Cuyahoga Valley
National Recreation Area

Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area encompasses 33,000 acres between Cleveland and Akron and features a wide variety of natural, cultural, and historical resources. Visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking, bike trails, bridle trails, winter sports, golf, fishing, and ranger-guided programs.

VISITATION:

 

Highest on weekends from May through August and in October when the fall foliage peaks.

 

LOCATION:

 

Between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio

 

ADDRESS:

 

Headquarters: Cuyahoga Valley NRA

15610 Vaughn Road

Brecksville, Ohio 44141

 

TELEPHONE:

 

(216) 524-1497

 

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

 

Daily, dawn to dusk; All visitor centers are closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

 

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

 

Ohio weather can be extreme: very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoor activities, based on the season.

 

DIRECTIONS:

 

To the Canal Visitor Center (Recommended starting point for first time visitors):

Visitors traveling east-west on the Ohio Turnpike (I-80): exit the Ohio Turnpike at exit 11 and travel north on US 21 to I-77 north. Exit I-77 at Rockside Road in Independence. Travel east on Rockside Road 1.25 miles to Canal Road. Travel south 1.5 miles to Canal Visitor Center, at the southwest corner of Canal and Hillside roads.

Visitors traveling north-south on I-77: exit Rockside Road in Independence. Travel east on Rockside Road 1.25 miles to Canal Road. Travel south 1.5 miles to Canal Visitor Center, at the southwest corner of Canal and Hillside roads.

 

TRANSPORTATION:

 

To Park: access by interstate highways (I-80, I-77, and I- 271), and various state routes. Cleveland and Akron both have airports, bus terminals, and Amtrak stations.

In Park: personal vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian on numerous trails, or scenic railway.

 

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

 

No admission fees to the park or its regular programs. Donations accepted with boxes available at each visitor contact station. Towpath trail users are encouraged to support the trail through the Towpath Tag donation program. Some programs, special events, and concerts may involve a small fee. Refer to our current Schedule of Events for details on fee programs.

 

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

 

Visitor Centers/Exhibits:

There are five visitor contact facilities: Canal Visitor Center, corner of Hillside and Canal roads in Valley View; Happy Days Visitor Center, located on State Route 303, 1/2 mile west of State Route 8; Frazee House, on Canal Road 3.5 miles south of Rockside; Boston Store, on Boston Mills Road 1/4 mile east of Riverview Road, and Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center, located on Bolanz Road between Riverview and Akron-Peninsula roads. Canal, Frazee, Boston Store, and Hunt Farm all contain exhibits about the history of the Cuyahoga Valley. Visitor center operating hours vary from season to season. Call (216) 524-1497 for current operating hours.

 

Trails, Roads:

 

Many roads dissect the park and provide easy access to its resources. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail runs through the middle of the park, from north to south, alongside remnants of the Ohio & Erie Canal. This trail is used for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, and has a number of trailheads along its route. The Buckeye Trail and Metroparks Bike and Hike Trail connect with the Towpath Trail. Numerous other hiking and equestrian trails are also available.

 

Programs/Activities:

 

A variety of ranger-led programs are offered daily. Special cultural arts programs are also offered year around. Refer to our current Schedule of Events for complete details.

 

Lodging and camping facilities:

 

The privately owned Inn at Brandywine Falls and Stanford House, an AYH Hostel in a historic farmhouse, are located in the park. There are many campgrounds and accommodations located near the park.

 

Food/supplies:

 

There are many restaurants and grocery stores in the area.

 

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

 

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provides excursion passenger rail service between Independence and downtown Akron, passing through the Cuyahoga Valley. The train operates year-round, with a variety of trips offered each season. Other privately owned attractions located within park boundaries include Boston Mills and Brandywine Ski Resorts, Carriage Trade, Blossom Music Center, Hale Farm and Village, and several golf courses.

 

Accessibility:

 

All visitor centers and the Towpath Trail are universally accessible. There are also accessible fishing decks at Horseshoe Pond and Kendall Lake. Call (216) 524-1497 to request our accessibility brochure for more information.

 

Special Needs:

 

Parking areas for buses are available. Visitor parking is available at each visitor center and most trailheads.

 

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

 

Ranger-guided programs, concerts, special guest speakers, scenic train rides, sight-seeing at the historical sites, nature walks along the trails, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, golf, fishing, and winter sports.

 

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

 

Reservations for ranger-led programs for school groups or other educational groups should be made at least one month prior to the visit. At least one month notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. For additional information concerning reservations or permits, call (216) 524-1497.

 

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

A leisurely visit to all sites and facilities would take several days. Most visitors stay for 2 to 5 hours each visit.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

 

From January through March, Happy Days Visitor Center hosts the Cuyahoga Valley Lyceum Series of lectures as well as the Cuyahoga Valley Heritage Series of concerts and cultural arts events.  Various other special events, such as openings and special celebrations, also take place.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

Write Park Headquarters, Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, 15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141, or call (216) 524-1497.

 

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