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People in bright orange kayaks paddle around a bend in a river, past green trees and a rocky shore.

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park

OH

Kayakers on the Cuyahoga River. Photo: NPS Photo / D.J. Reiser

Entrance
Free
Nonresident fee
None
Park annual pass
Not sold
Payment
Depends on Location

Work out the cost for your group

About Cuyahoga Valley

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

From the National Park Service.

Things to do

18 ideas in total on nps.gov. Descriptions from the National Park Service.

Photos

  • Two people stand at the edge of a gray rock cliff; in the distance, sunset and trees in fall colors.
    The Ledges Overlook in Fall Photo: NPS Photo / Tim Fenner
  • A yellow-and-red engine with number 6777 leads a passenger train along tracks through green trees.
    The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Photo: NPS Photo / Robert George
  • Viewed from above, people stand on a platform near frothy white water falling over a rocky ledge.
    Brandywine Falls Viewed from the Upper Boardwalk Photo: NPS Photo / D.J. Reiser
  • Visitors line the concrete edge of a canal lock filled with water, in front of a white building.
    Lock 38 and Canal Exploration Center Photo: NPS Photo / Ted Toth

Entrance fees

This park has no entrance fee.

Reservations

NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.

Weather and seasons

Spring's rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and visitors anxious to get out on the trail. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid. Dressing in layers is advisable. Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Fall foliage often peaks in mid-October. Winter weather conditions can rapidly change due to the lake effect snow from Lake Erie. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero.

Hours

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open everyday, 24 hours a day with the following exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Ledges, Octagon, Kendall Lake, and Kendall Hills close from dusk until morning opening.

Getting there

The park is easily accessible by car from all directions. A good place to start your visit is at Boston Mill Visitor Center: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 44264. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area. Car rentals are available at both airports. Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron. Some local bus routes including RTA's 19A, 54, 77, and 90 routes stop near the park. There is an Amtrak station in downtown Cleveland.

Visitor centers

  • Hunt House
  • Boston Mill Visitor Center
  • Canal Exploration Center

Alerts

  • Park Closure: Station Road Bridge Parking lot repairs
  • Information: Current East Rim Trail Status: Open
  • Park Closure: Stanford Road Pavement Removal October 16–30
  • Caution: Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
  • Park Closure: Towpath Trail between Boston and Peninsula
  • Information: Expect Crowding

As of October 26, 2026. Current alerts on nps.gov

Parks nearby

Sources

Cuyahoga Valley National Park fees on nps.gov. Prices, park information and photos from the NPS Data API, checked October 26, 2026. Photos credited to the National Park Service.