Cuyahoga Valley Weekend Trip: Explore The Best Things to Do!

We rolled into Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, ready for adventure and a little curious about all the hype. Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, this park covers over 30,000 acres of reclaimed land along the winding Cuyahoga River—a patchwork of forests, wetlands, and history stitched between small towns and highways.

We’d actually been looking forward to visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a couple of years. We’d spent hours prepping—watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, bookmarking blog posts from Dirt in My Shoes, and queuing up our GuideAlong app for the drive. We were ready. The trip was planned for two full days: one focused on hiking, the other on biking (with a few short walks mixed in). And to be fair, things started strong—our first hike was a highlight (more on that soon). But somewhere between Blue Hen Falls and a noisy stretch of trail alongside the highway… well, we started to ask the question: “Wait… this is a national park?”

In one day, we hit six hiking trails, explored a short boardwalk trail through a peaceful marsh, crossed a red covered bridge, and took a bike ride along the historic Erie Canalway. We stood on viewing platforms at roaring waterfalls like Brandywine Falls, and soaked in quiet forest views at the Ledges Overlook. For nature lovers, it turns out this park offers miles of trails—everything from a short hike with easy access to longer loops through rock formations and deciduous forests.

Oh, and one tip? If you want to ride the scenic train, book ahead. Tickets were sold out by the time we tried!

So, while Cuyahoga might not feel like a “classic” national park, there are plenty of things to do here—especially if you know where to look. Let’s jump into the best things we found on our trip (and a few things we’d skip next time).

📝 TL;DR: Top Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Short on time or just want the highlights? Here’s our quick-hit list of the best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

• Hike the Ledges Trail for amazing rock formations, easy access, and the best family-friendly adventure in the park.
  
• Visit Brandywine Falls via the boardwalk or upper trail—it’s crowded, but when the water’s flowing, it’s worth it.
  
• Bike the Towpath Trail with e-assist bikes from Valley Bike Rental. It’s flat, scenic, and hands down the most fun we had.
  
• Stroll to Everett Covered Bridge, a quick walk with a big visual payoff and a little haunted backstory.
  
• Stop by Beaver Marsh to walk the short boardwalk trail, watch wildlife, and enjoy some actual peace and quiet.
  
• Skip Blue Hen Falls unless you love stairs, road noise, and questionable waterfall behavior.
  
• Check out Boston Mill Visitor Center for maps, stamps, and a ranger-free debate about park status.
  
• Don’t sleep on Cleveland—use Cuyahoga as a day trip and explore everything from food tours to cultural stops nearby.
  

This park may not blow your mind like Yosemite or Glacier, but it’s got its own charm—and if you know where to go, it can absolutely deliver a beautiful, low-key national park experience.

🥾 6 Trails in One Day: What’s Worth It & What Felt Overhyped

Spending one full day hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park gave us a solid overview of what this park offers. We hit six trails total—some delivered incredible views and unexpected moments, while others left us scratching our heads (and checking our AllTrails app to see how much farther we had to go). Here’s what stood out.

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The Ledges Trail – Rock Formations, Ice Caves & Easy Adventure

If you only do one hiking trail in Cuyahoga, make it the Ledges Trail. This 2.5-mile loop winds through older-growth deciduous forest with easy access, mild elevation, and some of the most impressive rock formations we’ve seen outside the western parks. There’s no stream or waterfall here, but what it lacks in water, it makes up for with story.

The rocks along this trail tell a geological tale—formed when ancient seas covered what’s now Ohio, depositing layers of shale and sandstone, then carved by glaciers that created the Cuyahoga Valley we see today. The result? Towering stone walls, narrow corridors, and even a shaded “ice cave” that reminded us of ones we’d visited in New Hampshire.

Yes, it gets crowded—but for good reason. This is one of the best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, especially for families. Hikers of all ages will love it. One word of caution: when you see the spur trail for Happy Days, don’t make the mistake we did and follow it expecting an epic overlook. It leads to Happy Days Lodge—not a trail of joy, just a rustic event space. The best part? A guy getting married told us we couldn’t use the restroom because it would “disrupt his wedding prep”… which wasn’t for hours. We assume he needed extra time to perfect his handlebar mustache.

Still, this trail is a win—don’t skip the Ledges Overlook at the end.

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Everett Covered Bridge – Short Walk, Big Charm

This was more of a stroll than a hike, but still one of our favorite stops of the day. The Everett Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Summit County—and it’s beautifully maintained.

There’s a short distance walk from the well-kept parking area, with crushed gravel underfoot the whole way. The trail runs through Furnace Run and leads to the vivid red bridge, which you can walk across but not drive. Bonus: there’s even a local legend about a man who drowned in the creek during a flash flood in the early 1900s—adding a little ghost story flair to the spot.

This stop is ideal for nature lovers who want an easy trail with a fun reward at the end.

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Beaver Marsh – Boardwalk, Birds & Peace and Quiet

Looking for a short boardwalk trail that gives you nature with minimal effort? Beaver Marsh is your answer. This area used to be a junkyard until volunteers and the National Park Service restored it to a thriving wetland. Now it’s one of the most peaceful spots in the park—and a great place to catch a glimpse of great blue herons, turtles, and (yes) the occasional beaver.

