Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area

Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area encompasses a total area of 32,572 acres of land in two counties, Summit County and Cuyahoga County, which are both in Ohio. The closest cities to this national recreational area are Cleveland and Akron. 

There are many ways to get to the park depending on where you are coming from, but you can find the park by tracking the main entrance which is located about 22 miles along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland. Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area was designated as a park in June 1975 and then re-designated as a national park in October of the year 2000.

The park is popular for several reasons including the natural splendor of the terrain and its biota as well as the several recreational activities that you can enjoy while at the park. As for the natural splendor, notable sites include the Brandywine Gorge, Blue Hen, and Brandywine Falls. 

All of these splendors can all be seen through the Erie Canal and Ohio Towpath trails. The park is also home to numerous historical buildings and a scenic railroad. Additionally, you can also find several animal and plant species within the park.

If you prefer other recreational activities, you can participate in bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, golf, fishing, winter sports, scenic train rides, concerts, bird watching, artist-in-residence programs, interpretive programs, and a lecture series. 

You are permitted to bring your dog into the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, but some restrictions will apply. To begin with, your dog must always be on a leash no longer than six feet long and must always be attended to (attending to your dog includes cleaning up after your dog’s solid waste). 

There are also some areas of the park where you can take your dog and other areas you cannot take your dog. You are not allowed to take your dog into any park building or on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Train. On the other hand, you can take your dog on hiking paths, and you can also take your dog to the Stanford Campground.