One Day in Dog Friendly Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio.

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Are you planning a one day trip to the dog friendly Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio?

I’ve got you covered here, since our family just made a one day visit to Cuyahoga Valley with our dog Snoopy in mid-June.

If you are out-of-state visitors and put Cuyahoga Valley National Park in your road trip stops list in the Midwest, it’s even better. Because that’s who we are. We were on a road trip from Texas to New England when we made a stop at Cuyahoga Valley. We arrived late afternoon in Peninsula, Ohio where the park is located. Then we visited Cuyahoga the next day.

One Day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a Dog Friendly Destination.

Let me tell you one more time: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is dog friendly. In fact, it’s one of the dog-friendliest National Parks. You can take your leashed dog to all trails with the exception of the mountain bike trails. We were so thrilled when we found out about it.

Just remember, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and restrained at all times. You must pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly in a trash can or take it with you. Please follow the rules so our dogs are always welcome at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

SNOOPY’S MUST HAVE FOR A WALK

For a first timer like us, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a bit confusing. We saw the sign of the park, then we drove through private properties for miles before we got to the Visitor Center. When we drove to another part of the park, we drove under highway bridges and private properties, then suddenly we arrived at the destination. Or, we went back to the highway before we entered the park.

Yes! Cuyahoga Valley is located near and between private properties. People who live there can easily ride their bike or even walk to a few spots. 

To make your visit easier, I include addresses of the must-see in Cuyahoga Valley for a day visit with your dog. After reading this post, you might go directly to the first destination of your choice that is closer to your accommodation, or start at the Boston Visitor Center like us.

Cuyahoga Valley is not as big as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or the Smokies. It has its own beauty, a mix of deep forests, rolling hills, farmland, and of course, the river on a 33,000 acres land. The park is a refuge for flora and fauna.

It may be small, but Cuyahoga Valley is one of the most visited National Parks in the US. In 2020 it drew 2,8 million visitors, making it number 7 in the 10 Most Visited National Parks list. Right after the Grand Canyon. I would think it’s also got the highest number of dog visitors.

Dog Friendly Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

As I mentioned above, we only had a day to spend at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Then that one day was cut short by a thunderstorm and we had to leave the park area for lunch. You will find a couple of recommendations that were in our list but we couldn’t make it. One because of the time factor, and the other one because it was closed.  

Our first stop at the park was Boston Mill Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed in the building, but it’s a good start to learn about the park. The exhibit inside the Visitor Center is nice, and you can find park’s souvenirs there. When we were there, Park Rangers had their station opened outside. I think they still try to eliminate a big number of people inside as precautions of the pandemic.

Here are our recommendations for dog-friendly activities when spending one day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

BRANDYWINE FALLS

One of the most popular locations in the park, this 60-foot waterfall can be accessed via a boardwalk or a 1.4-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail. Snoopy was happy when we hiked on trails, but then rain started to fall, followed by thunder and lightning. We hurried back to the car and waited until it stopped. After the thunderstorm passed by, we decided to do the boardwalk only. So, don’t forget to bring your raincoat. Or, keep this disposable rain ponchos in your car for emergency use. There are kids and adults sizes in a package.

A short walk from the parking lot, you will arrive at the upper viewpoint. This is wheelchairs and strollers accessible. For a more stunning view of Brandywine Falls, you must go down to the lower viewpoint. Lots of stairs, but our dog Snoopy didn’t have problems with it. People with knee or hip problems will.

During nice weather and throughout the summer, the parking lot is usually full between 10 am and 2 pm. Not just because Brandywine Falls is a popular attraction, but because the parking area serves the Summit Metroparks Bike and Hike Trail, too. So, try to arrive here early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Note that parking is not allowed outside of designated areas or along the road.

When we were there, construction crews were working on replacing the composting toilets with flushing toilets. Portable toilets were available. They will add drinking fountains, too.

Address: 8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067.

THE LEDGES

Snoopy loved hiking here. We hiked under canopies of tall trees to striking sandstone cliffs. Rocks are covered with moss, and the summer temperature was nice. 

The trail around the Ledges is 2.2-miles but we didn’t do it all. Also, we didn’t visit the Ledges Overlook because we found exploring the moss-covered rocks was entertaining. So, we spent a lot of time there.

