Cuyahoga Valley National Park was created to preserve and reclaim the deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands around the winding Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland, Ohio. The name “Cuyahoga” meaning crooked river, originates from the Native Americans who traversed this area long before settlers came to America. This park is especially unique because it features natural, man-made, and private attractions.
A vast array of waterfalls are located in the Cuyahoga Valley, the most popular being Brandywine Falls. This 65-foot tall cascade of water is not only the tallest waterfall in the park, but also the tallest in Northeast Ohio. The park is also known for its many trails. One of the most notable is the 20-mile Towpath Trail that follows a former stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal and is rich with history. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is great to visit any time of year, though the majority of visitors are likely to go in the warmer months. Spring and Summer showcase wildflowers and green trees, while autumn is a great time to visit to capture the fall colors. Even winter can be a beautiful time of year when the weather is right. Fallen snow and partially frozen waterfalls make for some pretty special photography opportunities. Be sure to visit the park website for current conditions and closures.
Map of Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
Top Photography Locations and Sights at Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
As photographers, we know that many of you will only have one chance in a lifetime to visit the National Parks. To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of our top photography locations and sights at Cuyahoga Valley National Park! While this is not comprehensive, and there are many more amazing sights to see, it should give you a good feel for the park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Wildlife Photography:
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is filled with wildlife and biodiversity. If you like wildlife photography, you will love what this park has to offer!
Want to learn more about Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Trail Guide Cuyahoga Valley National Park 3rd Edition
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park Handbook: Revised and Updated
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Rookie National Parks)
- The Cuyahoga Valley National Park: A Photographic Portrait
- Cuyahoga Valley (OH) (Images of America)
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Featured National Park Photographers:
- Vezzani Photography: Brandywine Falls
- NPS: American Beaver, Female Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Northern Water Snake, Painted Turtle Portrait, Wetmore Trail, White-tailed Deer
- NPS / Bob Trinnes: Canal Exploration Center
- NPS / Ted Toth: Stanford House
- Shutterstock / David Watkins: Horseshoe Pond
- Shutterstock / Jeff Holcombe: Ritchie Ledges
- Shutterstock / Kenneth Keifer: Bridal Veil Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Virginia Kendall Ledges
- Shutterstock / Kenneth Sponsler: Beaver Marsh, Towpath Trail, Cuyahoga Scenic Railway
- Shutterstock / Michael Shake: Blue Hen Falls, Ledges Overlook
- Shutterstock / RJSPhotography: Station Road Bridge
- Shutterstock / SNEHIT PHOTO: Cuyahoga River
- Shutterstock / Tracey Mershon: Everett Covered Bridge
- Shutterstock / Zack Frank: Indigo Lake
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