3 days of hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife in one of Ohio’s most spectacular landscapes — plus a 4th day in Cleveland.
Ohio might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of national parks, but Cuyahoga Valley National Park makes a compelling case. Spanning 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, the park is a surprisingly wild and beautiful place — all forested ridges, sandstone ledges, cascading waterfalls, and quiet marshes filled with wildlife. We spent four days here in early November hiking in the national park and exploring Cleveland.
Getting Around
The park is easy to navigate by car, with trailheads well-marked throughout and plenty of parking. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad also runs through the park and is a lovely way to take in the scenery by bike if you have the time. You can actually take the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail from Cleveland out to the park area, with a train shuttle and bike rentals available. It’s the most accessible and affordable national park I’ve encountered thus far.
For planning hikes, we relied heavily on the AllTrails app, which was invaluable for finding trails, checking difficulty ratings, and navigating once we were out on the path. Download it before you go and browse the Cuyahoga Valley National Park trail listings — there’s a wide range of options for all fitness levels.
Things To Do in Cuyahoga National Park
Hiking in the Park
Hiking in Cuyahoga National Park was a great way to spend a few days in November. We did several hikes during our time here but there were a handful that really stood out:
Bridal Veil Falls
This is a short, accessible trail that leads to the Bridal Veil Falls overlook — and it earns its name. The falls tumble over a ledge draped in hanging vegetation, creating a delicate curtain of water that is especially striking in the cooler months when the surrounding foliage has thinned out.
Brandywine Falls Loop
Brandywine Falls drops 65 feet over layered shale and sandstone and is genuinely impressive from the boardwalk overlook. This one is a must-do, even if you only have time for one hike. My advice is to go early because this is one of the more popular hikes in the park, so the trail can feel crowded during certain times of the day.
Ledges Trail Loop
This was my favorite hike in the park. The Ledges Trail winds through a landscape of massive, ancient sandstone formations — giant boulders, narrow passages, and mossy overhangs that feel more like the Appalachians than Ohio. This place was otherworldly – while we were there, a hawk swooped down and flew so close to my husband and I, we couldn’t believe it had just happened. I strongly recommend this trail if you want to see some wildlife.
Beaver Marsh
If you’re a birder or a wildlife lover, don’t skip Beaver Marsh. This accessible boardwalk trail winds through a restored wetland that has become a thriving habitat for all manner of wildlife. We were there hoping to spot wood ducks, and we were not disappointed — there were tons of them. Wood ducks are usually quite shy, but these guys were accustomed to people, so we got a good look at them as well as some other ducks and birds of prey. If you brought a bike with you, this is a great trail for that!
Cascade Locks Park
Just outside the national park, Cascade Locks Park in Akron is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the history of the region. This industrial heritage park tells the story of Akron from its early frontier days through the canal era and into its industrial rise — all set along the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. There are trails for hiking and biking, birding opportunities, and a real sense of the layered history that shaped this part of Ohio. It’s also conveniently located right next to Lock 15 Brewing Co., making it an easy pairing for an afternoon out.
A Day in Cleveland
We spent one of our four days making the short drive into Cleveland, and it made for a fantastic break from the trails.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame deserves every bit of its reputation. The building itself — I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid jutting out over Lake Erie — is stunning from the outside, and the exhibits inside are genuinely absorbing whether or not you consider yourself a devoted music fan. Costumes, instruments, handwritten lyrics, rare recordings — the depth of the collection is remarkable. Budget at least half a day here; it’s easy to lose track of time.
Where to Eat Near Cuyahoga National Park
My husband and I were really pleasantly surprised by all the good food options near Cuyahoga National Park. Between great brunch spots and a long list of fantastic breweries, there are plenty of places to carbo-load before and after your rigorous hikes.
Nervous Dog Coffee Bar
On mornings when we wanted something better than the hotel coffee, we headed to Nervous Dog Coffee Bar in Stow (it was also right around the corner from our hotel).. Nervous Dog roasts their beans locally twice a week, so the coffee is genuinely fresh and high quality. They also have local pastries and snacks if you need a bite to go with your drink. It’s a great little spot and a worthwhile stop if you’re based in the Stow area and you want some food and caffeine before your hike.
