Originally designated by Congress as a national recreation area in 1974 and later redesignated a national park in 2000, according to David and Kay Scott, Traveler contributors and authors of The Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park interprets the rich history and helps preserve the landscape along 22 miles of the U-shaped Cuyahoga River as it flows between Cleveland and Akron.

You are close to civilization in this national park, yet that nearness fades into the background as you wander along the shores of the Cuyahoga River and explore sun-and-shadow-dappled forests opening out onto wildflower-blanketed meadows and wetlands. You might see a river otter playing in the water, or a great blue heron stealthily stalking its next meal, or garter snakes sunning on a tree limb. Once a toxic wasteland through which ran a river that literally burned when lit, this national park now showcases a restored landscape and clean environment thanks to dedicated and determined park staff, citizens, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Humans have roamed through and lived in the Cuyahoga Valley for the past 13,000 years, hunting, fishing, and gathering a cornucopia of nuts, berries, and plants. Settlers arrived in the late 1700s looking for a new life. In the 1900s, environmental and social movements took root. All these human engagements have added chapters to the story of the Cuyahoga Valley, the cities of Cleveland and Akron, and the state of Ohio.

It’s been scientifically proven that parks are good medicine, and there’s plenty of year-round “prescriptions” in which to engage while exploring this park’s different ecosystems. Spring, summer, and fall are great times to bike, paddle, birdwatch, horseback ride, and golf. You can hike and fish year-round, and when the winter snows carpet the landscape, there is cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing. You can ride the rails on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, follow the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and even explore the cultural side of the park, listening to live music, watching performances at the Porthouse Theatre, and attending lectures and art events held by the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Remember to bring your binoculars and camera for wildlife viewing and photography. You might spot frogs, salamanders, snakes, turtles, squirrels, deer, and maybe even a coyote or fox. Make sure to pack along a bird identification book, too, since the park’s ecosystems are home to about 250 species of birds, including great blue herons, 10 different raptors, and sprightly little songbirds.

Most of Cuyahoga Valley National Park is covered in vegetation (forests, meadows, wetlands), but some places like the Ledges, Brandywine Falls, and Blue Hen Falls reveal the bedrock beneath, producing great photo ops for your camera. Tip: the Ledges Overlook is a great place for sunset photography.

While there is no camping within this national park, there are plenty of nearby state parks and private campgrounds where you can pitch a tent or park your RV. If you desire brick-and-mortar lodging, there are overnight options both in and outside the park, including two inns on the National Register of Historic Places: Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls.

Even if you only have a day to spend in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, bring a lunch to enjoy at picnic spots scattered throughout the valley, all with tables and some with grills. Afterward, you can partake in a postprandial walk along one of over 125 miles (201.2 km) of trails.

If you are thinking about visiting this national park, the pages below will give you a good start toward planning your stay.

Traveler’s Choice For: wildlife, wildflowers, padding, photography, hiking, birdwatching