Cuyahoga Valley · December
Cuyahoga Valley in December
December is a good time to visit Cuyahoga Valley — quieter than November, busier than January.
Expect moderate crowds (4/10), highs near 37°F, about 9.2 hours of daylight, and 3 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 35% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 5% of Cuyahoga Valley’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 37°F
- Avg low
- 23°F
- Precipitation
- 2.9"
- Sunrise
- 7:45 AM
- Sunset
- 4:58 PM
- Daylight
- 9.2h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CHIPPEWA LAKE, OH US
What's open
Cuyahoga Valley in December: access
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.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- 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 → - 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
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 → - 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 →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Cuyahoga Valley crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Cuyahoga Valley in December
How busy is Cuyahoga Valley in December?
December rates 4/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Cuyahoga Valley National Park — about 35% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 135,133.
What is the weather like at Cuyahoga Valley in December?
In December, Cuyahoga Valley averages a high of 37°F and a low of 23°F, with about 2.9 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Cuyahoga Valley?
Entry to Cuyahoga Valley is free.
When is Cuyahoga Valley least crowded?
Cuyahoga Valley is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Cuyahoga Valley get in December?
In mid-December, Cuyahoga Valley gets about 9.2 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:45 AM and sunset around 4:58 PM.