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Cuyahoga Valley · October

Cuyahoga Valley in October

October is a busy time to visit Cuyahoga Valley — about as busy as September, busier than November.

Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 61°F, about 11.1 hours of daylight, and 3 seasonal closures in effect.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

8/10
Busy

Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.

About 77% 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 October visits vs. the year

October (typical)298,166
Peak — July389,608
Quietest — January100,772

October draws about 10% 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

October weather

Avg high
61°F
Avg low
41°F
Precipitation
3.4"
Sunrise
6:38 AM
Sunset
5:44 PM
Daylight
11.1h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CHIPPEWA LAKE, OH US

This week

7-day forecast for Cuyahoga Valley

DayConditionsHighLowPrecip chance
Mon 19Clear63°F37°F0%
Tue 20Overcast63°F42°F0%
Wed 21Clear67°F43°F0%
Thu 22Partly cloudy65°F43°F0%
Fri 23Overcast66°F46°F1%
Sat 24Partly cloudy66°F42°F0%
Sun 25Overcast64°F47°F1%

Forecast data by Open-Meteo

Source: Open-Meteo

What's open

Cuyahoga Valley in October: 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

January: 3/10 crowdJanFebruary: 3/10 crowdFebMarch: 5/10 crowdMarApril: 7/10 crowdAprMay: 9/10 crowdMayJune: 9/10 crowdJunJuly: 10/10 crowdJulAugust: 10/10 crowdAugSeptember: 8/10 crowdSepOctober: 8/10 crowd8OctNovember: 5/10 crowdNovDecember: 4/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in October

FAQ

Cuyahoga Valley in October

How busy is Cuyahoga Valley in October?

October rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Cuyahoga Valley National Park — about 77% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 298,166.

What is the weather like at Cuyahoga Valley in October?

In October, Cuyahoga Valley averages a high of 61°F and a low of 41°F, with about 3.4 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 October?

In mid-October, Cuyahoga Valley gets about 11.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:38 AM and sunset around 5:44 PM.