Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor Information

A map of the area surrounding Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
216-524-1497, 440-546-5991
www.nps.gov/cuva

In the backyard of Cleveland and Akron is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, centered on the historically and ecologically significant Cuyahoga River. While the river runs directly into the suburbs of both Cleveland and Akron from the Cuyahoga Valley, the park feels like a world away from these cities. The Cuyahoga, named by Native Americans, translates as "crooked river."

Entrance fees: Admission is free.

Visitor centers: Canal Visitor Center is open daily. Happy Days Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round. The Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center is open daily from June to August and on weekends from September to May. Peninsula Depot is open daily from May to August. All visitor centers are closed on January 1, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25.

Other services: Two museums and a wilderness information center

Accommodations:
  • Cuyahoga Valley HI-Stanford Hostel. Open year-round. 330-467-8711.
  • Inn at Brandywine Falls. Open year-round. 330-467-1812.
Visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The only national park in the state of Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley has remnants of the old Ohio & Erie Canal, a scenic railroad, golf courses, ski resorts, a music center, and entire towns. Perhaps because of its location between two major cities, the park attracts more than three million visitors each year. Almost 33,000 acres along the banks of the Cuyahoga River comprise this unusual national park. More than 900 species inhabit its deciduous forests and wetland habitats.

A scenic railroad line allows visitors to cover a lot of territory quickly, while frequent excursions permit them to explore the park's historical sites in depth. There are also miles of trails to hike, bike, and horseback ride. On the next page, we'll go into more depth about the sights to see and the things to do at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Facts
Region: Northeastern Ohio
Established: 2000
Size: 32,861 acres
Terrain: Floodplain and upland forests
Highlights: Hale Farm & Village, Boston Store
Wildlife: Coyote, beavers, flying squirrels, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, red foxes, rodents, reptiles, birds, and fish
Activities: Ranger-led programs, biking, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, golfing, snowshoeing, concerts, scenic train rides, and sightseeing at historical sites