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The 12th most visited national park in the USA, Cuyahoga Valley National Park may be less known, but it does receive more visitors than more famous parks like Arches, Death Valley and Shenandoah.
There is an obvious reason for that: this urban national park lies between two major cities in northeastern Ohio—Akron and Cleveland—and is exceptionally accessible. It’s also a very scenic park, as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park photos in this post will clearly show.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Photo Essay
This beautiful park protects both sides of the winding Cuyahoga River, which snakes its way through farmlands, hills and historic villages. First established as a National Recreation Area, it became a national park in 2000.
More than anything, it’s its variety that makes it such an attractive park. From photogenic waterfalls, mysterious woodlands and marshes to a historic railroad and a fantastic riverside bike trail, Cuyahoga Valley combines nature with history and culture.
There’s plenty to do to fill a day or two. Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, hike the Ledges, see Blue Hen and Brandywine Falls, bike the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and see wild beavers, turtles and blue herons at Beaver Marsh.
Check out the Cuyahoga Valley National Park photos below to see what you can expect.
Also, read my blog post about how to spend a day in Cuyahoga Valley for more information.
One of my personal favorite spots in Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Blue Hen Falls.
If you’d like to go for a hike, I can’t suggest a better area than The Ledges.
A blue heron rests on a branch in Beaver Marsh.
The Everett Covered Bridge is the only covered bridge in an American national park.
A boardwalk offers great views of Brandywine Falls, without question the most popular attraction in Cuyahoga Valley.
A woodland and river park, fall is the best time of year to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
This carved stone stairway leading through moss-covered cliffs characterizes the mystery of The Ledges area perfectly.
A ride on the historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a mandatory activity when visiting the park.
Beaver Marsh, the park’s best place for wildlife watching. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers, birds and turtles.
Another one of those Cuyahoga Valley National Park photos that showcases the wonderful woodland scenery.
Early-fall scene in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Blue Hen Falls, one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Cuyahoga Valley.
A turtle sunbathes on a log in Beaver Marsh.
A bike ride on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a superb introduction to what Cuyahoga Valley National Park is all about.
Ferns, mosses and foliage, some wonderful fall details.
To me, this is one of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park photos that summarize this pleasant park best.
Does it get any prettier than this, the boardwalk leading down to impressive Brandywine Falls?
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Other National Park Photo Essays
- Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park in Photos
- Utah’s Arches National Park in Photos
- Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park in Photos
- California’s Death Valley National Park in Photos
- California’s Channel Islands National Park in Photos
- Washington’s Olympic National Park in Photos
- Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park in Photos
- Arizona’s Saguaro National Park in Photos