If you only had 24 hours to spend in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, keep reading this blog post to see our favorite hikes! Cuyahoga National Park was once deemed the worst National Park. It runs through residential neighborhoods and seems to be shoved into a corner, slapped with the title of National Park. Fun fact: The Cuyahoga River once caught fire due to its extreme pollution. Thankfully, the river is now much cleaner, as large-scale efforts have been made to clean it up.

If you are visiting this national park, it can honestly be done in 24 hours. We camped here a few summers ago, from Friday to Sunday, and found ourselves with more than enough time to explore the park. It is pretty small, and the good views can all be seen in one day. If you have 24 hours or more to spend in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, here are our recommendations.

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#1 – Brandywine Falls

We recommend starting your day at Brandywine Falls! This is the most popular viewing trail, so it’s best to start your day early. The boardwalk to the falls’ viewing platform is a long one, and it’s especially beautiful right after a rain.

#2 – Beaver Marsh Boardwalk

Next, head over to the Beaver Marsh Boardwalk. This is a great flat walking trail that takes you through marshes, where you can see a wide variety of wildlife. In our opinion, this is the best place in the park to see any kind of wildlife. We saw blue herons, turtles, ducks, and a few beavers while we walked here! We really enjoyed this spot at sunset, especially in the summer heat, so we recommend checking this spot out then. Early morning and early evening are when wildlife are most active if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of some beavers!

#3 – Everett Covered Bridge

There isn’t much to see in Cuyahoga Valley NP, but this unique spot is part of what makes Cuyahoga Valley so different from other National Parks. Take a moment to admire the bridge and its surroundings before moving on to your next spot.

#4 – Boston Mills Visitor Center

Take some time to visit the cute visitor center to pick up a patch and your stamp for your national park book! If you don’t have one, you can order it here before your trip. There is a train station nearby, along with a large parking lot where you can park to access various hiking trails. Don’t forget to grab your picture in front of the national park sign here!

#5 – Blue Hen Falls Hike

This is a popular but strenuous 3-mile round-trip hike you can access from the Boston Mills Visitor Center on the Buckeye Trail. There is a 580-foot elevation change, and for most people, that is a lot! Expect this hike to take 1-2 hours, depending on your level of experience, and be prepared for some steep sections. Otherwise, enjoy your hike!

#6 – Station Road Bridge

Like the covered bridge, pop over for some quick views of the nature and some incredible reflections of the bridge in the water below. This is a favorite spot on still days when you can get some beautiful photos!

#7 – Hike to Twin Sisters Falls

This is a 1.75 round-trip hike that, like most of Cuyahoga, is best done in winter to see the stunning frozen waterfall. It is moderately hard with 115 feet of elevation change, making it much easier than the Blue Hen Falls hike. Like the other hikes in this park, pets are allowed! Be aware that at one point on this hike, you will have to cross water, so you most likely will get wet.

#8 – The Ledges Trail

This 1.8-mile loop trail is one of our favorites in Cuyahoga Valley! You find yourself surrounded by sheer towering rocks, ledges, and trees. If you look closely enough at the rocks while you go through them, you’ll find some carvings and sketches on the stones. The best time of day to see the sunset here, but we also enjoyed it as an afternoon hike.

#9 – Kendall Lake

Finish out your day with sunset at Kendall Lake. There is a one-mile loop around the lake you can walk, or you can enjoy sitting and watching the sunset.

Bonus hike:

You can add this extra hike, or do it on your second day in Cuyahoga. The Deer Lick Cave & Buckeye Loop is a 4.3-mile loop trail that is a moderate hike.

Are you a fellow National Park lover? Read our other blogs with tips, tricks, and travel itineraries to some of our favorite National Parks!