National Park · OH
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley is quietest in January and February and busiest in August.
Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
2.9M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Cuyahoga Valley
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Fog | 63°F | 32°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Clear | 63°F | 39°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 67°F | 42°F | 0% |
| Wed 21 | Clear | 66°F | 41°F | 0% |
| Thu 22 | Clear | 65°F | 42°F | 2% |
| Fri 23 | Mostly clear | 67°F | 45°F | 2% |
| Sat 24 | Overcast | 67°F | 42°F | 0% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F | 17°F | 2.9" |
| February | 35°F | 18°F | 2.2" |
| March | 45°F | 26°F | 3.1" |
| April | 58°F | 37°F | 3.7" |
| May | 69°F | 47°F | 4.0" |
| June | 78°F | 57°F | 4.3" |
| July | 82°F | 60°F | 4.1" |
| August | 80°F | 59°F | 3.6" |
| September | 74°F | 52°F | 3.4" |
| October | 61°F | 41°F | 3.4" |
| November | 48°F | 31°F | 3.0" |
| December | 37°F | 23°F | 2.9" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CHIPPEWA LAKE, OH US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- Free — Free entrance
- Hours
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open everyday, 24 hours a day with the following exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Ledges, Octagon, Kendall Lake, and Kendall Hills close from dusk until morning opening.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Expect Crowding
Parking lots and popular destinations are crowded especially on weekends and days with warm weather between 10 am and 3 pm.
- Information
Current East Rim Trail Status: Open
As of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the East Rim Trail System remains open. For more information, visit the website linked below. In good conditions the mountain bike trails are open 6 am-11 pm for bikers and as posted for other trail users. In wet or hazardous conditions, the trail will close to all users to prevent damage. Be flexible; conditions may change throughout the day.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Towpath Trail between Boston and Peninsula
Closed from Boston Trailhead to Lock 29, August 24–November 20, 2026 and March 29–April 21, 2027.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
Do not leave valuables in your car. As a last resort, lock items in your trunk before arriving. Thieves target parking lots and break-ins can occur.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Parking lot repairs
The following parking lots will be closed for short periods for maintenance work: Lock 39 Trailhead: 10/15-10/16, Station Road Bridge Trailhead: late October, dates TBD. Scheduled dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions.
- Park Closure
Stanford Road Pavement Removal October 16 - November 2
The section of the former Stanford Road between Stanford Trailhead and Brandywine Falls, 1/2 of Stanford Trailhead parking lot, and a section of the Valley Trail are closed while a contractor removes the old pavement. Hikers can use Stanford Trail.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Cuyahoga Valley questions
When is the best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley?
Cuyahoga Valley is least crowded in January, February, and December. August is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Cuyahoga Valley?
Entry to Cuyahoga Valley is free.
When is Cuyahoga Valley busiest?
Cuyahoga Valley is busiest in August, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Cuyahoga Valley during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Cuyahoga Valley. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.