Beavers Turned a Junkyard Into Ohio’s Only National Park with Waterfalls, Trails & Snow Action — Literally

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Most folks think national parks mean going far out west, but Ohio’s got a wild card right between Cleveland and Akron.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park mixes up waterfalls, old canal towns, and rolling forests where bald eagles soar over old train tracks.

Here’s your guide to the best stuff in Ohio’s only national park.

But first, don’t forget to thank the beavers when you see them at Cuyahoga.

Beaver Marsh Ecosystem

Beaver Marsh sits just north of the Ira Trailhead along the Towpath Trail, and it has quite a heartwarming tale.

In the 1980s, this thriving ecosystem was literally a junkyard, littered with rusting car parts and industrial waste.

When the land was acquired for the national park, volunteers began clearing the debris, planning to create a parking lot.

Nature had other ideas.

Beavers moved in and dammed the Ohio & Erie Canal, flooding the area and creating a lush wetland.

Today, you can see great blue herons stalking fish, painted turtles sunning on logs, and muskrats gliding through the water.

A flat, accessible boardwalk takes you over the water with viewing platforms where you can spot turtles, birds, and maybe beavers. Morning (before 9am) and evening (after 6pm) bring the most wildlife activity.

You’ll find benches along the boardwalk and interpretive signs identifying common animals and plants. The area connects directly to the Towpath Trail with parking nearby.

Towpath Trail

The 20-mile Towpath Trail runs north-south through Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a flat, crushed limestone path where mules once pulled canal boats in the 1800s.

You can rent bikes at Century Cycles in Peninsula or bring your own.

The trail connects many park attractions with clear mile markers every quarter mile. Stop at the Canal Exploration Center to learn how locks raised and lowered boats.

Brandywine Falls

You’ll find the 65-foot Brandywine Falls in the middle section of the park, easily reached from the main parking area on Brandywine Road. The renovated boardwalk gives you great views from multiple angles with ramps now making the falls accessible to all visitors.

The 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail takes you across the top and around the base.

The parking lot has restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables nearby.

Scenic Railroad Experience

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad lets you see the park without hiking or driving. Trains run year-round with stations in Independence, Peninsula, and Akron.

The National Park Scenic route takes about 3.5 hours round-trip with narration about what you’re seeing. The $35 all-day pass lets you hop on and off at different stations.

Bring your bike onboard for just $5 through the Bike Aboard program. Upper dome cars give you panoramic views for an extra fee.

Trains are heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer, and the railroad offers special beer and wine tasting rides on select weekends.

Ledges Trail and Overlook

The Ledges area sits in the southern part of the park near Peninsula. Here you’ll walk among massive rock formations on the 2.2-mile Ledges Trail.

These dramatic cliffs formed from Sharon Conglomerate rock over 300 million years ago. The Ledges Overlook gives you a wide view across the valley, best at sunset.

The nearby Ledges Shelter has grills, tables, and restrooms you can reserve for groups. The trail is well-marked with yellow blazes and includes several narrow passages between rock walls.

You’ll find moss-covered rocks, small caves, and natural stone stairs throughout. The main parking lot on Truxell Road has maps and information boards.

Stanford House and Historic Properties

The Stanford House near Boston Mills offers overnight stays inside the park.

Built in 1843, this historic building now has modern amenities while keeping its historic character.

Rooms cost $60-85 per night with shared bathrooms. The house has a full kitchen you can use and common areas with Wi-Fi. You can reserve up to 9 months in advance through the park website.

The house sits on 5 acres with a fire pit, picnic area, and short hiking trail. Breakfast is not provided, but Peninsula has several cafes within 2 miles.

Nearby, you can visit the Boston Store which shows how canal boats were built.

Kayaking and Paddling Opportunities

The Cuyahoga River flows through the park with calm sections perfect for paddling. Put in at Boston Mills or Botzum where improved river access points make launching easy.

Rentals are available from NPS partners like Cuyahoga Valley Kayaks ($45/day). The river typically runs at paddleable levels from April through October.

Check water quality at nps.gov/cuva before your trip, as heavy rains can affect conditions. The most popular 5-mile stretch from Station Road to Red Lock has gentle current and no difficult rapids.

You’ll paddle past forests, meadows, and historic structures hidden from hiking trails. River mile markers help you track progress, and shuttle services are available on summer weekends to return you to your starting point.

Trail Running and Hiking Network

Beyond the Towpath, you’ll find over 125 miles of trails throughout Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Boston Run Trail offers a moderate 3.5-mile loop through maple and oak forests.

For a challenge, try Oak Hill Trail with its steep sections and ridge views. New color-coded blazes mark all trails – yellow for main routes, blue for connectors. The Pine Grove area has five intersecting trails ranging from 1-4 miles.

Wetmore Trail features boardwalks through marshy areas rich with birds.

Winter Sports and Seasonal Activities

When snow falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park transforms into a winter playground.

The Kendall Hills area in the central part of the park becomes popular for cross-country skiing with groomed trails ranging from easy to challenging.

Equipment rentals are available weekends at the Winter Sports Center ($15/day). Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort within park boundaries offers downhill skiing on 18 runs with night skiing until 9:30pm.

Ice fishing is permitted on Kendall Lake when ice reaches four inches thick, usually January-February. The park maintains several warming shelters along winter trails with wood stoves.

Winter hiking is popular on the Salt Run Trail which stays relatively snow-free due to its southern exposure.

Farmer’s Market and Local Food

The Countryside Farmers’ Market operates in the park at Howe Meadow, just south of Peninsula. The market runs every Saturday 9am-noon from May through October with over 70 local vendors.

You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and crafts. Spicy Lamb Farm near the Ledges offers tours on weekends ($12 per person). The park’s ‘Taste of the Valley’ program connects you with nearby restaurants using local ingredients.

Trail Mix, the park store in Peninsula, sells local snacks and picnic supplies. Several wineries operate within park boundaries, including Sarah’s Vineyard and Hale Farm. The park has 12 designated picnic areas with tables and some with grills.

The Oak Hill picnic area offers the most amenities with covered tables and nearby restrooms.

Visitor Information

You’ll find Cuyahoga Valley National Park located at 15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141. The park is open every day of the year with no entrance fee required.

The Boston Mill Visitor Center serves as the main information hub, open daily 9:30am-5pm. Other visitor centers include Canal Exploration Center (open May-October) and Hunt House (weekends only, Memorial Day-Labor Day).

The park phone number is 440-717-3890 for questions. Parking fills quickly at popular spots like Brandywine Falls, especially on weekends, so arrive early.

Trail conditions vary seasonally, so check the park website for current closures and alerts before your visit.

Read More from This Brand:

• This is ‘That One Ohio Gem’ That Will Take Your Breath Away
• 8 of the Most Beautiful Places to See in Ohio
• 20 Best Things to Do in Ohio