Just a short drive from the major metropolitan areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park protects 33,000 acres along the banks of the Cuyahoga River. Though such a short distance from urban environments, the park is worlds away. The winding Cuyahoga, the "crooked river", as named by American Indians, gives way to rolling floodplain, steep valley walls and ravines, and lush upland forests.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a refuge for flora and fauna, and provides both recreation and solitude for Northeastern Ohio's residents and visitors. Park trails, from rugged backcountry hiking trails to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a graded biking and hiking trail, offer something for everyone.

The park has a rich cultural legacy as well. Remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which traveled through the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries, offer a glimpse into the past. Sustainable farming ventures help preserve the valley's agricultural heritage.

Whether you want to hike, bike, birdwatch, picnic, golf, fish, ski, ride Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, explore the history of the Ohio & Erie Canal, or attend national park ranger-guided programs, concerts, and art exhibits, Cuyahoga Valley National Park has it all. Come experience the park today!

 Directions 

Plane - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area.

Car - Cuyahoga Valley National Park can be accessed by many different highways, including I-77, I-271, I-80 (Ohio Turnpike), and State Route 8. To get to Canal Visitor Center, exit I-77 at Rockside Road. Go approximately 1 mile east to Canal Road; turn right. The visitor center is approximately 1.5 miles on the right. To get to Happy Days Visitor Center, take State Route 8 to west State Route 303. The visitor center is approximately 1 mile on the left.

Bus - Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron.