The Ultimate Guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Some tips for visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

-Most National Parks conjure up images of thousands of acres of pure, untouched wilderness... but Cuyahoga Valley is nothing like that. Meant to preserve fields, forests and streams as well as scenic byways, farmland, historic small villages, and even a railroad, it's a different experience than visiting other parks, but it's just as filled with natural beauty as any other park. Don't be surprised if you find yourself hiking under an interstate overpass or driving through a town as you explore. -The picnicking in the park is incredible, but sadly, you'll have to leave behind that bottle of merlot... alcoholic beverages are banned in the park. -If you decide to fish in the park, you can't eat anything you catch. Also, swimming in Cuyahoga Valley's bodies of water is iffy as well... parts of the park were actually an illegal toxic dump before they were annexed and cleaned up, and they're still working to get conditions back to the way they were. -Cuyahoga is incredibly bike- and pet-friendly, though, especially when compared to other National Parks.

There's no better way to explore the park than with a cruise on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The 51-mile-long route traverses almost the entire park, and each stop offers something new to see and do. They'll even allow you to bring your bike onto the train (so you can ride your bike into the park and then hop on the train for the return trip), offer cool events like beer tastings, wine tastings and sunset tours, and have a guided audio tour for those looking for some train-ride entertainment. Oh, and their dining car sometimes serves beer. Score!

For a truly unforgettable trip to Cuyahoga Valley, stay at the ritzy Inn At Brandywine Falls. A historic, 1840's farmhouse, the draw of the inn is that it overlooks the park's crown jewel, the Brandywine Falls. Try and book the Simon Perkins room, if you can-- that's the room with the waterfall view-- although all the rooms are perfectly cozy!

Brandywine Falls is the biggest and most popular waterfall in the park... but with a parking lot right nearby, a hotel on the riverbank, boardwalks with different angles, and tons of trails in the area, it's pretty easy to access and is quite lovely. The 65-foot cascade is definitely a stunner!

The park isn't all towpath trails, waterfalls, and forest... there is also a portion of the park the preserves some stunning sandstone gulches known as Ritchie Ledges. Take the Ledges Trail out here to admire the wild geological phenomenon. Caves, moss-covered cliffs, and dense forests make you feel like you're in the middle of the wilderness!

One of the nicest trails in the park is the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This route has a long history, and was originally the towpath where mules would tow canal boars filled with goods for trade. It ran from Portsmouth, Ohio, which is located right on the Ohio River, to Cleveland, where goods could be sent all over from Lake Erie. This means the current, restored trail follows the Cuyahoga River almost its whole length (from Independence to Summit County for a total of about 21 miles), and the river offers a cool breeze and lovely views. It's perfect for hiking and biking. It also passes by plenty of visitors' centers and quaint little towns, perfect for exploring. Pro tip: it's especially pretty in the fall!