efficiently.
Check the park's official website for train reservation requirements, as seating is often limited.
Do not attempt to swim in the Cuyahoga River or the base of waterfalls, as water quality and currents can be hazardous.
The Scenic Railroad does not operate on certain weekdays during the off-season; check current seasonal schedules.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive erosion-prone sandstone and woodland flora.
