NP.GUIDE / FIELD GUIDE / FALL 2026
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Conditions change. Follow signs and ranger orders.
The Towpath Trail is closed between Boston Trailhead and Lock 29 through November 20, 2026. Oak Hill Road is closed after an embankment failure. Through Nov 2, the former Stanford Road, half the Stanford Trailhead lot, and part of the Valley Trail are closed for pavement removal.
NPS: Through Nov 2, the former Stanford Road between Stanford Trailhead and the Brandywine Gorge Loop, half of the Stanford Trailhead parking lot, and part of the Valley Trail are closed for pavement removal. Stanford Trail stays open to hikers. Station Road Bridge Trailhead lot will close briefly in late October (dates TBD).
The Towpath Trail between Boston Trailhead and Lock 29 in Peninsula is closed through November 20, 2026, to replace the Stumpy Basin boardwalk. It is scheduled to close again March 29 to April 21, 2027. Dates can change, so check current conditions.
Oak Hill Road from the north line of Cuyahoga Falls to the Everett Road connector is closed after an embankment failure along Furnace Run. Use the posted detour on Everett Road, Riverview Road, and Ira Road.
Brandywine Falls, Ledges, Octagon, Kendall Lake, Happy Days South Parking, and Kendall Hills on Quick Road close from dusk until morning. Other park areas stay open 24 hours.
Do not climb the falls, fences, or rocks. Accidents here have caused serious injury and death. Stay at least 50 feet from the top and bottom of the falls.
NPS conditions (large page)
Major places list all five services. Seasonal services may be closed.
Do this: Start here for maps, water, and toilets. Buy fuel before you arrive.
6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula. Open daily 9:30 am to 5 pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Hours can change by season.
Do this: Use the village for restaurants and supplies. The Towpath at Lock 29 may be closed.
Peninsula is a private village inside the park. The train stops at Peninsula Depot, 1630 Mill Street.
Do this: Stay on the trail and keep 50 feet from the top and bottom of the falls. The lot closes at dusk.
8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills. New restrooms opened in 2022. Do not climb the 65-foot falls.
Do this: This is the north information stop. Hours are seasonal. Buy food in Valley View.
7104 Canal Road, Valley View. Passport stamp when open. The train can stop here.
Summer estimates without long stops. Traffic, wildlife, weather, and road work can cause delays.
I-77 South 15.5 mi → Miller Road → OH-21/Brecksville Road → Snowville Road 2.8 mi → Riverview Road 1.7 mi → Boston Mill Visitor Center
Boston Mill is at 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula. The park has many entries and no entrance gate.
I-77 North → OH-8 North 12.6 mi → Boston Mills Road west 4 mi → Boston Mill Visitor Center
Cross the Cuyahoga River. The visitor center is the green and white building on the left. Parking is on Riverview Road.
Canal Exploration Center → Canal Road / Riverview Road south → Station Road Bridge → Boston Mill
This is the north half of the valley. Buy food in Valley View before you enter. Seasonal water is at Canal Exploration Center and Station Road Bridge.
Boston Mill → Towpath or Riverview Road south → Lock 29 / Peninsula Depot
Peninsula has restaurants and shops. The Towpath between Boston Trailhead and Lock 29 is closed August 24 to November 20, 2026. Use the road.
Boston Mill → Stanford Road or Stanford Trail → Brandywine Falls
The Stanford Trail to the falls is 3.5 mi round trip. The lot closes at dusk. Carry water.
Peninsula → Riverview Road or Towpath south → Hunt House → Beaver Marsh
The Boston–Lock 29 Towpath segment is closed Aug 24–Nov 20, 2026 (and again Mar 29–Apr 21, 2027). Use the road. Oak Hill Road remains closed after an embankment failure.
Emergency: call 911. Tell the dispatcher your location, direction of travel, vehicle, and problem.
Park information: 440-717-3890
This independent guide is not the National Park Service and is not an emergency service.
Cuyahoga Valley is free to enter—no entrance pass or reservation. Some areas close at dusk; the rest of the park is open 24 hours. Individual facilities follow seasonal schedules. America the Beautiful passes are sold at Boston Mill Visitor Center when a ranger is on duty.
Ledges Shelter and Octagon Shelter can be reserved for a fee. Other picnic areas are free and first-come, first-served.
Weddings and many organized events need a special use permit. Apply at least 30 days ahead. The application fee is $75 and is not refunded.
A valid Ohio fishing license is required, with some exceptions. Children under 16 do not need a license. Follow Ohio fishing laws.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad sells its own tickets. Schedules change by season. Rockside and Akron Northside are the main stations.
Camping is not allowed in the national park. Overnight parking and backcountry camping are prohibited. Nearby metro parks and private campgrounds offer camping.
Distances are one way unless marked as a loop. Check trail closures.
All park guides · Planning pages · Park statistics · Closures and alerts
Nearby guides: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve · Shenandoah