50 Ways to Experience Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Start Your Adventure at Boston Mill Visitor Center

Coming to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for the first time? Start your visit at the Boston Mill Visitor Center where park staff and volunteers will greet you to help plan your day. Make sure to get your passport stamped to commemorate your visit!

Photo Credit: NPS/Bob Trinnes

Make CVNP Your Outdoor Classroom

It’s back-to-school time and the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center (CVEEC) is ready to welcome students and teachers. In 2024 the CVEEC celebrated its 30th anniversary of providing environmental education programs to over 70,000 children in overnight programs and more than 200,000 from day programs. Bring your class to CVNP – wonders are waiting!

View the Night Sky

Watch in awe as a full moon rises over Beaver Marsh – September’s full Harvest Moon will appear on September 17! In addition, CVNP is a great place to stargaze, take in a sunset at the Ledges Overlook and more. Check out the best spots after dark.

Drive the Scenic Byway

Take a drive on America’s Byway to experience fall in a whole new way. Not just a single road, the byway is a 110-mile route through four counties and 58 communities in the National Heritage Area – connecting cultural, historic, recreational and natural sites of interest by way of two-lane roads.

Photo courtesy of Canalway Partners
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Be Inspired 

Connect with inspiring topics through the Cuyahoga Valley Lyceum Series. We’re bringing experts on history as well as current trends to Cuyahoga Valley National Park to share in-depth and engaging stories and discoveries commemorating the park’s 50th anniversary.

Ride the Rails

Climb aboard for a ride on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Enjoy a variety of experiences such as national park, dining and drinks, as well as entertainment excursions to the holiday magic of the North Pole Adventure™.

Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Read a Poem

Connect with nature through poetry. Share your voice and contribute to “The valley” community poem, based on the poem by Jean Valentine.

Take a Hike

Increase your physical and mental well-being on a ranger-led hike. Check the park’s calendar for free Healthful Hikes and other offerings. In addition, view a list of hiking recommendations.

View the Landscape from Horseback

Viewing the park from horseback is like no other experience. Learn about the trails horseback riding is permitted on as well as the six “golden rules” of horse trail use.

Chase Waterfalls

Visit the iconic waterfalls in the park with Brandywine and Blue Hen Falls – places to return to time and time again to enjoy seasonal changes like fall colors and spring vernal pools.

Take a Meeting with A View

Allow the calm beauty of nature to surround you when you host your next event in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Our stunning venues are complete with rustic details, customizable décor, and breathtaking views. Perfect for weddings too!

Raise a Glass

Sit back, relax and raise a glass at local restaurants in our community. Be sure to visit the only winery in CVNP – Sarah’s Vineyard.

Photo courtesy of Sarah’s Vineyard.

Attend a Concert

Hear the sounds of music throughout the valley from concerts at Happy Days Lodge, Blossom, Peninsula Foundation, Rhythm on the River and more.

Photo courtesy of Roger Mastroianni/The Cleveland Orchestra

Be a Citizen Scientist 

Dive into the world of science by becoming a citizen scientist! Help survey and monitor different species in the park to collect data for park scientists to review and add to nationwide databases.

Go Bird Watching

Search the skies and wetlands for more than 200 bird species throughout the year. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy birding in the park. Grab a field guide or download a bird identification app as well as binoculars or a camera with a zoom to give you a closer look.

Be a Part of the Conversation

Be a part of the conversation with local professionals working toward a more sustainable future for Northeast Ohio. Join us for Low Power Happy Hour for cocktails and a Q&A with the speaker.

Experience Arts in the Park

Experience art in your national park. From art exhibitions at The Gallery and photography with Cuyahoga Valley Photo Society to exploring offerings from local artists in the Village of Peninsula such as at the Peninsula Art Acadamy. Art continues to thrive in your national park!

Visit Beaver Marsh

The scenery and wildlife make Beaver Marsh one of the park’s most popular spots. Depending on the month, you may be serenaded by frogs, watch turtles swim, see a beaver, or catch a glimpse of other wildlife in this thriving wetland.

Shop at Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market

Taste the difference of locally sourced produce and food all year long at Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market! During the summer, visit every Saturday from 9am to noon at Howe Meadow. In the winter, visit every other Saturday from 9am to noon at Old Trail School.

Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market.

Paddle the River

Paddle the park on the Cuyahoga River Water Trail. Long paddles from Akron through CVNP present challenges and offer miles of natural scenery.

Travel the Towpath

Pedal, run, or walk the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Along the route you can connect to many natural and historic sites. Enjoy this shared-use trail and remember to keep to the right except to pass others. 

Connect with Nature

Power down and connect with nature. Spend quality self-care time in nature by finding a quiet spot to meditate, do some forest bathing or taking a yoga class through the Conservancy for CVNP.

Treat Yourself

Remember your special visit to CVNP with a keepsake from park retail stores. You’ll find gifts, apparel, local food, children’s toys and more. You can even pick up a sweat treat or snack after your hike, run or bike ride. Plus, sale proceeds directly support park programs.

Volunteer

Make a difference by joining our Volunteers-in-Parks Program. There is a place for everyone through a variety of options for kids, families, and adults of all ages. And we can provide unique opportunities for company, school, scout, and youth groups too.

