Curator’s statement
Cuyahoga Valley National Park was the fifth national park my family visited, and it turned out to be the perfect fall weekend escape. With its mix of boardwalks, waterfalls, wildlife, and easy trails, this park is incredibly accessible for families with young children. Whether you’re local to the Midwest or flying into Cleveland for a quick getaway, CVNP offers just the right amount of adventure without overwhelming little legs. In this guide, I’m sharing a full weekend itinerary that mirrors how we structured our own trip in October. It’s paced intentionally for families with slow mornings, realistic driving times, plenty of sensory-friendly nature experiences, and enough “wow” moments to get everyone excited for your next national park adventure.
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Day 1: Your first taste of Cuyahoga Valley
Settle into your hotel and ease into your weekend with a light introduction to the park. Cuyahoga Valley's charm is how immediately accessible it feels. There are no long drives between viewpoints and no complex trail systems—just peaceful forest, boardwalks, and fall color everywhere you look.
Once you arrive, head into the park for a scenic drive to get your bearings. Take your time winding through tree-lined roads, letting the kids pick out their favorite leaf colors. This first drive gives you a sense of how compact and family-friendly the park truly is.
If you’re up for a short outing before dinner, stop at the Beaver Marsh Overlook. This is one of the best places in the park for wildlife sightings. Be on the lookout for herons, turtles, frogs, and (if you’re lucky) the resident beavers. Kids love spotting animals from the boardwalk, and the walk is flat, stroller-friendly, and a great warm-up for the weekend.
Family-friendly trail option
Beaver Marsh Boardwalk (0.5 miles round trip)
An easy, accessible walk on a wide boardwalk that hugs the water. Perfect for strollers, little legs, and early evening wildlife watching.
Day 2: Waterfalls, gorges & the boardwalks of The Ledges
Today you'll dive into the main highlights of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, beginning with one of the park’s most iconic waterfalls: Brandywine Falls. Arrive in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The mix of boardwalks, stairs, and viewpoints provides excitement for kids without being too strenuous. The roar of the water combined with the forest setting makes this stop feel surprisingly dramatic for a Midwest park.
After your waterfall stop, make your way to one of Cuyahoga Valley’s most charming seasonal surprises: Szalay’s Farm & Market. This spot is pure fall magic with piles of pumpkins, warm apple cider, baked goods, and often live music drifting through the air. Kids can wander through displays of gourds and produce, pick out a pumpkin, and enjoy the cozy, festive atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you don’t plan for (we happened upon it while driving) but instantly becomes a highlight of the trip. Grab a hot cider, a donut, or a fresh-baked treat and enjoy a little downtime before hitting the trails again.
Next, head to The Ledges, a family favorite and arguably the most unique area in the entire park. Towering rock walls, hidden crevices, lush moss, and shaded pathways create a sense of “natural playground” that children love exploring. It’s the kind of trail where curiosity leads the pace. Little explorers love climbing, peeking into rock formations, and pretending the forest is an enchanted hideaway.
You’ll end the afternoon at Kendall Lake, which is a quiet, peaceful loop where reflections of fall foliage shimmer across the water. This is the perfect cool-down spot after a full day of exploring, especially if your kids enjoy running ahead, balancing on logs or skipping stones.
Family-friendly trail options
Brandywine Gorge Loop (1.5 miles)
Circle the waterfall through beautiful forested paths and sections of boardwalk. The falls overlook is easily accessible even if you skip the full loop.The Ledges Trail (2.3 miles)
A moderate, endlessly fun hike filled with rock formations, narrow corridors, and scenic overlooks. Kids love weaving through boulders and mossy ledges—a top pick for families.Kendall Lake Loop (1 mile)
A flat, peaceful forest walk wrapped around a quiet lake. Great for decompressing after a busy day.
Day 3: Waterfalls, wildlife & final views before heading home
On your final morning, head to Blue Hen Falls, another must-see waterfall that pairs well with Brandywine but is quieter and less visited. The trail is short and scenic, following a forested path to a tucked-away falls that feels like a secret spot. Kids love scrambling down to the stream and playing under the canopy of trees.
If time allows, you can swing back through the park for a final stop at a viewpoint or boardwalk that your family enjoyed the most. The beauty of CVNP is that everything is so close together so you can revisit a favorite area without adding long drives.
Family-friendly trail option
Blue Hen Falls Trail (1.2 miles round trip)
A short forest trail leading to a beautiful waterfall tucked into a rocky bowl. Perfect for young hikers; bring a small towel for anyone who can’t resist splashing in the creek.
Need to know
Why this trip works
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a gem for families because it’s approachable, calm, and beautifully varied. You’ll find waterfalls, forests, wildlife, boardwalks, ledges, lakes, and endless fall color. Everything is close together, parking is easy, and the trails are the perfect length for kids. It’s a national park that gives you a lot without requiring big distances or big planning.
Whether you’re visiting as part of a national park bucket list or simply looking for a relaxing family weekend in nature, CVNP delivers a peaceful, memory-filled escape.
If you're thinking of planning a similar weekend or want help mapping out your own national parks journey, I’d love to help you plan and customize the perfect family adventure.
Travel Advisor
Ashley Whipple
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