Valley Trail

Native spring wildflowers are often called “spring ephemerals” because they appear for such a short time. They must grow and reproduce while temperatures are warm and sunlight can reach the forest floor.

The first to arrive is the skunk cabbage which prefers soggy areas fed by groundwater. Starting in mid-February, look for them near the Ira Trailhead at Beaver Marsh and along the Haskell Run Trail near the Ledges. Their fleshy flowers produce enough heat for them to survive the last of winter.

The next early wildflowers may begin appearing at the end of March, once snow is no longer on the ground. By mid-April, a variety are up and attracting insects for pollination. The blooming frenzy continues through mid-May, until the trees leaf out and cast too much shade. The exact timing of nature’s show varies year-to-year with Northeast Ohio’s notoriously unpredictable weather. It is also impacted by climate change. Once things start, the sequence of wildflowers is fairly predictable.

Coltsfoot (a nonnative which resembles a dandelion), harbinger-of-spring , and spring beauty are often the first bloomers. They are joined shortly by cut-leaved toothwort and bloodroot . Soon large-flowered trillium overshadows them, and squirrel corn and Dutchman’s breeches arrive. Jack-in-the-pulpit begins hiding in his flower, while wild geranium nods nearby. The season’s showstopper is Virginia bluebells which forms a blue carpet along certain streams.

The Stanford Trail blooms early, starting with daffodils which are lovely but nonnative. Bloodroot, trillium, and toothwort pop up a bit later. Look for them closer to the Brandywine Gorge Loop .

The Brandywine Gorge Loop is lovely year-round, but spring showcases a variety of flowers. You may find Dutchman’s breeches, various types of trillium, and mayapples. In mid-spring, we also recommend the 0.8-mile Daffodil Trail in Furnace Run Metro Park and the 1.9-mile Spring Hollow Trail in Hampton Hills Metro Park .

Starting in late April, people flock to the Furnace Run Trail near Everett Covered Bridge to see the Virginia bluebells. Another popular spot is the Hemlock Creek Picnic Area at Bedford Reservation.

To get away from the late-season crowds, consider the Plateau Trail at Oak Hill Trailhead . In May, Jack-in-the-pulpit and wild geranium dot the woodlands.

Here are our ranger tips for wildflower viewing:

Some flowers do not open or open fully on rainy or overcast days. Pick a sunny day to look for wildflowers.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildflower photography. The less wind the better.

Stay on the trail.

Keep pets on a six-foot leash and on the trail.

Above all, do not pick or trample the flowers. Some take years to bloom.

Leaf peeping fans, here are our tips on where to look for the best fall colors in Cuyahoga Valley. Peak color is usually during the third week of October. The timing is mostly tied to the decrease in daylight hours as winter nears. This makes it fairly consistent year to year. Weather is a factor too. Trees under stress from severe drought or other issues will shed their leaves early. Colors are most vivid when we have warm, sunny days and cool, frost-free nights. Cloudy days and too much rain can dull them. Different broad-leaf trees peak at different times, so it is possible to experience splendid autumn foliage the entire month.

The sugar and red maples are usually the first to display spectacular reds, yellows, and oranges. They are followed by the white and pin oak becoming a brownish red. Black gum, dogwood, and northern red oak turn various shades of red. Tulip tree, bigtooth aspen, silver maple, and black maple change to yellow.

Avoid the Crowds

We often see a rise in visitation during the fall leaf-peeping season. Many of our parking lots fill up around midday on warm, sunny weekends. Avoid the crowd by coming on weekdays, in the mornings, or later in the day.

Early October

Walk the inner loop of the Oak Hill Trail . There you can see the magnificent reds of the maple, glowing oranges of the sassafras, and striking yellows of the white ash and big tooth aspen. This trail is especially scenic in the early morning when the large trees in the open fields and by Sylvan Pond become sunlit.

Mid October

Experience the full autumn spectrum at Brandywine Falls and along the Brandywine Gorge Trail. Colors range from the brilliant reds of the sugar maples to the deep browns of the white oaks. This area is ideal for photography in the late afternoon.

Late October

Head to the Ledges area trails in Virginia Kendall. These are great places to experience the late turning oaks. Also look for the yellows of hazelnut and witch hazel. Both trees peak late because they grow low in the dense forest. Ledges Overlook offers a view of the changing colors across the Cuyahoga Valley.

Other popular places to view and photograph fall colors are Everett Covered Bridge , Hale Farm & Village , Horseshoe Pond, Kendall Lake , Kendall Hills , and Blue Hen Falls.

