About Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Few cities have a national park fifteen minutes from downtown. Cuyahoga Valley stretches between Akron and Cleveland along the Cuyahoga River, and its most famous stops — 65-foot Brandywine Falls and the mossy sandstone Ledges — are an easy drive from anywhere in Akron.
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail runs the full length of the park, flat and paved or crushed limestone, so it works for walkers, runners, strollers and bikes. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad parallels it, so you can ride the train one way and hike or bike back.
Start at Boston Mill Visitor Center in Peninsula for maps, restrooms and current trail conditions. In autumn the valley is one of Ohio's best foliage drives; in winter, Kendall Hills becomes the park's sledding and cross-country ski area.
Local tips
- Brandywine Falls has a boardwalk to the gorge overlook — the lower deck is the classic view.
- The Ledges loop is about two miles; wear shoes with grip after rain.
- Weekend parking at Brandywine and the Ledges fills by late morning in fall.
- Check the park's alert page before visiting — trail and lot closures change seasonally.