The trail surface is wide and flat, with sections of boardwalk offering easy access to the marsh. Parking fills up quickly, but don’t let that stop you—this trail has a way of absorbing crowds, and the calm atmosphere is worth the wait.

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Blue Hen Falls – Crowded, Slippery & a Lot of Stairs

This one came highly recommended… and was one of our biggest letdowns. The trailhead is at Boston Mill Visitor Center, with tons of parking (thanks to the nearby downhill skiing resort). That convenience alone makes it a default recommendation by rangers—and it shows.

You’ll find yourself among a very crowded trail, especially on weekends. It’s under 3 miles round trip, so people show up thinking it’s a quick, pretty waterfall hike. But let’s be honest: if you want to see tourons of the national parks, this is the hike for you. Seriously—look close at our photo and you’ll see someone standing on the top edge of the waterfall. Come on, people… have some respect for your life, nature, and your fellow guests trying to enjoy the view without holding their breath.

The trail itself runs right alongside the highway, killing the vibe. It’s also got a surprising amount of elevation and a long staircase—Madeline counted 157 steps; Sara says 152. Either way, your knees will notice. The waterfall? Fine. Just not worth the crowds and noise. If your time is limited, we’d recommend skipping this one.

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Brandywine Falls – Spectacular Flow, Two Ways to See It

Brandywine Falls is one of the crown jewels of the park—and it earned that title during our visit. Thanks to spring rain, the flow was incredible, and the thunderous sound of the water crashing down was unforgettable. If you’re lucky enough to visit in late spring, this is a must-see.

There are two ways to view it:

• A short boardwalk trail takes you to the main viewing platform, where you’ll get the classic panoramic photo everyone wants. It’s accessible and family-friendly—just expect crowds.
  
• There’s also a short hike to an upper viewpoint, offering a quieter perspective of the falls from above. Less dramatic, but a fun detour if you want to see it from a different angle.
  

Even with the crowds, this is one of the best places in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. If you’re into photography, nature, or just a classic waterfall moment, Brandywine delivers.

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Furnace Run Trail – A Quick Connector with a Covered Bridge Bonus

This trail connects you to the Everett Covered Bridge area and runs along Furnace Run Creek. While it’s not particularly scenic on its own, it’s well maintained and gives you a short hike option that works well if you’re looking to check a few spots off your list without committing to anything too long or steep.

🚲 Ebiking the Towpath Trail: The Most Fun You’ll Have Here

Renting e-bikes and hitting the Towpath Trail was easily the most fun we had in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We picked up our bikes from Valley Bike Rental, and we can’t recommend them enough. Rob—super chill, super helpful—got us set up quickly, and even rented to our 13-year-old without hesitation. Call him. Seriously.

There are two primary riding routes through the park: an upper trail and the lower Towpath Trail, which follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway. We started on the upper and descended steep hills to reach the Cuyahoga River and canal area. Riding down? Not too bad. Coming back up? Let’s just say we walked the bikes… even with e-assist. That long, steady hill climb will humble you fast.

The Towpath Trail itself is flat, scenic, and smooth—perfect for covering a lot of ground at a relaxed pace. We passed through deciduous forest, marshlands, and historic canal structures, stopping occasionally to check out bridges and signs. One highlight: Lock 29. Stepping down into the old stone lock chamber gave us a real appreciation for what canal workers built—without GPS, computers, or AI. I would’ve been useless. These guys built a water-based highway with nothing but grit and geometry.

For anyone planning a visit, this is one of the top things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s an easy-access, low-stress bike ride through some of the park’s most beautiful and historic areas. And for nature lovers, this is where you really start to connect with the landscape in a meaningful way.

Pro tip: Bring a water bottle, snacks, and your sense of adventure. And skip the train. This is a better ride—you set the pace, you choose your stops, and you don’t get squished like sardines.

🚂 Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad – What to Know Before You Skip It

We wanted to ride the train. Really. But it was sold out on Memorial Day weekend—and after looking into it more, we weren’t all that heartbroken.

Here’s the deal: the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad moves at a blazing speed of 5 to 7 mph. No joke. I’ve literally run faster than that. It’s a scenic train ride, sure, but one that crawls through the park on a winding route with a lot of stops and not much flexibility.

If you’re a rail fan, have little kids, or just want to relax and let someone else do the navigating, it could be a solid option. And if you go, look for the first-class or sky view cars—those are the ones with the rooftop windows and the best views. Definitely the best-looking of the bunch.

But for most visitors? Skip it and ride the Towpath Trail instead—you’ll see more, go at your own pace, and have way more fun.

And if you do want to ride? Book early. Holiday weekends fill up fast.

