Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park by train, bike, or foot. Discover waterfalls, trails, and historic estates. Download the Shaka Guide app now.
Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park by train, bike, or foot. Discover waterfalls, trails, and historic estates. Download the Shaka Guide app now.
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Lock 39 Trailhead - The Lock 39 Trailhead serves as one of the many entry points to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
During the canal era, boats were pulled by teams of mules or horses along this path.
Heading south on the towpath trail for a quarter mile from the parking area leads to Lock 39.
Additionally, from the southern end of the parking…
- Lock 39 Trailhead - The Lock 39 Trailhead serves as one of the many entry points to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
During the canal era, boats were pulled by teams of mules or horses along this path.
Heading south on the towpath trail for a quarter mile from the parking area leads to Lock 39.
Additionally, from the southern end of the parking lot, a bridge crosses the Cuyahoga River.
This bridge connects to the Rockside Station of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
- Canal Exploration Center - The Canal Exploration Center is located in a historic canal-side tavern, with a reconstructed canal lock outside. It operates five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, between June and October.
The center features interactive exhibits that are enjoyable for all ages, detailing the canal’s history.
- Tinkers Creek - The Tinkers Creek Overlook, the first of three overlooks on this tour, offers a view into the Tinkers Creek Gorge, a designated National Natural Landmark.
- Bridal Veil Falls - Bridal Veil Falls is a serene, cascading waterfall viewable from a boardwalk and bridge over the creek.
Following the creek downstream for a quarter-mile leads to the Lower Deerlick Creek Falls.
- Egbert Picnic Area - This spacious picnic area includes tables, grills, a shelter, restrooms, and nature trails.
- Great Falls of Tinkers Creek - Located in Viaduct Park, the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek is a stunning sight. A viaduct is a type of bridge supported by arches or columns.
- Frazee House and Trailhead - The Frazee House, one of the first brick buildings in the valley, was constructed in the 1820s in the Federal style by Stephen and Mehitable Frazee.
At the time, it was considered a dream home. However, due to Ohio’s frontier status, skilled laborers were scarce, so the family built it themselves, using mud and clay from their backyard to make the bricks. Today, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Chippewa Creek Gorge Overlook - The Chippewa Creek Gorge was sculpted by glaciers during the last major ice age.
The top layer of rock consists of Berea Sandstone, which was also used in constructing the nearby Brecksville Nature Center.
- Brecksville Nature Center - Situated on the western edge of the National Park, the Brecksville Nature Center offers a variety of exhibits about the area’s flora, fauna, and history.
There is a children’s corner with activities for young visitors, and rocking chairs for enjoying the view through a wall of windows into nature.
The center also features a park, picnic area, nature trails, and a program center for educational events.
- Jaite Trailhead - The Jaite Trailhead provides access to a highly recommended section of the Buckeye Trail.
A mile-and-a-half walk from the trailhead reveals old-growth trees that have stood for centuries.
- Red Lock Trailhead - At this trailhead, visitors can explore Lock 34, also known as Red Lock. A half-mile walk south on the Red Lock Trail leads to the remnants of the old Jaite Paper Mill.
- Brandywine Falls - Standing at 60 feet, Brandywine Falls is Ohio’s tallest waterfall. Several boardwalk viewing areas are available, along with the remains of an old appliance factory nearby.
- Boston Mill Visitor Center - Opened in 2019, the Boston Mill Visitor Center is a modern facility where visitors can interact with park rangers, obtain trail maps, use restrooms, shop at the bookstore, or board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
The adjacent Boston Store offers souvenirs and food.
- Lock 29 Trailhead - Visitors can park at the Lock 29 Trailhead to explore the Peninsula on foot.
The area features the National Park’s Trail Mix store, as well as local restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, and more.
Lock 29 is unique as it is the only canal lock that can be walked into. It also serves as a parking area for boarding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
- Ledges Trailhead - The Ledges Trail is the most recommended trail on the tour.
This easy, 2-mile loop trail circles the base of a plateau, showcasing rocky ledges, crevasses, caves, and overhangs. The rocks here are up to 400 million years old!
- Kendall Lake - Created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, Kendall Lake is a favorite spot for birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts.
- Great Blue Heron Viewing Area - From Valentine’s Day to Independence Day, this area is popular for observing Great Blue Herons nesting nearby.
- Hale Farm & Village - The Hale Farm & Village is a living history museum where visitors can engage with volunteers in period attire and explore 32 historical structures.
- Beaver Marsh - Beaver Marsh is a wetland formed by beavers damming a section of the old canal.
Remarkably, this wetland was once an auto salvage yard in the 1970s.
In the 1980s, local Sierra Club volunteers cleaned it up, and nature took care of the rest.
- Hunt House Visitor Center - The Hunt House features child-friendly nature exhibits and information about nearby attractions.
It also serves as a resting spot for those hiking the Towpath Trail. A popular farm market, open in summer and fall, is located next door.
- Everett Covered Bridge - Originally built in the 1800s, the Everett Covered Bridge was one of about 2,000 at the time.
It is now the last remaining covered bridge in Summit County. After suffering flood damage, it was rebuilt in 1986.
Some believe the bridge is haunted by the ghost of a farmer who drowned while attempting to cross the creek.
- Oak Hill Trailhead - The Oak Hill Trail is a flat, easy-loop trail encircling Sylvan Pond. Even during summer, it offers a peaceful experience.
- Tree Farm Trail - Named for its past as a tree farm, the Tree Farm Trail still boasts many evergreen trees.
- Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park - The final stop on the tour, located just below the town of Peninsula, offers at least two notable features.
First, there is Lock 28, known as Deep Lock, which at 17 feet, was the deepest lock on the Ohio and Erie Canal.
Additionally, there is an old sandstone quarry. The Berea Sandstone extracted here was used for millstones and canal construction.
Later, the Civilian Conservation Corps utilized this quarry for building local structures.

- Take the tour when you want
- Tours NEVER expire
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS
- Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
- Tour Start is Customizable
- Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Freedom to explore at your own…
- Take the tour when you want
- Tours NEVER expire
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS
- Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
- Tour Start is Customizable
- Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Meals
- Parking Fees
- Entrance Fees
- Meals
- Parking Fees
- Entrance Fees
Explore the magic of Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Begin with a scenic train ride, witnessing nature’s beauty unfold. Discover Brandywine Falls, feel the mist and capture family photos at this enchanting waterfall.
Bike through winding trails, enjoying the park’s scenic wonders. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, exploring…
Explore the magic of Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Begin with a scenic train ride, witnessing nature’s beauty unfold. Discover Brandywine Falls, feel the mist and capture family photos at this enchanting waterfall.
Bike through winding trails, enjoying the park’s scenic wonders. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, exploring intricate landscapes and learning about the estate’s rich history.
Tune into nature’s symphony – the rustle of leaves, babbling brooks, and birdsong. Engage in interactive games, bringing the park’s wildlife to life for a fun experience.
End your day with a breathtaking sunset, casting warm colors over the park. Whether by train, bike, or on foot, our tour lets you explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park at your own pace.
Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.