Cuyahoga Valley · December
Cuyahoga Valley in December
December is a good time to visit Cuyahoga Valley — quieter than November, busier than January.
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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- —
- Avg low
- —
- Precipitation
- 2.9"
- Sunrise
- 7:45 AM
- Sunset
- 4:58 PM
- Daylight
- 9.2h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CUYAHOGA FALLS 1.1 ESE, 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.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Vehicle Break-in and Theft Warning
Car break-ins in Cuyahoga Valley have tripled since 2022, resulting in theft of personal items like credit cards. Do not leave valuables in your car. As a last resort, lock items in your trunk before arriving. Thieves target parking lots regularly.
- 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 Friday, July 3, 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 →
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 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 2.9 inches of precipitation.