Oct 21

Oct 21 Cuyahoga Valley National Park Guide

It’s that time of year for leaf peeping and fall road trips! I know a lot of people are renting an RV or camping this year for a getaway, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park was an unexpected gem when we visited this time last year. This little park is beautiful in the fall when the leaves change and the weather is brisk enough for a long bike ride or hike. It’s a pretty flat park too, so even if you’re not an avid hiker, it’s great for strolling. Close to Cleveland, it makes for an easy afternoon if you’re ever in the area. We especially loved visiting in the fall for the pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and farmer’s markets at the numerous farms in the Cuyahoga Valley.

Brandywine Falls

Probably the most popular viewpoint in the park, Brandywine Falls has a lovely boardwalk trail that leads to some pretty substantial waterfalls. Because it’s most likely to have a lot of visitors, I recommend coming around sunrise or sunset.

Blue Hen Falls

Another little waterfall with a beautiful wooded trail leading up to it. You can view the falls from above and below too.

The Ledges

This was a large hiking area with plenty of trails to take. The Ledges are a neat rock formation that are really atmospheric, especially around Halloween. There’s even a cave, but it was closed due to bats!

The Towpath Trail

We spent a whole day renting bikes from Blimp City Bike & Hike and pedaled the flat bike path that runs North-South through the park. We think the trail is easy enough for an out-and-back trip, but you can also take the scenic railroad one way and bike the other. Unfortunately, the train

Beaver Marsh

A sunny area along the Tow Path, this marshland is home to beavers (of course), turtles, and birds. Fortunately there was a park ranger docent to point out the wildlife for us.

Everett Covered Bridge

We saw so many photoshoots going on here, and I can see why! This charming covered bridge has vibrant red paint and a lazy creek below, plus a winding drive for lots of photo options.

Szalay’s Farm and Market

A perfect lunch spot! Roast corn, apple fritters, cocoa, and burgers were all served here, and there were plenty of outdoor tables and haybales. Pumpkins of all sizes were on display, and across the road was a corn maze!