National Park · OH

Things to do in Cuyahoga Valley

The National Park Service lists 18 things to do at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. 16 have no extra fee, 16 need no reservation, and 14 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (18) Hiking (6)Hands-On (3)Junior Ranger Program (1)Birdwatching (1)Fishing (1)Mountain Biking (1)Snowshoeing (1)Picnicking (1)Guided Tours (1)Bookstore and Park Store (1)Food (1)

Go Birding in the Cuyahoga Valley

Birding is a popular activity at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Thanks to the park’s wide variety of habitats, it is possible to observe more than 200 bird species throughout the year.

Year-round Pets allowed

Birdwatching

A boy sits on the edge of a dock fishing in a pond.
Photo: NPS / Elena De Marco

Go Fishing in the Cuyahoga Valley

Fishing is a great way to spend your day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn about the best places to fish and how to responsibly enjoy this pastime.

Year-round Pets allowed

Fishing

A group of people in winter hats snowshoes along a snow-covered trail in the forest.
Photo: NPS / Ted Toth

Go Snowshoeing in the Cuyahoga Valley

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore and exercise in Cuyahoga Valley National Park when the conditions are right. We recommend waiting for there to be at least four inches of packed snow on the trail.

Winter Pets allowed

Snowshoeing

View down through bare trees at a deck overlooking a waterfall cascading into a gorge.
Photo: NPS / Ted Toth

Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop

The Brandywine Gorge Loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning views of Brandywine Falls along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.

1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Staircase of rough-hewn gray stones winds between two walls of green moss-covered rock, up to trees.
Photo: NPS / Tim Fenner

Hike the Ledges Trail

The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.

1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Hike to Blue Hen Falls from Boston

Blue Hen Falls is a popular hike-in destination in the Boston area. Hikers can reach the waterfall via the Buckeye Trail from Boston Mill Visitor Center. Learn more about this popular hilly hike.

1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Let's Go Canalway Questing

Put your detective hat on! Quests are fun, self-guides hikes that help you explore the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Follow rhyming clues to hidden boxes. Sign the logbook and collect impressions of each hand-carved stamp.

30-75 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Hands-On

Short Towpath Trail Walks

These short walks along the Towpath Trail explore many highlights of the valley’s lowlands. They are recommended for people who have mobility disabilities, are visiting with children, or have limited time.

30-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Man holds a child over a touch table as four other adults look at exhibits; one uses a wheelchair.
Photo: NPS / Ted Toth

Visit Canal Exploration Center

Arrive by car, bike, or scenic railroad. Hands-on exhibits at this historic tavern and store bring the canal era to life. Lock demonstrations are offered seasonally. From here, you can stroll the Towpath Trail.

30-120 Minutes Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Hands-On

A shopper reaches over table of vegetables to pay a smiling female vendor in embroidered shirt.
Photo: NPS / Rick Santich

Visit Cuyahoga Valley Farms and Markets

Agriculture has long been an important part of life in the Cuyahoga Valley. Today, there are eight farms that operate within the national park. Several have roadside stands or host events throughout the year.

Year-round

Food

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Cuyahoga Valley. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

Sources