A Mom's Guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park In A Day

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Lauren Barrett

This small, quaint national park is located in northern Ohio, not too far from Cleveland. We won't fault it for that (haha Cleveland joke). Upon arriving at the main area of Boston Mill Village, it's like you stepped back in time. Old-fashioned homes and stores, a Towpath for bikes, and a railroad station. We had limited time in the park, but we made the most of it. 

The Logistics ​

• Drove from my hometown of Wheeling, WV. About a 2 and 1/2 hour drive.
• Traveled with my dad
• Visited the park fo a day

The Itinerary 

• We parked in Boston Mill Village, gathered up some maps, and asked the rangers some questions. 
• Hiked on the Towpath and Stratford Trail to Brandywine Falls, a popular destination. The hike had both hills and lush vegetation to keep the journey interesting, but the destination is worth it regardless. The falls is not some dinky little falls, but pretty big and flowing with water. 
• Left the park to make it to our 2pm kayak appointment in Cuyahoga Falls with Burning River Adventures. We did an hour kayak down the river. It was a beautiful, not too hot day, so it was perfect. We would have liked to go longer but they were all booked for their Middle and Long Trips. 
• Ended the day with beers and burgers at Missing Mountain Brewery. We sat on their patio and had killer views of the river below. 
• Drove home. 

Other Suggestions/Recommendations

• Go in the fall for some awesome fall foliage next to waterfalls
• Bring your bike and ride on the Towpath and stay at a Bed and Breakfast.
  
• Use the scenic railroad to get on and off at different stops (kayaks and bikes welcomed aboard) 
  

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​My name is Lauren, and I was born in New Jersey, grew up in West Virginia, went to college in Pennsylvania, and now live and work in North Carolina. I'm a high school teacher of the deaf and hard-of-hearing by day, a cross country coach by the afternoon, a writer by night, and a full time mom to an amazing toddler. I love my faith, running, watching baseball, chocolate, scrapbooking, pretending I would actually do well on the Amazing Race, re-watching The Office, listening to Bobby Bones, and helping out all moms.