CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
CLEVELAND, OHIO: Visited November 2023
Cuyahoga Valley National Park was established in 2000. The park sits at around 50 square miles, scattered throughout the greater Cleveland area. The parks most iconic features are it’s waterfalls! Depending on the season, they might be small trickles or raging rivers! There are plenty of small hikes to do only steps away from town. As you can see from the map below, the park area is quite long and thin. So there is plenty to see and do!
BRADYWINE FALLS TRAIL
Distance: 1.7 miles Elevation Gain: 230 ft Estimate Time: 1 hour
This trail is a great “Welcome to the Park” hike. From the parking lot, there is a quick little jaunt down a boardwalk and within 5 minutes, you are at Brandywine Falls. There are stairs that lead you down and little closer to the falls before you can continue on the trail, taking you down to the river bed.
The trail was fairly easy with rocks and packed dirt for 50% of the trail. After seeing the falls, the trail takes you through the forest, across the river, and back to the parking lot.
I did this hike right at dusk and felt quite comfortable. There were LOTS of squirrels and birds. Overall, it was very peaceful and enjoyable!
BLUE HEN FALLS TRAIL
Distance: 2.8 roundtrip Elevation Gain: 530 ft Estimate Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Blue Hen Falls Trail starts right at the Boston Mill visitors center. Although your GPS will take you right to entrance (about a mile from the visitors center) of the falls along the main, there is no parking and you MUST do the whole hike to see the falls.
The hike was surprisingly challenging? Though it may have been because I was fighting with time, trying to get there and back in a hour before it got dark! So I was jogging most of the way. There are lots of ups and downs and a couple of VERY daunting rock staircases after you have been hiking a while. But it was worth it! It has just rained that day, the ground was muddy and slippery, but it meant the falls were in full force!
Overall, I really enjoyed this hike. It was peaceful and I never came across another hiker. I think if I had given myself more time, it wouldn’t have been nearly as challenging.
LOCK 39/ TOWPATH TRAIL
Distance: As Far as you want to go
The reason the distance for this trail is listed as such is because it goes on for 100 miles! 20 of which are inside the park. This trail, which is easily accessible and paved, follows the old canals where you can see the old locks (very cute mini versions) starting at Lock 39. There are plenty of different places to start along this trail, some areas with visitor centers and facilities.
For me, I stuck to a mile out and back from the parking lot because it was POURING down rain and I was not equipped. But I am so glad I did! Because seeing those little canals was so cool!
