Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Boardwalk by the river

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Kayakers on the Cuyahoga River

A group of kayaks passing a rocky beach on the Cuyahoga River in summer.

The Ledges Overlook in Fall

Visitors taking in the view at the Ledges Overlook in fall.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

CVSR Engine 6777 motors down the tracks.

Brandywine Falls Viewed from the Upper Boardwalk

Brandywine Falls viewed from the upper boardwalk.

Lock 38 and Canal Exploration Center

Visitors watch a lock demonstration at Canal Exploration Center.

Blue Hen Falls

Blue Hen Falls is one of dozens of waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Peninsula

Many park visitors ride the scenic excursion trail through the valley or take advantage of the Bike Aboard option to ride one way with their bike.

Along the Ledges Trail

One of Cuyahoga Valley's most popular trails, the Ledges Trail proved glimpses of great color and rock formations throughout the year.

Sunset at the Beaver Marsh

Anytime of day or night there is some wildlife at the Beaver Marsh to capture your attention.

RecAreaDirections

Plane Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport offer many daily flights to the area. Car rentals are available at both airports.

Bus & Train Bus stations are located in downtown Cleveland and Akron. The Amtrak station is in downtown Cleveland.

Car The park is easily accessible by car from all directions. A good place to start your visit is at Boston Mill Visitor Center located at 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264. (41° 15'45.3" N) (81° 33'37.3" W).

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CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK PICNIC SHELTERS Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a destination for millions of visitors each year who enjoy hiking, riding the scenic railroad, biking and picnicking.

Whether you need an area large enough for a family reunion or just an intimate spot for two, Cuyahoga Valley is an ideal destination. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park. Two rustic shelters, Ledges and Octagon, are available for reservation in the Virginia Kendall Unit of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Recreation

With many different facilities and attractions in the park, there is something to interest everyone. Most shelter areas have open fields for games and nearby hiking trails.Visitors enjoy riding the scenic railroad, exploring the visitor centers, catching one of the summer concerts, attending one of the ranger-guided programs, biking the Towpath Trail or picnicking in one of the park's picnic shelters.

Facilities

Cuyahoga Valley's two shelters are fully-accessible. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed them with American chestnut and locally quarried sandstone. The shelters are located near Ritchie Ledges, an area with approximately 2 miles of Sharon conglomerate stone cliffs about 30 feet tall. A large play field and hiking trails are available near each shelter.

Ledges Shelter accommodates up to 75 people. It has two fireplaces and eight picnic tables inside, as well as eight tables in the outside pavilion and a large grill.

Octagon Shelter accommodates up to 50 people. During the summer months its walls are removed; they are in place from October 15 to May 14. Seven indoor picnic tables, two fireplaces and an outdoor grill are provided.

Both shelters have electricity for normal two-pronged household appliances such as coffee pots and crock pots. Drinking water is available at a drinking fountain from May 1 to September 15. Restrooms with flush toilets are available year-round.

Natural Features

The Cuyahoga River flows through the park for 22 miles, fed by more than 190 miles of perennial (permanent) and ephemeral (temporary) streams. The Beaver Marsh and other wetlands, many lined with cattails and dense patches of duckweed, provide a home for many of the park's reptiles and amphibians and help filter pollutants from the water.

Nearby Attractions

Visit Brandywine Falls, the historic Boston Store Visitor Center, Ritchie Ledges, the Beaver Marsh and the Everett Road Covered Bridge. These are some of the more popular attractions in the park.

Charges & Cancellations

Once payment has been made, no refunds will be awarded. However, the reserving party will be given an opportunity to reschedule the reservation (based on availability) within 12 months of the original reservation.

Boston Mill Visitor Center Facility

Start your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park at Boston Mill Visitor Center. Meet park staff, get questions answered, and learn about the park and places to visit. The visitor center is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, with limited access. For the summer season, additional staff are available outside the visitor center to assist with trip planning, weather permitting.

Canal Exploration Center Facility

Discover the Ohio & Erie Canal in the storied Canal Exploration Center that was once used as a tavern, a general store, a residence, and a park visitor center. Find out how the canal shaped the nation through in-depth, interactive Canal Era exhibits for children and adults.

Hunt House Facility

Hunt House offers child-friendly nature exhibits, a rest area along the Towpath Trail, and information about nearby attractions. Hunt House is open seasonally. Continue to check our website for updates.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database