🛍️ Szalay’s Farm Market & Boston Mill Visitor Center: More Than Just Trails

We planned to stop at Szalay’s Farm Market—we really did. But when we rolled by, it looked closed, so we kept driving. Still, from what we saw, it looked super cute. The kind of place with local produce, covered seating, and a scoop of ice cream that hits just right after a hike. We’ve since heard the rumors are true: Szalay’s is beloved for frozen treats, fresh corn, and other goodies—so if it’s open when you go, definitely pull in.

Instead, we ended up grabbing frozen custard on the outskirts of the park, which is really just a polite way of saying we ended up in the suburbs of Cleveland. Still hit the spot.

We also made a quick stop at the Boston Mill Visitor Center to grab a National Park passport stamp and snap a couple pics. We had already covered all the major hikes, so there wasn’t much to chat with the rangers about—plus, we’ve learned not to argue with them about why something is a national park. We already lost that debate once at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis… lesson learned.

🧼 RV Life, Shine Armor & Our Honest Take on the Park

For this visit, we set up base camp just outside the park at the Streetsboro / Cleveland SE KOA. It was the perfect weekend home for our RV—plenty of space, friendly staff, and easy access to everything in and around Cuyahoga Valley National Park. If you’re RVing the area, this is a solid spot with full hookups and a chill vibe.

Like any good travel day, we paired our national park exploration with a little RV maintenance. We took some time to knock out a few Shine Armor videos—because yes, we actually use the products. The Plastic Restore made the trim on our rig look showroom sharp, and Fortify Quick Coat came through big to clean the front cap after our bike ride. Bugs? Gone. Shine? Maxed out.

And now, the real talk…

Cuyahoga Valley is a beautiful area, no doubt. It’s full of reclaimed land, miles of trails, scenic stops, and unique history tied to the Erie Canalway. But for us? It felt more like a really nice regional recreation area than what we typically associate with national parks. The roads, the neighborhoods, the lack of that “escape” feeling—it’s just different.

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. We made memories, found a few surprises, and had some great family moments here. But if you’re doing the national parks circuit, this one may not wow you in the same way as Glacier, Yellowstone, or even Shenandoah.

Two days was the perfect amount of time to explore, relax, and make the most of our short drive getaway. If you’re in the area—go. Just set the right expectations, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

📅 Planning Tips for First-Timers

If you’re visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park for the first time, here are a few things we learned that might help you plan a smoother, more enjoyable trip:

• Time it right: We visited over Memorial Day weekend, and while popular spots were busy, it wasn’t overwhelming. Late spring is a great time to go—Brandywine Falls was flowing strong, the weather was amazing, and the trees were fully leafed out.
  
• Two days is plenty: With one day of hiking and one day of biking (plus a few scenic stops), we felt like we covered all the highlights without rushing.
  
• Bring the basics: You’ll want a water bottle, bug spray (insect repellent), trail snacks, and layers. Some trails have easy access, but others are longer or involve stairs—plan accordingly.
  
• Parking is hit-or-miss: Most trailheads have designated parking areas, but they fill up fast. Go early, especially at popular spots like Beaver Marsh, Blue Hen Falls, and Brandywine.
  
• Cuyahoga makes a great day trip: One of its biggest advantages is location. If you’re staying in Cleveland, this park is a short drive away and makes for a perfect escape. There are also tons of fun tours, food stops, and activities in Cleveland to round out your visit (we’ll drop some Viator links below).
  
• Train tickets? Book early: If you want to ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, get your tickets in advance—especially on weekends and holidays.
  
• Tubing the Cuyahoga? Try summer: Temps were still too chilly for water adventures when we visited, but tubing the winding Cuyahoga River looks like a blast in July or August.
  

Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper, local explorer, or just passing through northeast Ohio, this park is an easy add-on with enough short hikes, scenic overlooks, and family-friendly adventures to fill a weekend.

🌎 Nature’s Comeback & Just How Far We’ve Come

One of the most inspiring takeaways from Cuyahoga Valley National Park? The incredible power of nature to recover once we stop wrecking it. This isn’t a tree-hugger rant—but come on, we all need to do our part. When we stop dumping chemicals and give the land room to breathe, wildlife returns, forests regrow, and rivers start to flow clean again. What’s happened here in just the last 50 years is proof of that. It’s not perfect, but it’s hopeful—and that matters.

And if you love history, the Ohio & Erie Canal offers some perspective on just how far we’ve come. Less than 130 years ago, traveling from Cleveland to Cincinnati could take a month. The canal cut that down to about 80 hours—and that was revolutionary. Today? A few hours by car. 45 minutes by plane. Absolutely wild.

It makes you appreciate where we’ve been—and where we’re going.

🧭 Final Thoughts: A Solid Stop, If You Know What to Expect

If you’re planning a national park road trip and wondering where Cuyahoga Valley fits in—it’s this: two days is plenty.

This park shines most for Cleveland locals, midwestern road trippers, and families looking for an easy, scenic getaway. It’s not Glacier or Yellowstone—and that’s okay. It doesn’t need to be.

It has its place.Go in expecting short hikes, bike rides, and a mix of natural and historic sights—not dramatic peaks or remote backcountry—and you’ll leave with good memories. We definitely did.

About Us

We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!

Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!