Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is located between Cleveland and Akron Ohio and surrounds the Cuyahoga river. We visited the park during the pandemic, so we were unable to do some of the amazing things that would surely make our list if we had done them (like the scenic railroad so sad that it was not running).
1. The Ledges
The ledges trail is a 2.2 mile loop that travels through some of the most amazing and beautiful geologic formations we have ever seen. The trail runs alongside of these formations and there are a number of short trails that go into the various openings in the ledges formations, allowing you to witness up close just how large they are. Additionally, the trail passes a cave (the ice cave) that is home to bats during the day. It is gated off for their protection, but you can walk right up to it and feel the cool air exiting the cave. Lastly, the Ledges is one of the best places in the park to see the sunset. From the parking lot you can access the lookout point by walking across an open field through a path in the trees. Going this way will save you walking the loop, and ensures you will get out by the parks closing time.
2. Brandywine Falls
At 60 feet tall, Brandywine Falls is the tallest waterfall in CVNP. It is one of the most popular things to do in the park, partly due to its size and partly due to the ease of access. There is a boardwalk that goes from the parking lot to the waterfall, wide enough to accommodate travel in both directions. Once at the falls, there is a staircase that descends to the lower section of the falls, where there is a viewing platform. This is a fairly crowded spot, but if you wait long enough you will eventually have it to yourself. If you are looking for a hike the Brandywine Gorge trail loops from the parking lot to the falls and back, giving some different views from what others experience from the boardwalk. In our experience, the views are not better than you would get from the mainstream boardwalk path. While it is a nice walk along the stream, it is not necessary for a great view of the falls.
We visited the falls twice, first in the morning to avoid the crowds and again in the afternoon following a flash flood warning. With roughly 2 inches in less than an hour, the river flowed swiftly and roared loudly. Minerals and sediment washed into the river from the forest, causing the water to turn a murky brown. If you are able to visit following a rainstorm, we highly encourage it.
3. Beaver Marsh
Beaver Marsh is the best place in the park to view wildlife, hands down. Park at the Ira trailhead just off of the main road and take a left on the paved bike path. After a short walk you will find yourself on a boardwalk going straight through a marsh, with spectacular views of great blue herons, wood ducks, snapping turtles, frogs, and even beavers and muskrats. The wildlife are used to people walking by, and paid us no mind while they went along their routine. Bring a camera and spend some time watching the wildlife from the provided benches.