Too bad the trail is not accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.

Here, parking is spacious. If it gets full on the day of your visit, park at Virginia Kendall Lake or The Octagon shelter.

The Ledges is also one of the favorites in Cuyahoga. In fact, it’s one of the best hikes in Ohio .

Ice Box Cave is located here, but it is  permanently closed to protect roosting bats. 

The Ledges is my favorite part of Cuyahoga Valley NP.

Address: 405 Truxell Road, Peninsula 44264.

EVERETT COVERED BRIDGE

Although the covered bridge itself is not that special, the stream underneath it is. When we got there, there were two dogs playing and swimming in the water. We didn’t know about the water running under the bridge, so we didn’t bring his water toys with us. Still, Snoopy had fun dipping his paws in the water.

Address: 2370 Everett Road, Peninsula 44264.

BLUE HEN FALLS

Another waterfall that draws visitors when in Cuyahoga. This beautiful 15-foot waterfall can be reached by hiking the 1.5-miles one-way trail from Boston Mills Visitor Center, plus a half-mile steep trail from the top of the hill. One of the popular sections of the Buckeye Trail.

When we were there, there were major trail improvements on this section. Therefore, there’s no access to Blue Hen Falls during the closure. Scientists are using this closure time to study the condition of the habitats in the area and the effect of increased visitation.

The trail is expected to be open on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021.

Address: 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula 44264.

OHIO & ERIE CANAL TOWPATH TRAIL

In the 1800s, mules walked on this trail to tow canal boats loaded with goods and passengers. Today, it’s a favorite trail for cyclists, runners, hikers, walkers, and even people in wheelchairs. I wish we could do part of this 19.5-miles trail, but we ran out of time.

Other places to stop while in Cuyahoga

Since the location of the recommended places above are far from each other, we stopped at these three places we found along the way.

Boston Mill Station

A quick walk from the Boston Mill Visitor Center parking lot to see the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad flag stop. In case you do not know, visitors can enjoy Cuyahoga Valley National Park from the train, but unfortunately it’s not pet-friendly.

Village of Boston

Walk to the pedestrian friendly Boston Village from the Visitor Center. Or, park at the small parking lot behind the General Store. Dogs are not allowed in the store, but they let you ‘park’ the dog outside. Of course, it depends on the weather. Part of the Towpath Trail crosses the village.

Szalay’s Farm

Before we got to the Everett covered bridge, we saw Szalay’s Farm at the corner of the street. We left Snoopy in the car with our son, but apparently you can take your dog to this open air farmers market. A place to get your fruits and produce, as well as snacks. Enjoy them on one of the swinging picnic tables.

Where to eat at Cuyahoga?

During our one day visit at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a ranger recommended us to go to Winking Lizard Peninsula or Fisher’s Cafe & Pub. Since she gave us directions to Brandywine Falls from the Visitor Center by saying right right and left left and we got lost (haha..), we decided to eat in town. We didn’t know if those restaurants were dog-friendly. And we were back to the highway anyway on our way to The Ledges. We saw a good old McDonald’s on our way to the park, so that’s where we had our lunch. Later when we went back to town, we saw more choices of eating places.

Where to stay with your dog when in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Camping is no longer permitted in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are 2 lodgings inside the park: Stanford House and Inn at Brandywine Falls. Only one room in the Inn at the Brandywine Falls that lets dogs, that is the Granary Room. It starts at $300 a night (non-holiday price), with a $75 pet fee. It’s not cheap.

But Cuyahoga Valley National Park is surrounded by cities like Peninsula, Brecksville, Hudson, Valleyview, Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, and Cleveland. Plenty of accommodation to choose from. From hotels to Airbnb and RV campgrounds to State Parks. We had a trailer and stayed for a couple of nights in Streetsboro, outskirt of Peninsula. It is less than a 20 minutes drive to the park.

Have you been to Cuyahoga Valley National Park with or without a dog? What is your favorite spot in the park? If you haven’t been there, I hope this post will help you in making a plan. Especially when you travel with a dog. Don’t forget to share it with your dog-loving friends and families. Thank you!