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Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) may be under 30 minutes by car from Cleveland, but its remote surroundings — towering forests, wetlands, wide-open farmlands, and rolling hills — make it feel worlds away. The 33,000-acre park is home to noteworthy sites such as Brandywine Falls, the tallest waterfall in Northeast Ohio, and Ritchie Ledges, a 300-million-year-old sandstone formation. There are also a host of historical buildings to explore, such as the 19th-century-era Everett Covered Bridge and Stanford House, as well as the Canal Exploration Center, which once served as a former tavern and blacksmith shop. Outdoor adventure opportunities abound, including 125 miles of hiking trails and activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, paddling, and horseback riding. In 2025, the park marks its 50th anniversary and has organized special events through the end of the year, including concerts, lectures, guided hikes, and nature walks.
