Within miles of Cleveland, Akron and dozens of metropolitan suburbs, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most frequently visited parks in the national system. This green-space haven attracts city-dwellers and tourists alike for hiking, bicycling, fishing, horseback riding, golf and winter sports. A primitive campground is available in the park for backcountry hikers, while the nearest campgrounds are at Punderson State Park in Newbury; Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA in Streetsboro; West Branch State Park and Country Acres Campground in Ravenna; Rustic Lakes Campgrounds Inc in Sullivan; and Findley State Park in Wellington.
Hiking is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the natural and historic sides of the park. More than 125 miles of trails pass through rolling fields, woodlands, wetlands and rocky ravines. Stop at any of the park visitor centers for maps and a list of themed ranger-led hikes. During some of these scheduled walks you can view waterfalls and identify wildlife while traveling with a local expert. (If you plan to do any off-trail exploring, wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy boots to guard against poison ivy.) A fun option if you want to visit the national park at night is joining an evening hike, some of which are given by the light of a full moon. These are a great way to combine nocturnal wildlife viewing and stargazing.
The popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail crosses the valley from north to south; about 22 miles are within park borders. The trail extends farther in both directions and will eventually reach from Lake Erie to New Philadelphia. Historic sites and interpretive signs line the old canal path. The crushed limestone path is open to walkers, hikers and bicyclists. There are 10 trailheads in the park: at Lock 39, the Canal Exploration Center , Frazee House, Station Road Bridge, Red Lock, Boston Store Visitor Center , Deep Lock, Hunt House, Ira and Botzum. Observe basic trail courtesy: stay to the right and give a clear warning (a call or bell) before passing on the left. Yield to horses and avoid startling them; bicyclists must yield to all other users.
In addition to the canal towpath, bikers can try three other multi-use trails. Two are in the Bedford and Brecksville reservations of Cleveland Metroparks. The third is the nearly 16-mile asphalt Bike & Hike Trail bordering the eastern edge of the national park and running along the abandoned Akron, Bedford & Cleveland Railroad line. You can rent a bicycle at Century Cycles, 1621 Main St. in Peninsula along the towpath; phone (330) 657-2209.
Designated bridle trails offer hours of sightseeing possibilities for horse owners. The Cleveland Metroparks' Bedford Reservation trail is relatively level with an elevation change of only 8 feet, but most routes have 260-foot to 360-foot elevation changes. The trails with 100- to 200-foot changes may be closed due to rain damage; phone ahead for updates. Trailheads for the Riding Run Trail and Perkins Trail are both near the picturesque Everett Road Covered Bridge.
Nearly 200 bird species can be found in the multiple types of habitats throughout the park. With a pair of binoculars in tow, join one of the bird-watching programs offered by park staff to learn more about the birds and their habitats.
Tee off at one of four 18-hole golf courses within the park: Astorhurst, Brandywine, Shawnee Hills and Sleepy Hollow. None are federally owned, but all are open to the public. The Cuyahoga Valley provides a striking backdrop for an outing on the greens.
With nearly a dozen lakes and ponds, Cuyahoga Valley National Park calls to anglers, but since this area is a wildlife preserve, the park encourages catch-and-release fishing. There are more than 70 species to reel in, including sunfish, crappie, bullhead and catfish. A state fishing license is available from local hardware and sporting goods stores; phone the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for information at (800) 945-3543. Sadly, the Cuyahoga River has suffered in recent years from urban run-off and pollution—water from the river, streams and ponds isn't safe for swimming or drinking, and experts advise against eating any fish. Consult park staff before your fishing trip.
The Winter Sports Center in Kendall Lake Shelter serves as the base for winter sports in the park, offering rental equipment and a place to thaw out with a cup of hot chocolate. You need only 4 inches of snow to go snowshoeing, and when there is 6-inch coverage, cross-country skiing is offered. Nearly a dozen trails traverse the park, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Avoid walking in existing ski tracks. For all winter sports, dress warmly in layers—avoid cotton clothing—and don't forget about hats, scarves and gloves.
For a simple and nostalgic winter pastime, bundle up and go sledding or tobogganing down Kendall Hills on Quick Road, just southwest of Happy Days Lodge. Park at the Pine Hollow, Crow Foot Gully or Little Meadow lots and then walk to the hills—open during daylight hours—for some old-fashioned fun.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding hills at Boston Mills and Brandywine cater to enthusiasts and newcomers alike. You can take lessons, start on an easy hill or go straight to the advanced slopes. If all the fancy equipment is too intimidating or if you just want to try something different, head to the weekend snow-tubing hill at Brandywine's Polar Blast for a brisk and exciting ride down the chute.