Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Cleveland with a Self-Guided Audio Tour
See more
Discover the beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park at your own pace with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour. Start your adventure with a scenic train ride, taking in the stunning views of nature as you go.
Visit iconic spots like Brandywine Falls, where you can feel the mist and snap memorable photos. Enjoy biking along winding trails, or explore the vibrant history at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. As you wander, listen to the sounds of rustling leaves, flowing streams, and bird songs, brought to life through engaging audio stories.
Whether you prefer walking, biking, or riding the train, this tour offers the flexibility to explore at your own speed. End your day watching a breathtaking sunset that paints the sky with warm colors. Download the Shaka Guide app to access your tour and make the most of your visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the park thoroughly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed for travelers of all ages, from 0 to 120 years old. It’s also wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in strollers.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely. You can begin the tour whenever it suits you. The tour never expires, so you have the freedom to start when you're ready.
What’s included in the tour?
You’ll get offline GPS-guided audio narration, a customizable start point, activity and restaurant recommendations, turn-by-turn directions, and hours of stories, travel tips, and music—all accessible offline.
Are there any additional costs?
Meals, parking fees, and private transportation are not included. You will need to handle these separately.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 10 hours – 11 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Access the tour whenever you want
- Tours never expire
- Automatic GPS audio narration during drive
- Offline map and GPS (no Wi-Fi or data needed)
- Customizable tour start point
- Highlights with activity and restaurant suggestions
- Turn-by-turn GPS directions
- Explore at your own pace—choose stops or skip as you wish
- Hours of engaging stories, travel tips, and music
Not included
- Meals
- Parking fees
- Private transportation
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
The Lock 39 Trailhead, an access point for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, where boats were once towed by mules or horses. A short walk south leads to Lock 39, and crossing a bridge over the Cuyahoga River takes you to Rockside Station of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
-
Stop 2
Canal Exploration Center, housed in an old canal-side tavern, features interactive exhibits about the canal's history. Outside, see a reconstructed canal lock. Open Wednesday through Sunday, June to October.
-
Stop 3
Tinkers Creek Overlook offers a stunning view into the Tinkers Creek Gorge, a designated National Natural Landmark.
-
Stop 4
Bridal Veil Falls is a gentle waterfall viewable from a boardwalk and bridge. You can also hike downstream to Lower Deerlick Creek Falls.
-
Stop 5
A spacious picnic area with tables, grills, shelter, restrooms, and nature trails for a relaxing break.
-
Stop 6
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, located in Viaduct Park, features a historic bridge supported by arches or columns.
-
Stop 7
Frazee House, built in the 1820s, is one of the first brick structures in the valley. Made from mud and clay bricks by the family, it’s now on the National Register of Historic Places.
-
Stop 8
Chippewa Creek Gorge, carved by glaciers, features Berea Sandstone used in local construction, visible in the Brecksville Nature Center.
-
Stop 9
Brecksville Nature Center offers exhibits on local flora, fauna, and history, with a kids' corner, scenic windows, picnic areas, and nature trails.
-
Stop 10
Jaite Trailhead provides access to the Buckeye Trail, with old-growth trees just a mile and a half away.
-
Stop 11
Lock 34 (Red Lock) and the nearby remains of the old Jaite Paper Mill are accessible from this trailhead.
-
Stop 12
Brandywine Falls, Ohio's tallest waterfall at 60 feet, offers several viewing platforms and the remnants of an old factory nearby.
-
Stop 13
Boston Mill Visitor Center, opened in 2019, provides ranger services, trail maps, restrooms, a bookstore, and access to the Scenic Railroad. The adjacent Boston Store offers souvenirs and food.
-
Stop 14
Park at Lock 29 Trailhead to explore Peninsula on foot, visit the Trail Mix store, or walk into the historic canal lock. It also serves as a boarding point for the Scenic Railroad.
-
Stop 15
Ledges Trail, a 2-mile loop, features rocky ledges, caves, and overhangs with rocks up to 400 million years old. It’s a favorite for easy hiking.
-
Stop 16
Kendall Lake, created in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is popular for birdwatching and fishing.
-
Stop 17
Between Valentine’s Day and Independence Day, watch for Great Blue Herons nesting nearby.
-
Stop 18
Hale Farm & Village is a living history museum with volunteers in period attire and 32 historic structures to explore.
-
Stop 19
Beaver Marsh, a wetland created by beavers, was once an auto salvage yard. Restored by volunteers, it now hosts diverse wildlife.
-
Stop 20
The Hunt House offers kid-friendly exhibits and info about nearby attractions. It’s also a rest stop for Towpath Trail hikers, with a nearby farm market.
-
Stop 21
The Everett Covered Bridge, built in the 1800s and rebuilt in 1986 after flood damage, is the last of its kind in Summit County. Some say it’s haunted by a drowned farmer’s ghost.
-
Stop 22
Oak Hill Trail is an easy, flat loop around Sylvan Pond, often quiet even in summer.
-
Stop 23
Tree Farm Trail marks the site of a former tree farm, with many evergreen trees still standing.
-
Stop 24
The final stop near Peninsula includes Lock 28 (Deep Lock), the deepest on the Ohio & Erie Canal, and a historic sandstone quarry used for millstones and canal construction.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
The tour begins at Interstate 77 in Ohio, on the north side of the park.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of departure
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $18.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