Follow the Blue Blazes

Follow the Blue Blazes as a portion of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail passes through the park. This 1,400-mile hiking trail makes a big loop around the state of Ohio!

Visit Canal Exploration Center

Visit Canal Exploration Center for maps and games to discover why our growing nation needed canals. Inside, you’ll learn all about the history of the 308-mile Ohio & Erie Canal. And this historic building was once used as a tavern, store, and residence! Please check seasonal hours before visiting.

Create Lasting Memories

While planning your visit, make sure to build in time to capture that iconic shot in front of the park welcome sign! Learn other helpful tips to help make the most of your trip.

Become a Junior Ranger

Have your child become a junior ranger and take the oath to protect parks, continue to learn, and share their own ranger story with friends and family. Pick up Junior Ranger Handbooks and activity cards at Boston Mill Visitor Center and Canal Exploration Center (check website for specific hours).

Become a Member

Together we can enrich people’s lives and enhance our region by inspiring use, preservation and support of CVNP. Join the Conservancy for CVNP’s nearly 4,000 members today in making a difference in CVNP.

Pedal the Park

Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a leisurely bike rider, or an adventurous mountain biker, CVNP is a great place for biking, so strap on your helmet and make plans to pedal in the park!

Listen to Nature

Sit back and relax to the sounds of nature. Each national park has a unique soundscape that awakens a sense of wonder. From birds to frogs and even the trees – enjoy the sounds of CVNP.

Take a Quest

Put on your sleuthing hat and follow rhyming clues and a curious map to each hidden quest box in CVNP. The questing season runs from April 15 through November 15.

Photo Courtesy of Ohio & Erie Canalway.

Stay in a Historic Home

At Stanford House, the national park is your front porch! The Towpath Trail is just out the front door, and the iconic Brandywine Falls is a short hike away. Built in 1843, this historic home has beds for up to 30. Check out other historic properties such as The Inn at Brandywine Falls and rentals through the Peninsula Foundation.

Visit a Farm

Connect with the local farming community in CVNP. With eight farms currently operating on land leased from the park, there is a diverse array of crops and heritage breed animals. Make sure to check out roadside stands or events throughout the year.

Watch the Sunrise

Experience the awe of watching the sunrise in CVNP. Find your favorite spot facing east and watch the park come alive. With so many options, you’ll be sure to discover your own perfect place! Find more ideas to help plan the rest of your day in the park.

Go Camping

Spend a night under the stars at area state park and private campgrounds near CVNP – from tent camping to glamping.

Photos courtesy of Valley Overlook.

Try a Winter Activity

Feel the rush of cold on your cheeks by trying a winter activity. Winter weather can provide special opportunities for recreation, including: cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and sledding to name a few.

Go Wild for Wildflowers

Search for wildflowers and discover what’s blooming along park trails.

Read a Book

Get lost in a book about CVNP. We recommend the complete guide to every trail in CVNP for hikers, cyclists, skiers, equestrians, nature lovers and more. This guide was created by people who know it best, the Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council volunteers, who help build and maintain the trails.

Run the Trails

Feel your heartbeat as you finish your trail run. Exploring the 140 miles of trails in CVNP provides a challenge and an adventure for runners. Put your skills to the test by participating in a local race through the park.

Watch Wildlife

Witness the wonders of animals in their natural habitat. You may have the opportunity to see a Great Blue Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, or turtles on a log.

Catch a Fish

The park has over 65 species of fish that live in its waters, choose to fish in the river or one of its many fishing holes. CVNP encourages catch-and-release fishing to maintain the fish populations needed for continued sport fishing.

Visit Skylight Park

Visit the indoor greenspace at Tower City. As part of the transformation of Tower City Center and its commitment to offering engaging experiences in downtown Cleveland, in July of 2022, Bedrock unveiled Skylight Park. CVNP and the Conservancy for CVNP collaborated with Bedrock to highlight natural beauty and greenery within the indoor park.

Linger at the Ledges

Witness the rock formations left behind from glaciers millions of years ago at the Ledges. This area is a favorite for many, to hike, play in the field, and enjoy the sunset at the Overlook.

Picnic in the Park

Unpack a feast in the park. Whether you need an area large enough for a family reunion or an intimate spot for two, you’ll enjoy picnicking in the park.

Connect with Local Culture

While visiting the park, stop at other national park sites as well as taking in all our gateway communities have to offer.

Photo Courtesy of the Village of Peninsula.

Choose the Road Less Traveled

Find a new way to explore the park. With CVNP being 20 miles long and up to 6 miles wide the possibilities are numerous. Use CVNP’s maps to help you locate the visitor center, attractions, trailheads, and trail routes.

Immerse Yourself in History

History runs deep in the valley, from the unwritten stories to the environmental disasters and comebacks of modern times. Immerse yourself in people, places and stories of the past.

Sponsor an Acre

Share your love for CVNP by sponsoring an acre in your favorite spot—or giving the gift of a sponsored acre to a loved one. Your 100% tax-deductible donation will help the Conservancy for CVNP protect and enhance Ohio’s national park for future generations.

Make It Your Own

There is something for everyone to enjoy in CVNP and its surrounding gateway communities. Personalize your visit with the wide variety of experiences waiting for you! For trip planning questions, call Boston Mill Visitor Center at 440-717-3890. Rangers are available 10 am – 4 pm.