Cuyahoga National Park: Top 5 Things to Do for a Quick Weekend Away

A Revitalized National Park just south of Cleaveland

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Getting away can be tricky.  Time and cost play a factor every time.  Finding something simple makes the trip worth it.

Cuyahoga National Park was that weekend for us.  We hiked all day, sat by the fire at night, and enjoyed every moment of quiet in the business of the end of the year!  (And because you already have these HIKING SHOES for Road Trips, you're ready!)

Located in southeast Ohio, it's an easy drive from the both the Midwest and the East coast.  We stayed in the small town of Peninsula.  Highly recommend.  It has all the small-town charm, while being centrally located to everything.

​Here are our top five things to do:

5.  Blue Hen Falls

Located about 1.5 miles from the visitor center, these falls are worth seeing for the hike alone.  The National Park weaves its way in and out of developed land.  There are times you are walking through woods, and other moments you're along  the road.  It helps for those who may struggle with feeling lost during a long hike.  

The falls sit at the end of the trail and provide beautiful views and fun climbs.  You can climb down to the base of the falls to get great pictures, while being surrounded by a moment of peace.  (When hiking for waterfalls, it's best to have a lanyard case...)

4.  Bridal Veil Falls

Located near our top 2, Bridal Veil Falls in the Cleveland Metropark is included in the National Park.  It's a fairly simple hike out to the falls with a view worth seeing.

The falls are simple, cascading down the rock to the riverbed below.  They are beautiful to watch, and it would be great spot for lunch.  What we found even more fascinating was the rock bed.  The slate below has cracked away at different formations changing the falls over time.  Watching the water flow over the different levels of rock bed is mesmerizing.  

3.  Brandywine Falls

Brandywine could have easily been our second favorite, had we not found our other option.  Brandywine falls is an easy hike across a boardwalk.  There are stairs to a viewing platform, but it's not necessary to navigate all of them to be able to see the falls.

It's a four-mile round trip hike to the falls from the visitor center if interested.  However, for short stays, you can drive and park to see them.  They once were the center of economic value for the small towns in the area, providing electricity and resources.  As development changed, the falls resources failed to keep up with the ever-changing world, and the small towns around it dissolved.  Today it boasts dynamic views of cascading water to the river below. 

3.  Tinkers Creek Falls

Easily landed in the number two slot.  Here's a tip we discovered:  Park in the Viaduct parking lot instead of heading into the Cleveland Metropark.  The Viaduct parking lot has a trail that leads to below the falls.  The Cleveland Metropark will take you above.  The views from below are stunning.  The falls are much larger than expected, entering from multiple locations from the riverbed above.   

Tinker's Creek is the type of place you could sit on the edge for a few hours and just watch the world go by... or watch a wedding.  We were in the right place at the right time, as we watched a couple climb out onto the flat stones and get married under the rocks.  Amazing backdrop!

1.  The Ledges

The Ledges were a last minute find on the map, and ended up being our favorite spot.  Land was donated to the national park from a private owner.  The Ledges sit as ancient rock formations with a trail you can hike both in and around them.

The temperature of the Ledges struck us instantly.  Below the Ledges sits a cave, with air flowing out into the world above.  Appropriately named, The Icebox, is located near the entrance to the cave and pushes cold air out at a rapid pace.   We took a walk through the various paths across the area, discovering quartz in the walls and tucked away corners.  It lets your imagination run wild, wondering how they came to be, and the hidden treasures that lie within them

Quick easy trips!  Make it through May to get to your summer adventures!  Don't forget to National Park Passport this summer.  Find it HERE.

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