Tucked between the urban sprawl of both Akron and Cleveland, Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers an escape to nature and an abundance of hiking. With over 110 miles of trail spread across 33,000 acres, the park offers a “refuge for flora and fauna, gives a sense of times past, and provides recreation and solitude for Ohio’s residents and visitors,” according to the National Park Service. Use this guide to discover the best family-friendly and dog-friendly trails within the park.

Brandywine Falls is the #1 must-do hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, especially if visiting with the family. Accessed by a mix of boardwalk and stairs, the 65-foot waterfall can be seen on a short walk to a viewing platform or on a longer 1.3-mile hike along the Brandywine Gorge Trail. The extended option is far more popular and well worth the effort!

Second to Brandywine Falls, Blue Hen Falls is the other must-see waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Tucked in a cove, this 15-foot waterfall is accessible year-round and forms a perfect hike for the entire family, including the dog! There is a shorter version of the hike that begins from a small dirt lot, but parking fills up quickly. You might be better off starting from the Boston Mills trailhead by the visitor center, then enjoying a longer walk through the forest to get there.

The Ledges Trail is certainly one of the most stunning hikes within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This 2-mile loop explores massive sandstone cliffs, wanders through vibrant forests, and even offers some commanding views along the way. While some may consider it easy overall, others may find it challenging due to stairs and tricky footing. That said, the route is still suitable for the entire family including the dog!

The Tree Farm Trail is one of the best easy hikes within Cuyahoga Valley. In addition to a beautiful pond, the trail explores wooded hills with a variety of trees and wildflowers. The setting is an old Christmas tree farm where the pines grow tall and lend their fragrance to the air. The pond allows fishing access, and the woods are home to abundant wildlife including deer, foxes, and many songbirds.