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Top 10 Reasons To Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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Ever since the 1870s, Cuyahoga Valley has been the perfect place to escape the hectic urban life and indulge in nature’s splendor. Rolling hills, silent caves and the peaceful Cuyahoga River make this national park natural wonder.

Sources: USAToday.com, Wikipedia.org, NPS.gov, NationalGeographic.com, TripAdvisor.com

nps.gov/Denny Reiser
nps.gov/Denny Reiser

1. Outdoor Activities

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is definitely not your typical national park when it comes to outdoor activities. Besides hiking and biking, the park also offers four golf courses, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad that allows you to travel through the park’s past attractions and 19th-century small towns and Cuyahoga Valley Heritage Series Concerts, where live music is played.

nps.gov/Denny Reiser
nps.gov/Denny Reiser

2. Camping and Lodging

Hikers and bikers can relax in one of the five primitive Stanford Backcountry Campsites. If you’d much rather have a roof above your head, you can choose from the two accommodations located in the park: The Stanford house and the Inn at Brandywine Falls. An 1843 historic farmhouse, The Stanford House is rustic and traditional dorm-style accommodation. If you don’t want to share the room with friends and want a more intimate setting, the Inn at Brandywine Falls is just the right place, overlooking a 65-foot waterfall.

usatoday.com
usatoday.com

3. Iconic Features

The main attraction of the park, the 65-foot Brandywine Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Ohio. Wooden steps allow tourists to reach its lower and upper platforms. When visiting the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a train ride in the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a must. The ride will take you in an unforgettable journey through the park, along the river and into the heart of the national park.

nps.gov/Neil Evans
nps.gov/Neil Evans

4. Park Animals

The 33,000 acres of Cuyahoga National Park are home to endangered species such as the spotted turtle and the Indiana bat. During hikes and walks, tourists often get excited to see eagles, white-tailed deer, bats and beavers.

nps.gov/Tom Jones
nps.gov/Tom Jones

5. Park Plants

Cuyahoga Valley is a natural mosaic, including a diverse range of plants and trees. The park’s main vegetation is forests which consist of maple, oak, beech, pine and spruce. There are also wet meadows, ski areas and golf courses.

usatoday.com
usatoday.com

6. Hiking

The park has more than 125 miles of hiking trails . The Tree Farm Trail is a 2.75-mile family friendly hike that takes tourists through the park, allowing them to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. Another popular trail during winter is Ledges Trail. It guarantees dramatic sights.

tripadvisor.com
tripadvisor.com

7. Park Drives

Nature lovers will get the chance to experience this natural paradise from the comfort of their own car. The park drives take visitors through historical sites, scenic views and from time to time will even show the park’s wildlife, such as raccoons, red foxes and deer.

nps.gov/Lynette Sprague-Falk
nps.gov/Lynette Sprague-Falk

8. Kids’ Activities

Cuyahoga Valley National Park the place for a family vacation. Its various kids’ programs are available throughout the year and suitable for all ages, such as the Junior Ranger Program. Kids always love adventure and are excited to collecting badges and cards while making new friends.

nps.gov/Denny Reiser
nps.gov/Denny Reiser

9. Park Events

The park has a series of events prepared for its visitors from concerts and dancing to art.

tripadvisor.com
tripadvisor.com

10. Year-round destinations

Weekends might be crowded, but the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is great in any season. Downhill skiing, snowshoeing and sledding are wintertime activities. Spring flowers and fall foliage are beautiful here, turning the whole place into a colorful, breathtaking spectacle.