Ohio is home to a truly stunning national park that few people, (surprisingly), take the time to explore. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to some incredible hiking trails, natural wonders and even a scenic railroad. It’s arguably the crowned jewel of the Buckeye State that both nature lovers and Ohio explorers alike can’t get enough of.
Tucked along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, you’ll find Ohio’s one and only national park.
Ken Lund/Flickr It covers a total of 33,000 acres.
Although the park was designated as a National Recreation Area in 1974, it wasn’t officially named a national park until 2000.
Betsy Weber/Flickr Today, it’s a popular hiking destination for both locals and visitors alike.
One of the most popular highlights within the park is Brandywine Falls. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the state and stands 65 feet tall.
Ken Lund/Flickr This powerful waterfall is easily accessible via a series of stairways and a boardwalk.
Blue Hen Falls is another popular waterfall to find within the park— especially in the autumn months when it’s framed by vibrant fall foliage.
Erik Drost/Flickr The half-mile trek to this 15-ft. waterfall is somewhat steep and moderately challenging, but definitely worth it.
The Ledges Trail follows sandstone cliffs that make up Ritchie Ledges. More than 300 million years ago, this trail’s area of the park was actually covered by an ancient sea.
Erik Drost/Flickr Melting glaciers helped to form what are now captivating ledges you can hike through.
This 2-mile loop trail also leads to the Ledges Overlook. The view is simply stunning, so be sure to stop and take it all in.
Erik Drost/Flickr (And don’t forget to bring your camera!)
As an added bonus, you can even tour the park by train during select months via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Cuyahoga jco/Flickr For more information about the National Park Scenic Excursions, visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s website.
Have you ever explored Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Share your recommendations, photos and experiences with us!
Ken Lund/Flickr
It covers a total of 33,000 acres.
Betsy Weber/Flickr
Today, it’s a popular hiking destination for both locals and visitors alike.
This powerful waterfall is easily accessible via a series of stairways and a boardwalk.
Erik Drost/Flickr
The half-mile trek to this 15-ft. waterfall is somewhat steep and moderately challenging, but definitely worth it.
Melting glaciers helped to form what are now captivating ledges you can hike through.
(And don’t forget to bring your camera!)
Cuyahoga jco/Flickr
For more information about the National Park Scenic Excursions, visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s website.
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Address: 1630 Mill St W, Peninsula, OH 44264, USAAddress: Brandywine Falls, 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USAAddress: 405 Truxell Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USAAddress: Blue Hen Falls Trailhead, 2001 Boston Mills Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
