Cuyahoga Valley National Park covers 32,572 acres in Ohio. It became a national park on October 11, 2000, the 56th of today’s 64 parks to get that title. It recorded 3,025,325 recreation visits in 2025, the 11th most of the 63 parks with a 2025 count.
Today at Cuyahoga Valley
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Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for Boston Mill Visitor Center. Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.
In the park service’s words
Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Entrance fee and passes
No entrance fee is listed for this park in National Park Service data. You do not need a pass to enter. Parking, ferry, boat or other transport fees can still apply.
Best time to visit
- Best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley: April, May, September and October. The weather is at its most comfortable then, and crowds are lighter than at the peak.
- Busiest month: July, with about 387,771 visits in a typical recent year. That is 4.1 times as many as January.
- Quietest month: January (94,323 visits).
Bar height: visitors that month, compared with the busiest month. Temperatures: average daily high and low (°F); rain and snow: monthly averages. Best marks the months we suggest.
More detail: the best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley, month by month.
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit: crowds and weather month by month
- Itinerary: ready-made plans for 1 to 3 days
- Things to do: 6 hikes and 12 other activities
- Camping, RVs and lodging: 0 campgrounds, 1 lodges
- Getting there: Nearest gas to Boston Mill Visitor Center: Costco Gas, 2.7 miles away. Closest airport Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (18 mi)
- Know before you go: safety, what to pack and what to leave at home
Popular hikes
- Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop (1 to 2 Hours): 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.
- Hike the Ledges Trail (1 to 2 Hours): The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
- Find the Best Fall Colors in Cuyahoga Valley: Leaf peepers, grab your cameras! Here are our tips for where to find Cuyahoga Valley’s best fall colors throughout October.
- Hike to Blue Hen Falls from Boston (1 to 2 Hours): 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.
- Short Towpath Trail Walks (30 to 60 Minutes): 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.
Weather, in the park service’s words
The park service says:
Spring's rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and visitors anxious to get out on the trail. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid. Dressing in layers is advisable. Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Fall foliage often peaks in mid-October. Winter weather conditions can rapidly change due to the lake effect snow from Lake Erie. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Nearby national parks by road
- New River Gorge (West Virginia): about 5 h 40 min by car (277 miles)
- Indiana Dunes (Indiana): about 5 h 40 min by car (303 miles)
- Shenandoah (Virginia): about 6 h 20 min by car (303 miles)
- Mammoth Cave (Kentucky): about 8 h 5 min by car (426 miles)
Drive times run between the closest visitor centers of each pair, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads. Link several parks with the road trip planner.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
No entrance fee is listed for this park in National Park Service data.
What state is Cuyahoga Valley National Park in?
Ohio.
When did Cuyahoga Valley become a national park?
October 11, 2000.
How many people visit Cuyahoga Valley?
3,025,325 recreation visits were counted in 2025.
When is the best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley?
April, May, September and October. July is the busiest month and January the quietest while the park is fully open.
