🇺🇸 Cleveland, OH | A Day Trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park 🍃

Just drove from Rochester to Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland and finally met up with my friends! 🙌 It was a smooth ride, and the company made it all worthwhile. Let’s be real—this isn’t your typical grand national park. In fact, it feels more like a large state park with a relaxed, green vibe. The main highlight? 🏞️ Brandywine Falls – a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by wooden walkways and lush forest. It’s definitely the most photogenic and rewarding spot in the park. Perfect for that classic nature selfie! 📸 The rest of the park is pleasant—rolling hills, easy trails, and plenty of picnic areas—but don’t expect dramatic canyons or epic overlooks. One unique feature we missed: the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad 🚂, an old-fashioned steam train that runs through the park. We arrived a bit too late to hop on, but I’ve heard it’s a charming way to see the landscape slowly unfold. Funny enough, the visitor center has an insane number of National Park stamps! 🎟️ I’ve never seen so many in one place—collectors would go crazy here. Each one represents a different trail, landmark, or theme within the park. We spent a good twenty minutes just stamping our journals! 😂 Even though it’s not Yellowstone or Yosemite, Cuyahoga offers a peaceful escape with just enough to see and do for a day trip. It’s easily accessible from Cleveland, Akron, and even from farther cities like Rochester. If you go, don’t miss the falls, try to catch the train, and bring your stamp book! 🗺️✍️ Plan Your Visit: 🚗 Parking available near major trails 🚂 Train rides require advance booking 📍 Best for: relaxed hikes, family picnics, fall colors 🍂 ⏰ Recommended time: half-day to full day #Cleveland #CuyahogaValley #NationalParks #OhioTravel #RoadTrip #NatureLovers #WaterfallWednesday #TravelDiary #ExploreAmerica #HiddenGems #FallHikes