Best Dog Friendly Activities in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Dog Friendly Activities Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, better known as CVNP, is a unique national park located in Northeast Ohio, covering over 51 square miles. What makes this park so special is its close proximity to urban cities like Akron and Cleveland with a “far from urban development” feeling. When walking the peaceful trails in the CVNP, it’s hard to believe the park is located roughly 22 miles from Cleveland and less than 10 miles from Akron. It’s a place where families and friends come to escape the urban life and surround themselves with nature. And it’s a fantastic location for fur parents who want to explore and adventure with their fur babies! Unlike a lot of national parks, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is extremely dog friendly. Our furry babies can adventure with us on our trip to the park and are even allowed on almost all hiking trails. However, please be aware that only service dogs are allowed in the park buildings as well as the scenic railroad.
Here is a quote taken directly from the CVNP website, “Fresh air and exercise are good for our health—and many of us enjoy walking in the park with a furry friend. With a few exceptions, leashed pets are welcome at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.”
With so much to do in the CVNP it’s exciting to be able to explore with our furry friends. Being able to be out in nature with my pup Lemon is one of the things that draws me to CVNP time and time again. We have explored countless trails together and have had so many adventures in the park. With all that being said, let’s explore my five favorite dog friendly activities in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Five Dog Friendly Activities Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Hike or Bike the Towpath
The CVNP Towpath Trail includes over 20 miles of trail. (However, the entire towpath runs for roughly 100 miles.) People walk, run, and bike the trail, so be aware that it is a shared space. There is a lot of history to discover along the towpath, and interpretive signs guide you along the journey to help you better understand the significance of the canal and the role it played in establishing the area. Check out the National Park website for more information and resources on the Towpath Trail.
The views on the trail are also quite lovely. I suggest slowing down and enjoying the history, wildlife, and scenery. Stop and interact with your surroundings, look for birds and other wildlife (the Towpath Trail is excellent for birdwatching), and learn about the canal. This isn’t something to rush through. I enjoy spending half a day on the towpath, soaking it all in at a leisurely pace!
Insider Tip: Check out the Boston Mill Visitor Center for more information on the towpath. They even have a small travel book you can purchase with detailed information on what’s what on the towpath.
Visit Brandywine Falls
Another dog friendly Cuyahoga Valley National Park must is checking out Brandywine Falls. This is probably the most popular place in the park, for good reason. Just a short walk on a structured boardwalk brings you down to a viewing point where you can admire the powerful Brandywine Falls. There are approximately 80 stairs to the lower viewing area. The 60-foot waterfall really is the pride and joy of our national park. Because it’s so popular, the parking lot fills up FAST on the weekends. Get there early or visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds!
Brandywine Falls Hiking
If you’d like to do more exploring in the area, you can check out a couple trails. I suggest the Brandywine Gorge Trail, which is a 1.4 dog friendly trail, rated as easy. I enjoy this trail as you get a bit of everything, wooded areas, bird watching, the waterfall views, sounds of the creek, and if you’re lucky and visiting at the right time of year-wildflowers. But it can also be fun to hike to the Standford House from Brandywine Falls. This hike will introduce you more to the history of the area and allows you to view a historical farmhouse.
Check out this video to get a peek of the Stanford House. You can actually rent the whole house; however, it is NOT dog friendly! You can park either at the Standford House and walk to the falls or vice versa. I like starting at Brandywine Falls because there is a bathroom located in the parking lot. This way, I can use the restroom before and after my hike.
Insider Tip: When you’re walking back up the stairs after visiting the falls, make a left at the top of the stairs. This will take you to additional viewing areas as well as introduce you to the history of the area and how the falls were used to harness power for various mills. You can continue to loop back around to the parking lot by exiting the boardwalk to the right once you are at the viewing point at the top of the falls.
Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market
The Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market is open year-round. However, my favorite venue for the farmers market is Howe Meadow. And this location you can visit the market in the summer and fall. May to October 9am-12pm, on Saturday, you can head to CVNP for an excellent farmers market right in the middle of a National Park. I highly recommend adding it to the list if you will be visiting the park in the summer/fall.
You’ll be able to find locally grown fruits and vegetables, ethically raised meat and eggs, flowers, honey, coffee, breakfast food and so much more. Honestly, sometimes I go just for the coffee! You can check out more information on the vendors, times, location, and hours on the Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market website. During the winter months you can visit the farmers market at Old Trail School.
Insider Tip: Dogs are only allowed at the farmers market from 10am-noon. The first hour is reserved for non-pooch browsing!
Explore the Beaver Marsh
If you’re looking to spy some wildlife but don’t want to leave your furry friend at home, this is a spot you’ll definitely want to check out. The Beaver Marsh is a popular spot to soak up nature and peek some of the wildlife in the park. Here, you might see birds, turtles, frogs, various flowers, and, of course, beavers. I very recently saw my first beaver in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, so they are there! Rangers recommended that you visit in early spring around dusk to spot a beaver. The national park provides more information on how to spot the beavers as well as information on other wildlife you can see throughout the seasons.
It’s an easily accessible walk to get to the Beaver Marsh. Just park at the Ira Trailhead and take the Towpath Trail to the marsh. You will see a sign directing you to the marsh. You could also combine this spot with your Towpath Trail bike ride or hike. However, if you do park at the Ira Trailhead once you reach the towpath, you will turn left to walk to the Beaver Marsh.
Insider Tip: One of my favorite summer activities is heading to the Howe Meadow Farmers Market in the am. My routine consistence of grabbing coffee and breakfast at the farmers market, listening to some music out in the open field, browsing the vendors, and then heading over to the Beaver Marsh to do some bird watching. It is the perfect Saturday morning for me and my best pal Lemon!
Hike the Ledges
The Ledges is one of the best hikes in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This hike introduces you to rock features and geological formations that are very different from what you’ll explore in the rest of the park. It’s absolutely beautiful and provides some of the best hiking in the park.
There are a few different ways to get to the Ledges Overlook. One of the most common ways is by taking the Ledges Trail. This 2.3-mile loop will surprise you as it’ll have you exploring beautiful rock formations, hiking through the woods, and giving you an expansive view of the park. No trip to CVNP is complete without a hike at the Ledges.
Insider Tip: This is a very popular sunset spot. People bring their hammocks and blankets to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sunset. You may even want to pack a picnic!
Additional CVNP Resources
- Tracking the Bloom? Check out this post on the wildflowers on CVNP
- Looking for pet friendly lodging? Search Pet Friendly Accommodations
- Interactive Towpath map to help plan your trip!
- Check out the parks hidden gems.
- Make sure to grab lunch with your pooch at Szalay’s Weekend Eatery
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