Blue Door Cafe & Bakery
On our last morning, before starting the long drive home, we stopped for breakfast at the Blue Door Cafe & Bakery in Cuyahoga Falls — and it was the perfect send-off. This beloved brunch and bakery spot serves up fresh, beautifully prepared food – I’d consider it to be a higher-end brunch spot with more elevated food and slightly higher prices. It is a very popular spot, but I don’t think they take reservations, so just be prepared for a little wait on the weekends.
Lock 15 Brewing Co.
Our first lunch near the park was at Lock 15 Brewing Co. in Akron, and it deserves a spot on your list. Situated alongside the canal and Cascade Locks Park, the brewery has a seven-barrel brew house visible right through a glass. The beer selection and food menu are equally solid, with year-round brews, seasonals, and experimental taps that give you plenty to explore. It’s a great spot to refuel after a morning on the trails. Highly recommend making this your first lunch stop.
Missing Falls Brewery
Missing Falls Brewery is another excellent option in the area and well worth a visit. Their mission is to craft high-quality ales using locally sourced ingredients, and the results speak for themselves — the tap list is varied and well-made, spanning IPAs, stouts, and Irish ales. They host regular events like pub trivia and wing nights that give the place a genuine community feel.
Akronym Brewing
If you find yourself in downtown Akron, Akronym Brewing is not to be missed. Located on East Market Street in the heart of the city, this award-winning craft brewery and brewpub has built a serious reputation — their Spicer St. Christmas Ale was named National Grand Champion at the U.S. Beer Tasting Competition, and they’ve earned multiple medals at the Ohio Craft Beer Awards. The tap list rotates through crisp lagers, hop-forward IPAs, hazy ales, and bold seasonal releases, with a food menu of flatbreads, wings, and sandwiches to match. A standout spot in Akron’s strong craft beer scene.
Eighty-Three Brewery
Our first dinner near the park was at Eighty-Three Brewery in Akron, and it was a great way to kick off the trip. Named for the year its founder was born, this laid-back craft brewery serves up a rotating selection of interesting beers alongside tasty flatbread pizzas. The atmosphere is casual and fun — they have pinball and board games on hand. It did get quite busy when we were there, but because it’s a larger place, we didn’t have a problem finding seating.
Noble Beast Brewing Company
After the Rock Hall, we landed at Noble Beast Brewing Company for dinner and drinks, and it was the perfect way to end the day. Noble Beast is a serious craft brewery with a rotating tap list and a food menu that goes well beyond typical bar fare. The atmosphere is pretty cool too, with hanging plants (I couldn’t tell if they were real or not) draping from the ceiling. If you decide to explore Cleveland, this is worth adding to your list.
Where to Stay Near Cuyahoga National Park
Fairfield Inn & Suites Akron Stow
This was a budget trip for us, and we kept accommodation costs low by staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Akron Stow, which was an excellent choice for park access. It sits just off Route 8 and puts you close to the park’s trailheads without a long commute each morning. It’s a clean, comfortable, no-frills Marriott property with complimentary breakfast and parking — everything you need when your days are spent on the trails. For a budget-friendly trip focused on the outdoors, it hit every mark.
When in doubt on where to stay, I typically default to Marriott Bonvoy properties. The points add up quickly and the consistency is hard to beat — especially when you’re on the road often and want a reliable stay. There are a bunch of Marriotts in both Cleveland and Akron, so you can choose which is best for you based on proximity and budget.
The Schofield Hotel
That said, if you’re looking for a more memorable or atmospheric base, I’d recommend staying in Cleveland instead. It’s a short drive to the park and the city has far more interesting lodging options. One that caught my eye during my research was The Schofield Hotel — a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Cleveland with a great boutique feel. It’s the kind of place that adds to the experience of a trip rather than just serving as a place to sleep.
Airbnb
If you’re not finding a hotel that appeals to you, or you’re travelling on a budget and want the ability to cook a meal to save some cash, an Airbnb is always a good option. It’s also your best bet if your travelling with a larger group to hike the national park.
Cuyahoga Valley is part of my National Parks Series — follow along for more guides from across the country. 🏕️
