Thursday October 9th – Sunday October 12th 2025
Another yearly October National Park hiking adventure, to Celebrate Matt’s Birthday! This year we chose Cuyahoga Valley NP, the only NP in Ohio, for Matt’s 47th birthday.
I had our hikes spread out over 2 days, but we really got going on the first day (even with a late start) and just kept hitting more and more sites. Looking back, I am pretty confident one could make this a single day affair, but spreading it out over 2 days gave us more flexibility with meals, and less stress planning around the train adventure.
Day 1: Travel Day
I worked until 5p on Thursday, so after I got home we hit the road for Peninsula, Ohio. It was a little over a 5 hr drive from Lancaster, PA, so we arrived around 1130p.
We loved our stay with Lori and her Airbnb: The Nest, a cozy suite located on the Buckeye Trail
Day 2: Hiking + Downtown Peninsula for Dinner
Breakfast – Peninsula Coffee House
Okay, this is going to sound bratty…but I did notttt like this spot. We stopped for breakfast because their website advertises a full “Hot Breakfast” lineup—egg & cheese omelet, egg sandwich (gluten-free!), sausage–biscuit–egg, croissant sandwiches, the works. So naturally, we were excited.
But when we got there, we found out the “hot breakfast” was actually just a selection of premade sandwiches. That meant zero dairy-free options for me – no customizing, no swaps, nothing. Same with buying sandwiches for lunch to eat later on the trail- all premade and non customizable.
Matt ordered a coffee and one of the premade sandwiches, and even that took a long time to come out.
So we ended up driving to a nearby Sheetz so I could actually get breakfast, and Matt grabbed another sandwich because he was still hungry. By that point, our “early start” for the day was… not so early anymore.
It would be really nice if their website matched what they actually offer, because it definitely set us up with the wrong expectations. That said, I can see how the location is convenient for people passing through or already nearby-it just wasn’t it for us.
Ledges Trail
Matt and I’s favorite hike of CVNP?? The Ledges. It’s about 2 miles long and I’d rate it easy to moderate – some rocks and uneven ground, but not too tough. There are different connector trails as options, so the route we took was 2.5 miles long, and took us 1 hr 22 min. Elevation Gain: 325 ft.
There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead with bathrooms, trash cans, maps, and a shelter, which made it super convenient.
Location: 41.222975, -81.510466
We love using Matt’s AllTrails app to follow along as we hike
I liked staying on the main loop, while Matt explored the side paths that dip between the rocks – almost like mini slot canyons where you can climb around a bit.
The overlook at the end wasn’t very exciting. We love going hiking in October because of the colorful fall leaves, but in this case the stunning trees blocked most of the view.
Even without a big view, the trail is beautiful the whole way with moss and steep cliffs, and definitely worth doing.
Kendall Lake
Right down the street from The Ledges (4 min drive) is Kendall Lake, a peaceful spot that’s worth a quick stop. The 1-mile loop trail circles the lake and is an easy, relaxing walk with plenty to see.
We saw geese and swans gliding across the water and a few people fishing off the dock.
There are a couple of offshoot trails that lead into nearby fields, but we stuck to the main path along the water. It was our favorite area for spotting wildlife. We didn’t hike the full loop this time; instead, we found a sunny bench, sat for a bit, and soaked up the quiet scenery before heading to our next stop.
There’s a large parking lot and restrooms available. It would be a great spot for lunch.
Beaver Marsh
Beaver Marsh is an 11 min drive from Kendall Lake, and is one of the best spots in Cuyahoga Valley National Park to see wildlife. Park at the Beaver Marsh lot on Riverview Road. There’s plenty of parking, along with trash cans and bathrooms at the trailhead. From there, take the Ira Trail to the Towpath Trail and turn left. It’s a short and easy 0.75-mile round-trip walk.
What makes this spot special is its story: it’s a great example of how cleaning up an outdoor space can bring nature back to life. In the 1980s, Sierra Club volunteers removed an old salvage yard from this area. Around the same time, beavers built a dam across the old Erie and Ohio Canal, which caused the area to flood. Wetland plants began to thrive, and soon wildlife returned.
Today, it’s a peaceful place to spot beavers, great blue herons, otters, ducks, and geese. The elevated boardwalk gives you great views over the marsh and is perfect for both walking and biking.
We sat on one of the benches and enjoyed lunch while watching the ducks paddle through the water, geese fly by, turtles sun bath on a log, and a heron swoop in.
Lunch – Szalay’s Farm & Market
Next, we stopped at Szalay’s Farm & Market for lunch. It’s a family-owned market known for its fresh produce, locally made treats, and relaxed outdoor vibe.
I had a delicious turkey burger and my first Honeycrisp apple cider of the season. We also grabbed a few Honeycrisp apples to snack on during our hike later.
Open every day, 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. Cash and checks only.
Address: 4563 Riverview Rd. Peninsula, OH 44264
They are known for their corn maze, and we saw they were offering wagon rides. We hit it at a BUSYYY time, as kids had off that Friday for Columbus Day weekend.
