Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio’s proud representation in the American national park system. Forests full of singing birds, rolling hills providing scenic vantage points and, of course, the splashing Cuyahoga River set the scene for a stunning day out. But where to stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park for the best experience?
This one, appearing like the grandest of city parks, is unlike most national park not surrounded by nature. Instead, it’s ringed by towns, meaning that you find great hotels near Cuyahoga Valley in every direction.
For the most effortless park access, there’s also basic in-park lodging available.
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Which is the best Cuyahoga Valley area?
Let’s face it right away: Cuyahoga Valley is not Yellowstone or Yosemite National Park, not even close. But that has never been the point of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Flanked by vibrating cities, including Cleveland to its north and Akron to its south, Cuyahoga Valley truly is a national park for the public. It’s so accessible that everyone, yes everyone, can enjoy it.
First of all, the 33,000-acre park is ringed by towns providing great Cuyahoga Valley lodging. Secondly, many of its drawcards line up in a concentrated area, making it easier than ever to get from sight to sight.
Cuyahoga Valley’s golden heart, glued together by the historic village of Peninsula, includes the must-see spots Ledges Trail, Blue Hen Falls, Beaver Marsh, Everett Covered Bridge and Brandywine Falls.
The park’s only year-round open visitor center, Boston Mills Visitor Center, is located here too.
So this area, around Peninsula, is the sweet spot when you look for where to stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. And in the nearby towns, some just minutes away, you find a wide range of accommodations.
That’s it then?
Well, if you crave for the very best park access, there are two in-park options for where to stay when visiting Cuyahoga National Park too. Both of these — no surprise — are also located in the park’s activity-dense Peninsula area.
Best places to stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
With the layout covered, let’s have a look at the best places to stay when visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
1. Sheraton in Cuyahoga Falls
15 minutes from Boston Mill // Quietly sitting on the Cuyahoga River, Sheraton in Cuyahoga Falls offers unique views going hand in hand with the national park experience. For the hotel’s best view, head to Beau’s on the River serving delicious meals against the eye-popping backdrop of Little Falls. Oh, and if you’re not convinced yet, there’s an inviting indoor pool and, if the Cuyahoga Valley hiking isn’t enough, a fitness center too.
2. Shady Oaks B&B
10 minutes from Boston Mill // Hidden among trees on an outstanding property, Shady Oaks Bed & Breakfast knows what relaxation is all about. Stroll through the woods, listen to the bubbling pond, watch the horses graze or just spread out in one of the gorgeous common areas. The national park? It’s only a mile away.
3. Staybridge Suites Stow
15 minutes from Boston Mill // Modern and spacious rooms go a long way. Tucking in under the sheets at Staybridge Suites, you know you’re in for a good night’s sleep. In the morning, enjoy the appreciated complimentary breakfast. Completing the experience, this hotel near Cuyahoga Valley National Park also offers a swimming pool and gym.
4. Inn at Brandywine Falls
Inside Cuyahoga Valley NP // Do you want to wake up inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park? The Inn at Brandywine Falls puts you within steps of the 60-foot Brandywine Falls, one of Cuyahoga Valley’s most popular attractions. Built in 1848 and on the National Register of Historic Places, this is a rustic bed and breakfast where you really escape from the outside world.
5. Stanford House
Inside Cuyahoga Valley NP // Primarily targeting bigger groups, the Stanford House is a unique place to stay in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A stone’s throw from Cuyahoga River, it features a fully equipped kitchen and accommodates up to 30 guests. Picture a large historic home in the lush heart of Cuyahoga Valley, with trail access right outside the door.
6. Fairfield Inn Stow
15 minutes from Boston Mill // It doesn’t have to be complicated: Stow’s Fairfield Inn provides comfy rooms, free breakfast and easy park access. Add to that a swimming pool, and the whole family agrees that this is a great option for where to stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
7. Drury Plaza Cleveland
30 minutes from Boston Mill // The grand Drury Plaza says hi from the skyscraper jungle of Downtown Cleveland. If it feels wrong to stay here for visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it’s understandable. But if you want to combine Cleveland sightseeing and Cuyahoga Valley in one epic Ohio stay, you can’t beat this gloriously decorated hotel, offering walking distance to Cleveland’s best, including the celebrated Rock & Roll Hall of Fame museum.
Final words about where to stay near Cuyahoga National Park
Part of the reason that Cuyahoga Valley is one of America’s most visited national parks is its accessibility. Yes, visiting Cuyahoga National Park is as painless as national park exploration come.
The surrounding communities provide great hotels near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. But if you don’t mind something more rustic and low-key, also consider the lodging inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Where to stay near Cuyahoga National Park FAQ
Here you find the answers to some frequently asked questions about where to stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio.
Cleveland, to the north, and Akron, to the south, are the biggest cities near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In addition, several smaller cities of the Greater Cleveland area provide effortless access to Cuyahoga Valley National Park too.
There are two places to stay inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Stanford House and the Inn at Brandywine Falls. In addition, you find a wide range of lodging near Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the nearby towns.
One day gives you enough time to tick off the biggest sights of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. These include Ledges Trail, Beaver Marsh, Everett Covered Bridge and Brandywine Falls.
The modern Sheraton in Cuyahoga Falls, offering romantic waterfall views, and spacious Shady Oaks B&B, on an idyllic property, are top places to stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park for couples.
Although Cuyahoga Valley lacks the scope and intensity of many other American national parks, millions of visitors flock to the Ohio park each year for good reason. Laced with beautiful trails, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a national park experience that everyone can enjoy, within easy reach from civilization.