The Towpath Trail is beloved in Northeast Ohio. People use it for walking, running, biking, wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, and—in a few spots—horseback riding. It is about 100 miles long, with about 20 miles of those in the national park. Here we are recommending several short walks for those who have mobility disabilities, are visiting with children, or have limited time. These highlights include Ira Trailhead to Beaver Marsh, Station Road Bridge to Mudcatcher, and Canal Exploration Center to Tinkers Creek Aqueduct. The Towpath Trail offers you the opportunity to hike at your own pace and distance. You can visit these locations all in one day or spread the walks out over multiple visits. You’ll find more detailed information, including a list of amenities, at the links to each trailhead.

Canal Exploration Center to Tinkers Creek Aqueduct

Stroll through history in the northern part of Cuyahoga Valley. Begin at Canal Exploration Center , open seasonally . The trailhead has an information kiosk with park maps, picnic tables, and restrooms. Follow the walkway to the historic white building beside the reconstructed Lock 38 . Outdoor exhibits explain how a canal lock worked and the businesses that served waiting boat passengers. Take a photo with Blossom (the bronze mule) and continue south on the Towpath Trail. Tinkers Creek Aqueduct is a natural place to turn around. There are benches along the way. The roundtrip is 1 mile. Extend the walk to 3 miles by turning around at Wilson/Alexander Mill , with Frazee House just beyond there.

Station Road Bridge to Mudcatcher

This walk combines scenic views of the Cuyahoga River with transportation history and opportunities to see wildlife. Begin at the information kiosk at Station Road Bridge Trailhead . There are restrooms, benches, and drinking water at the nearby Brecksville Station . A cluster of exhibits celebrates the recovery of the Cuyahoga River. These include a tactile eagle and fish as well as an audio station and a heron statue. The view from Station Road Bridge is a favorite with photographers. Continue along the connector to the Towpath Trail and turn left. Take the first left to see where two dams were removed in 2020. Continue north until the path rejoins the main trail. Just beyond the Lock 36 panel is the Mudcatcher panel. During the nesting season, continue a little farther to see the valley’s first eagle nest. At the start of the open field, look left to spy a huge bundle of sticks high in a tree across the river. Turn around here and return along the Towpath to the trailhead. This loop is about 1.5 miles.

Boston Store Trailhead to Lock 32

This short walk explores Boston’s history as a canal town. The Boston Store Trailhead offers handicap and limited mobility parking. (Other visitors need to park at Boston Trailhead .) Both lots have bulletin boards with information and park maps. There is drinking water at the restrooms behind the historic store. Shopping and refreshments are inside. Seating is available on the wraparound porch. The Towpath Trail runs beside the building. Cross the road to explore exhibits about canal boat building, including a small play boat for children. Walk north until you reach Lock 32 and its tactile panel. At the far end, look for wildlife in the wetlands which have formed in the old canal. Double back for a roundtrip of 0.2 miles. This walk can be combined with a stop at nearby Boston Mill Visitor Center, open daily .

Lock 29 to Peninsula Feeder

Start at the Lock 29 Trailhead parking lot. Accessible restrooms are on the east end by the railroad tracks. An information kiosk is on the west end with the historic canal lock just beyond. Walk inside to explore the tactile exhibits. The Towpath Trail crosses over Lock 29 and the Cuyahoga River. Note that the ramp to the upper level has a steeper (but wheelchair accessible) grade. Be alert for bike traffic. Views from the pedestrian bridge are lovely and there is another graphic panel on the far side at the Moody and Thomas Mill ruins. Turn around and head north to Lock 30 and the Peninsula Feeder to further explore river and canal history. From Lock 29 Trailhead to Peninsula Feeder and back is 1.5 miles. This area can be congested around midday on warm weekends.

Hunt House to Lock 27

Start at Hunt House Trailhead which offers seating and park maps at the information kiosk. Cross the road to the small visitor center with seasonal hours . Hunt House offers an area to picnic, restrooms with flush toilets, and outdoor tactile and audio exhibits about growing up in the village of Everett. Walk a short distance north on the Towpath Trail to Lock 27 to learn more about canal history and village life. From Hunt House Trailhead to Lock 27 and back is .5 miles.

Ira Trailhead to the Beaver Marsh

Park at Ira Trailhead and pick up a map at the bulletin board, if needed. The trailhead offers a picnic area, restroom access, and tactile wildlife exhibits. Follow the short connecting path to the Towpath Trail and turn left. Wildlife is common in the old canal to your left, now part of a larger wetland. Head north for 0.25 miles to reach the boardwalk. The viewing platforms have several benches and more tactile exhibits. Beaver Marsh is popular throughout the year. The best time of day to visit is mornings or evenings when wildlife is most active. Turn around at the boardwalk, or walk a little farther north to the graphic panel and bench overlooking the Cuyahoga River.