Brandywine Falls
At this point, we were supposed to be done for the day. But everything had gone so quickly that it was only 2 p.m., and the weather was still holding out for us. So we figured – why stop? Brandywine Falls was only a 17-minute drive from Szalay’s Farm & Market.
The parking lot was busy when we rolled in around 2:30. We had to do a lap before snagging a spot, but there were bathrooms available, which is always a win. From there, we headed straight into the trail system around the falls.
Brandywine Falls is one of the most iconic views in Cuyahoga Valley: a 65-foot waterfall framed by layered shale and lush greenery. You can take the short boardwalk straight to the viewing platform, but we decided to hike the full Brandywine Gorge Trail…a 1.5-mile loop that wraps around the gorge for a more scenic, immersive experience.
The trail was busy but manageable, and the afternoon light actually softened enough for good photos (the early-day glare can be brutal, so we lucked out). The waterfall thundered below us as we made our way along the boardwalk and around the loop.
Blue Hen Falls
We figured we could squeeze in one more hike before the day’s end, so we set our sights on Blue Hen Falls. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from Brandywine, and you park at the Boston Mills Visitor Center. This is also where we finally found the official national park sign – so of course we stopped for our customary NP photo before doing anything else.
There was plenty of parking, and bathrooms, so it’s a good spot to reset before heading out. I’ll be honest though: I wasn’t a huge fan of this hike. You have to cross the street, wind uphill through the woods a bit which is fine, but then you walk uphill along the road, which isn’t exactly the most scenic stretch. But it’s the closest legal parking. One couple parked along the road and we watched them get ticketed, so… lesson learned.
We hit the trail around 4 p.m. and made it to the waterfall by about 4:30. The hike itself is listed as moderately strenuous. It’s almost always either going up or going down, with very few flat sections. There’s also one long staircase that you’ll definitely feel on the way back.
Just follow the signs across Riverview Road from the parking lot, and the trail leads you directly to Blue Hen Falls – a small but picturesque little drop surrounded by mossy rock and forest.
Dinner – The Winking Lizard
That evening, we headed to downtown Peninsula for dinner. Just a heads-up: parking is limited down there. Be prepared to do a few laps or walk a decent distance from wherever you finally find a spot. (The following day, we walked down from our Airbnb instead of fighting for parking, and would rec this option!)
We ended up eating at the Winking Lizard Tavern. The food was great, the atmosphere was fun, and we had a really good experience overall. We didn’t realize until afterward that it’s actually a chain with several locations, so maybe some of you have been to one before!
After dinner we planned to wander around, explore a bit, maybe shop – Trail Mix Peninsula, the local art gallery, that kind of thing. But everything closes at 5 or 6p, even on Fridays. So just know that there isn’t much in the way of store browsing or evening shopping before or after dinner. It’s definitely more of a “daytime exploring” kind of town.
Day 3: Hiking/Biking/Train + Downtown Hudson for Dinner
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
We decided to try out the CVSR Explorer Program, which used to be known as Bike Aboard. It’s basically the same idea but expanded. Now it covers biking, hiking, running, and even kayaking. Their site sums it up perfectly:
“Looking for a fun and flexible way to explore the great outdoors? Whether you’re biking, hiking, running, or paddling, the CVSR Explorer Program lets you enjoy the natural beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park—with the convenience of a one-way train ride to get you back!”
Pricing is super straightforward:
- $5 per hiker, runner, or biker
- $10 per kayaker
- $15 for tandem riders
- $60 Explorer Pass for unlimited one-way rides all season
We figured it would be way less stressful to start with the train ride rather than end with it. That way, we didn’t have to worry about biking on a schedule or rushing to make it back to a station in time.
So we arrived at the Canal Exploration Center around 8:30 a.m. We parked, unloaded the bikes, hit the restrooms, and got everything ready to roll.
The 9:05 a.m. Explorer Train heads south from there, and you pay your fare ($5 per biker) directly onboard-cash or card.
We hopped off at Brecksville Station around 9:20 a.m., which gave us a really manageable 4.5-mile ride back to our starting point. If you hop off at the next station, it adds another 4.25 miles-so you can customize your ride depending on how ambitious you’re feeling. (Check the photo below to better understand the different distances between stations, or click this link to the map)
There were some serious cyclists on the train who rode all the way to the end and then biked the entire length back. Matt could totally handle that (Ironman baby!), but for my sake we kept things leisurely.
And now that we know how it works, I’d love to come back in the summer and try it with kayaks. The idea of paddling downstream and catching the train back sounds incredible. Here is a helpful flyer.
While the Ledges Trail was our favorite hike of this trip, this Train Ride +. Bike Ride was my favorite activity of the trip.
Bridal Veil Falls
After our scenic train excursion, we took a quick 10-minute drive to Bridal Veil Falls. This stop is super easy and perfect if you’re looking to add a short nature walk to your itinerary.
We parked at the Bridal Veil Falls Parking Lot, crossed the street, and followed the boardwalk-style trail straight to the waterfall. It’s only 0.25 miles to the viewing platform, making it accessible and family-friendly. You can comfortably explore the area in 15–30 minutes, depending on how long you linger to take photos.
Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook
On our drive to Bridal Veil Falls, we passed a sign for Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook. A quick little pulloff with bathrooms and a nice viewing platform.
Deer Lick Cave
From Bridal Veil Falls, it was a 22-minute drive to our next stop: Deer Lick Cave. “Millions of years ago an ocean covered what is now Ohio. Salt from this ocean was trapped in the sands along the ocean’s shores. The salt became embedded in the sandstone that formed from these ancient sands. White-tailed deer need salt but don’t get it from the plants they eat, so they lick the salt from the sandstone, giving Deer Lick Cave its name. Deer Lick Cave is not a true cave. It’s actually a rock overhang formed through erosion of Berea sandstone by water. “
We had read that the full Deer Lick Loop Trail can feel a bit monotonous, so instead we parked at the Deer Lick Parking Lot on Valley Parkway Dr. and opted for the shorter loop that leads directly to the cave. It’s a quick, simple walk and totally worth it if you’re nearby.
The cave itself is subtle – more of a geological feature than a deep cavern. It looks like this spot becomes more magical in winter, when icicles hang from the overhang.
Luther’s Farm
Our next stop was Luther Farms, just an 11-minute drive from Deer Lick Cave. This family-run farm offers a little bit of everything-fresh, locally grown produce, farm-raised beef, and a charming market filled with homemade and seasonal goods. In the fall, they’re known for their annual Fall Festival, which features hayrides, a giant corn pit slide, a corn maze, and their famous pumpkin cannon. (These activities are part of the paid festival area, separate from the general market.)
We popped into the farm store, browsed the shelves, and picked up some dairy-free ice cream, and a gift for our Airbnb hosts. Since we weren’t looking to pay extra for the festival attractions, we stuck to enjoying the market area—still a worthwhile stop if you’re passing through.
Howe Meadow Farmers Market
One place we wish we could have squeezed into our day was the Howe Meadow Farmers Market. It’s open Saturdays only from early May through October, but we didn’t realize their hours were 9 AM–12 PM until it was too late. If you’re planning a weekend trip, definitely keep this one on your radar. It looks like such a fun stop.
The market features an impressive lineup of local vendors, offering everything from:
- Local Produce – Farm-fresh fruits and vegetables harvested at peak ripeness from sustainable local growers.
- Pasture-Raised Meat – Hormone-free, ethically raised meats from regional farms.
- Fresh Baked Goods – Artisanal breads, pastries, and treats made with traditional methods using locally sourced ingredients.
- Coffee & Tea – Small-batch roasted coffee and premium loose-leaf teas crafted by regional producers.
- Natural Body Products – Handcrafted soaps, lotions, and skincare infused with essential oils.
- Ready-to-Eat Food – Prepared meals and snacks made with seasonal ingredients—perfect for enjoying on the spot or taking for the road.
We’ll definitely plan better next time because this market looks like a standout local experience.
Shopping in Peninsula & Dinner in Hudson
After our visit to Luther Farms, we headed back into Peninsula to do a little more shopping before the stores closed for the evening. This time we walked down from our Airbnb—highly recommend if you’re staying nearby. It was so much nicer than driving.
Eventually we headed back to the Airbnb to shower, change, and get ready for dinner. Our host had recommended checking out the nearby town of Hudson, so we decided to give it a try – and we’re so glad we did.
We had dinner at 3 Palms Pizzeria, and it totally exceeded our expectations. The ambiance was gorgeous – definitely more upscale than your typical pizzeria but not fancy or stuffy, which is much more our style. The food was delicious, and the whole area around the restaurant was filled with cute shops and walkable streets. It made for a really lovely evening out.
On our way back to Peninsula, we stopped at Veg+ for dessert. I ordered the dairy-free apple pie with vanilla ice cream, and oh my gosh—hands down the best dairy-free apple pie I’ve ever had. Matt helped me finish it, and even he loved it. The service was… incredibly slow, and the place itself felt a bit run-down—the kind of spot where you wonder if it’ll still be around in a few months. But despite all that, the food was fantastic, and I’d absolutely go back just for that pie.
Day 4: Travel Day
After checking out of our Airbnb, we stopped at Good Grief! for burritos before we hit the road.
I picked Bedford PA to stop on the way home, just to get out of the car, walk around, grab some food, and hit up the cute shops. We lucked out and they were having their annual Bedford Fall Foliage Festival. It features over 400 vendors and is completely free to attend. The festival is full of vibrant fall colors, local crafts, and delicious seasonal treats.
Takeaway:
Apparently, Cuyahoga Valley National Park falls in the bottom 10 of national parks – and while I haven’t been to all of them yet, I’d have to agree. The hikes were a bit anticlimactic, but Matt and I had a wonderful weekend away together anyways. Our trip was great! but if we are judging based on the NP alone, it not one of my favs. The downtown area was quaint, the weather gorgeous, and I loved learning about the history of the area, especially the rebuilds after massive flooding. What really made the trip for me was the train‑and‑bike ride. I’d love to do it again in the summer with a kayak! Definitely a great one to check off our national park bucket list.
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