Looking for the perfect weekend hiking getaway in Ohio? This 3-day Cuyahoga Valley National Park itinerary combines waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and some of the park’s best trails, all while leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the local craft beer scene.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more of this underrated national park, this itinerary highlights some of the best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park for hikers.
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Where to Stay: Valley Overlook
For a peaceful and unique stay near the park, We highly recommend Valley Overlook. This beautiful glamping retreat offers cozy accommodations surrounded by nature, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the trails.
Wake up to birds singing, enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the forest, and spend your evenings around a campfire under the stars. It’s an ideal home base for exploring the national park while still enjoying modern comforts.
Day 1: Arrive and Visit the Boston Mill Visitor Center
After arriving in the area and getting settled into your accommodations, spend your first afternoon stopping by the Boston Mill Visitor Center.
The visitor center is a great place to:
- Pick up trail maps
- Get your passport book stamped
- Learn about the park’s history and wildlife
- Get recommendations from park rangers
- Browse exhibits and the gift shop
This easy first day gives you time to slow down and prepare for two incredible days of hiking ahead.
Since you’ll be spending several hours on the trails each day, I recommend bringing a comfortable 20-30L hiking daypack with enough room for water, snacks, rain gear, and an extra layer.
Day 2: Waterfalls and Scenic Ledges
Morning: Brandywine Falls Trail
Start your day with one of the park’s most iconic destinations: Brandywine Falls.
The Brandywine Falls Trail is a short, family-friendly hike that leads to a spectacular 65-foot waterfall cascading into the gorge below. The boardwalk and viewing platforms make it easy to enjoy the scenery while capturing some incredible photos.
Trail Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: Waterfall, boardwalks, scenic overlooks
Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the falls.
Even though these hikes aren’t extremely long, be sure to bring plenty of water. We always carry an insulated water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Afternoon: Ledges Trail
After lunch, head to one of the most unique hikes in the park, the Ledges Trail.
This trail winds through towering sandstone formations, narrow passageways, and moss-covered cliffs that feel almost magical. The scenery here is completely different from the waterfalls and offers some of the best hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Be sure to stop at the Ledges Overlook, one of the park’s most popular spots for sunset views.
Trail Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 2.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: Rock formations, forest scenery, scenic overlook
Day 3: Blue Hen Falls and Buttermilk Falls
Before heading home, squeeze in one final adventure with the Blue Hen Falls to Buttermilk Falls Trail.
This hike takes you through a peaceful forest to two beautiful waterfalls. Blue Hen Falls is the more popular stop, but continuing to Buttermilk Falls rewards hikers with a quieter and equally scenic destination.
The trail to Buttermilk Falls includes a few uneven and muddy sections. If you like extra stability, a lightweight pair of trekking poles can make the hike much more comfortable.
The trail is especially beautiful in the early morning when the forest is still and the waterfalls are at their most serene.
Trail Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: Two waterfalls, forest scenery, fewer crowds
After your hike, you’ll be ready to begin the journey home with plenty of memories from your weekend in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Best Breweries Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
One of my favorite ways to end a day of hiking is with a locally crafted beer.
Missing Mountain Brewing Company
Missing Mountain Brewing Company offers a fantastic atmosphere overlooking the river, delicious food, and an excellent selection of craft beer. The outdoor seating area is especially beautiful during warmer months.
Missing Falls Brewing Company
Missing Falls Brewing Company is another great stop after a day on the trails. Their rotating beer list and laid-back atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Final Thoughts
Cuyahoga Valley National Park may be one of the smaller national parks, but it delivers big when it comes to scenic hiking, waterfalls, and relaxing getaways.
This 3-day hiking itinerary for Cuyahoga Valley National Park gives you the perfect mix of iconic attractions and peaceful moments in nature. Between the waterfalls, sandstone ledges, local breweries, and a relaxing stay at Valley Overlook, it’s easy to see why this Ohio gem deserves a spot on every hiker’s bucket list.
If you’re looking for an easy weekend adventure filled with beautiful trails and cozy evenings, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the perfect destination.
