Cuyahoga Valley National Park was founded in 2000. There is no single gate: a string of trailheads along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail each has its own parking, so you pick your starting point rather than drive to one entrance.
The Towpath Trail is nearly level and accessible to all visitors, while the trails through the steep ravines are the least accessible for anyone with limited mobility. Most of the park is open around the clock, but a handful of places, including Brandywine Falls and the Ledges, close at dusk. Boston Mill Visitor Center is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On horse trails, give way to horses and keep small children calm as they pass.
Part of the Towpath Trail, between Boston Trailhead and Lock 29 in Peninsula, has tentative construction closures from August 24 to November 20, 2026 and from March 29 to April 21, 2027. For visitors with extra needs, the park’s accessibility coordinator offers individual trip-planning advice, and the official park brochure comes in audio-only and Braille formats.
The catch for train-loving children: the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is run by a separate operator with its own tickets and a seasonal timetable, so free park entry does not include a ride.
Family FAQ
How much does Cuyahoga Valley National Park cost?
Park entry is free for everyone; this does not cover the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which sells its own tickets.
Do you need to book Cuyahoga Valley National Park in advance?
No reservation is needed to enter the park.
Can you bring your own food to Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Bring plenty of water: some locations in the park have no drinking water.
Is there parking at Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
10 trailheads have parking and Towpath Trail access; Boston Store parking is for limited mobility only, so use Boston Trailhead or the Boston Mill Visitor Center lot.
