Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio
- Home
- >National Parks
- >Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Ohio and is the state’s only national park. It boasts 100 waterfalls (including Brandywine Falls, the tallest waterfall in Northeast Ohio at 65 feet) and is situated along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron. The terrain consists of lush forests, rolling hills, narrow ravines, wetlands, and rivers. According to the National Park Service, Cuyahoga Valley receives more than 2.2 million recreational visits each year, making it one of the most-visited national parks in the United States. With over 125 miles of hiking trails, a 100-miles long river, and a scenic railroad within the park, who could blame them?
This region has as much deep and rich human history as it has stunning natural beauty. In fact, the word Cuyahoga itself is derived from a Native American tongue — the Iriquois language, specifically. Evidence of more than 500 generations of Native Americans have lived in this area long before it became a national park; learn about their history here.
The weather in Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers four distinct seasons, with temperatures varying greatly from month-to-month. Visitors can expect average daytime temperatures of 46 – 69 F in Spring, 77 – 95 in Summer, 49 – 72 in Fall, and 33 – 37 in Winter (with night time temperatures reaching below zero at times). The park averages 61 inches of snow annually.
Alongside the park lie the Northeast Ohio cities of Akron and Cleveland, both which are filled with countless things to see and do. You’ll also find plenty of smaller, picturesque towns and villages sprinkled around and within the national park, including Cuyahoga Falls, Boston Heights, Brecksville, and Peninsula (just to name a few).
If you’re looking for in-park activities, Cuyahoga Valley has scheduled events running regularly. Find the full schedulehere. While hiking is one of the most popular activities within the park, you’ll also find plenty of other fun things to try, including bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, star viewing, golfing, horse riding, biking, and more!
Spring 46-59 F
Summer 77-95 F
Fall 49-72 F
Winter 33-37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
When you visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you have the option to stay at a private or public campground. It’s important to note that the park’s only campground (Stanford) fills up quickly, especially during Spring and Summer. Also, many of the campgrounds are not open year-round, running from around May 1st through October 31st. We recommend making your reservation in advance.
For those wishing to experience the natural beauty of the park in an RV, please note that RVs can be parked for day time use only, but not overnight anywhere in the park. Additionally, the only campground within the park is for tent-only camping. Thankfully, there are plenty of reputable RV-friendly campgrounds just outside of Cuyahoga National Park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Public Campgrounds
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Private Campgrounds
Hit the Trails
With over 125 miles of hiking trails, there’s sure to be an adventure suitable for any type of hiker. Hiking is a great way to see the beauty that the park has to offer on-foot. Just don’t forget to pack plenty of water, sunblock, and appropriate footwear!
Below we’ve chosen a few of our favorites. For all of the trails that Cuyahoga Valley has to offer, click here.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Trails
Ledges
Distance: 2.2 miles
Terrain: rocky, some steps
Tree Farm
Distance: 2.75 miles
Terrain: flat, dirt
Brandywine Gorge
Distance: 1.4 miles
Terrain: hilly, rocky
Buckeye (Blue Hen Falls)
Distance: 0.5 miles
Terrain: hilly, rocky, firm flat
Old Carriage
Distance: 5.25 miles
Terrain: hilly, rocky
What to Do at
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
When you’ve exhausted yourself hiking Cuyahoga Valley’s lush forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking waterfalls, then you might be ready for a different adventure altogether. Whether that’s a mouth-watering meal, some retail therapy, or a trip to a museum, here are some of our top recommendations for activities near the national park.
Restaurants
When it comes to dining experiences, Ohio certainly has its gems. While some are well-known, others are slightly off the beaten track. Regardless, you’re sure to love our suggestions below.
Shopping
Need to gather some supplies, or simply want to pick up a few souvenirs from your travels? The following recommended shops are sure to help you indulge in some retail therapy, plus they’re just a stone’s throw from the national park!
The Arcade, Cleveland
Location: Cleveland
b.a Sweetie Candy Company
Location: Cleveland
STAR POP Vintage + Modern
Location: Cleveland
Rubber City Comics
Location: Akron
Amy's Hallmark Shop
Location: Parma (inside Pleasant Valley Shopping Center)
Museums
Run into a rainy day during your stay at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Rather than hiding in your tent or RV, you could visit one of these local museums instead!
Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum
Location: Peninsula
Farnam Manor Museum
Location: Richfield
MAPS Air Museum
Location: Green
Akron Art Museum
Location: Akron
Akron Children's Museum
Location: Akron
Sightseeing
While you’ll find endless entertainment and activities within the national park, there’s also plenty to do in Cuyahoga Valley’s surrounds. Our top picks are listed below.
Furnace Run Metro Park
Bath Nature Preserve
Akron Zoo
Hinckley Reservation
Edgewater Beach
How to Get to
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
You have plenty of options when traveling to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including by car, plane, or RV.
By Car
If traveling by car, you can gain access to the park from either I-77, I-271, I-80 (Ohio Turnpike), or State Route 8. Follow these roads until you get closer to the national park, from which there will be signs to guide you.
By plane
Both the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport are also just a short drive away from Cuyahoga Valley. Car rentals are available from either of these.
By RV
Additionally, if you want to experience the national park in style and comfort, then traveling in an RV is the way to go. If you don’t own an RV, then renting one is the perfect option, as it allows you to travel at your own pace, minimize your accommodation costs, and have a front-row seat to the scenery as it unfolds in front of you. RV rentals are available across the country, so you can either start at your location and drive the whole way, or fly in and pick up an RV closer to the park. It’s that easy!
Just keep in mind that Cuyahoga Valley does have some restrictions regarding RV parking and camping. However, there are plenty of popular, RV-friendly campgrounds located near the national park.
View RV RentalsEntering Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Entry into the park is free, but scheduled events, concerts and other activities may be subject to a fee. Instead, the park encourages all visitors to support the park by donating to their associated group, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Read more about this here.
We are so excited about your trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. After all, it is one of the most popular national parks within the US, and we can see why! We’re passionate about helping people get out among nature with their loved ones and what better way to do that than with a scenic RV camping trip? Whether you visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park in an RV rental from us, or simply set up your own tent within the park, we’d love to hear all about your trip! Send us photos at [email protected], tag us on social media, share your favorite memories, and anything else you want others to know about your experience for a chance to be featured on our blog or social media channels.