The Best Hikes in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Hiking in the 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, surround themselves with nature, and take a hike! Let’s dive in and explore the best hikes in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Five of the Best Hikes in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ledge’s Trail
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. And it’s dog friendly!
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!
Towpath Trail
The Towpath Trail stretches roughly 20 miles. People walk, run, hike, and bike the trail. 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. Most people select sections of the Towpath Trail to explore or cover the 20 miles throughout multiple days. The Towpath Trail is used for leisure, birdwatching, fitness, biking, as well as learning the historical role of the canal.
Insider Tip: Check out two of my favorite sections to explore-hiking or biking!
Boston Mills Visitor’s Center to Peninsula
This out and back trail will take you from the Boston Mill Visitor Center to the historical canal village of Peninsula. Established in 1824, this small village became popular with canal workers and travelers. At its peak, it featured 14 bars and five hotels. Today, you can observe well-preserved buildings, thanks to the Peninsula Valley Heritage Association. I also suggest grabbing lunch (try Winking Lizard) and checking out the store. Check out the Trail Mix store for your CVNP souvenirs. Check out more information on this section of the Towpath Trail on AllTrails.
Insider Tip: You may want to do this trip in reverse. Starting in Peninsula can be a great idea for two reasons 1) you’ll have more access for parking as the visitor center parking can fill up fast 2) you can rent a bike in the village if you would like to bike the Towpath Trail instead of hike the trail. Check out bike rentals at Valley Bike Rental. However, I suggested starting at the visitor center since here you can visit the center and get all the necessary information for your day in the park.
Hunt House to the Beaver Marsh
This hike starts at the historical Hunt House. Check out the house and exhibits that tell the story of what it was like growing up in Cuyahoga Valley in the 1920s. Starting here also means a trip to Szalay’s Sweet Corn Farm. You can check out the route on AllTrails. I highly suggest a visit to Szalay’s if you find yourself on the Towpath Trail June 1st to Labor Day, Friday-Sunday, or after Labor Day to October 31st Saturday-Sunday. They have a weekend eatery where you can get corn on the cob, fresh squeezed lemonade, ice cream, and grilled sandwiches. Live music, dog friendly, and family fun! Start or finish your hike with a stop here. Once you’ve explored the Hunt House exhibits and checked out Szalay’s, it’s time to head to the Beaver Marsh on your 3.0 mile out and back dog friendly hike.
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, and various types of flowers. This is one of my favorite locations to view wildlife. I especially enjoy birdwatching around the Beaver Marsh. Stay a while, no rush, enjoy nature, and submerse yourself in everything the Beaver Marsh has to offer.
Insider Tip: You may even be able to spy a beaver at the Beaver Marsh. The National Parks recommends that you visit in early spring around dusk to have a chance to see a beaver.
Brandywine Gorge Trail
The Brandywine Gorge Trail is a 1.4 dog friendly trail, rated as easy. I enjoy this trail because 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. Before or after you hike make sure to go down to the viewing platform for the 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!
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.
Furnace Run Trail
This hike is great for exercising and learning about the local history. The Furnace Run Trail is a 2-mile dog-friendly loop trail. Here you’ll be able to explore the only remaining covered bridge in Ohio’s Summit County. Park in the Everett Bridge Parking area, head across the street for the start of the hike. The first part has you climbing a steep hill but it’s a piece of cake after that. You’ll be rewarded at the end of the hike with the Everett Covered Bridge.
Insider Tip: This is also the area where the Virgina bluebells bloom. You might be able to peek some of them in the spring. The best place to spot the Virigina Bluebell is Furnace Run Trail.
CVNP Additional Information
- Tired of hiking but still want to explore CVNP? Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- Traveling with your furry friend? Check out this resource on exploring CVNP with a dog.
- Looking for unique lodging? How about a glamping experience at Valley Overlook.
- Tracking the Bloom? Check out this resource on the wildflowers of CVNP
- Check out Szalay’s Farm and Market on your trip to CVNP
Go get your hike on and enjoy CVNP. Adventure Awaits!
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