The United States has 63 national parks that see over 318 million people each year! And as Clevelanders, we are lucky enough to have one within a 30 minute drive! Already have a packed summer schedule and don’t have time to visit the five national parks closest to Cleveland? Click on the national park links below and select the photos/multimedia option under the Learn About the Park tab to explore these national parks virtually.
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Ohio: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park was established October 11, 2000 and covers 33,000 acres. Visitors can hike to Brandywine Falls, pedal along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, ride the rails on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway or earn their Junior Ranger Badge.
According to National Geographic Kids: National Parks Guide U.S.A. the best time to visit the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is in the spring for the wildflowers or in the fall to see the vibrant colors of the foliage. Whether you are hiking, biking or riding the rails keep your eyes peeled for deer, squirrels, beavers and birds like the blue heron, red-winged blackbird and even a bald eagle!
West Virginia: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
The New River Gorge National Park was established as a national park in 2021 and encompasses over 70,000 acres. Before being recognized as a national park, New River Gorge was formerly classified as a national river. National Geographic’s Complete National Parks of the United States, reminds us that The New River is not, in fact, new. Geologists believe this stream may be one of the oldest river systems on earth!
Adventure awaits at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Visitors can go whitewater rafting, climb the cliffs or participate in the annual Bridge Day. As stated on the official Bridge Day website, “Bridge Day is West Virginia’s largest single-day festival and one of the largest extreme sports events in the world. Bridge Day is the only day each year that thousands of spectators can walk across the bridge and watch as serious BASE jumpers get their chance to fly 876 feet into the Gorge below.” This year’s Bridge Day will take place October 17.
Virginia: Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park was established December 26, 1935 and spans just under 200,000 acres! Most visitors will begin their visit by traveling on Skyline Drive. In her book, 100 Things to See In the National Parks: Your Guide to the Most Popular Features of the US National Parks, Stefanie Payne refers to this scenic roadway as the “main vein of the park” as it is the only public road found there. Skyline Drive allows you to explore the park by car with the option to pull off at the many overlooks located along the route.
It is often recommended to visit Shenandoah National Park April-October when most facilities are open. September and October are busier times as this is peak time to experience the fall foliage. Whether you are exploring by car or on foot, be aware of your surroundings because you will be sharing the space with black bears, coyotes, wild turkeys and more!
Indiana: Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park was established February 15, 2019 and covers around 16,000 acres. Indiana Dunes was originally designated as a National Lakeshore until 2019 when it was authorized to be the 61st National Park in the United States. From bogs to beachs, forests to marshes – there’s something for everyone. Visitors have the opportunity to spend the day at one of 9 beach areas, birdwatch along the many hiking trails, or stop by the visitor center to sign up for one of the ranger-led hikes or kids’ activities.
According to 100 Things to See in the National Parks: Your Guide to the Most Popular Features of the US National Parks by Stefanie Payne, the best time to visit is late May through September when weather is the warmest and allows for more water-based and beachfront activities. Each year in early September, the park holds its Outdoor Adventure Festival as a fun way to end the summer season. This year’s festival will take place September 4, 2026 – September 12, 2026.
Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park was established July 1, 1941 and stretches just over 52,000 acres. Mammoth Cave National Park was created to protect Mammoth Cave, the longest known cave system on earth. Visitors can explore this magical underworld and all it has to offer including prehistoric drawings made by indigenous people, stalactites, stalagmites (do you remember the difference?) and various other rock formations.
The National Parks Encyclopedia by Allison Lassieur states that the caves are home to 160 species! When exploring the caves and surrounding property, be on the look out for bats, salamanders, flying squirrels, snakes, cave crickets and the Kentucky cave shrimp! This cave dweller is found only in Mammoth Cave!
Resources
Photographs courtesy of The National Park Services: NPS.gov
