Press Kit

Park Statistics

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) protects over 33,000 acres along the banks of the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. CVNP combines cultural, historical, and natural resources and visitor activities in one setting. CVNP is managed by the National Park Service, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Within the national park and along its borders are 15 cities, villages, and townships; 7 school districts; and 2 metropolitan park districts.

  • Superintendent: Lisa Petit
  • Base Operating Budget: $12.2 million (Fiscal Year 2023)
  • Employees: 82 permanent, 51 temporary
  • Volunteers: 5,018 volunteers, 105,380 hours (FY22)

Acreage: approximately 32,950 acres

  • Federal: ~ 19,113 acres
  • Non-federal: ~ 13,837 acres
  • Public land: 8,962 acres
  • Private land: 1,638 acres
  • Private with NPS easements: 1,321 acres
  • Private institutional ownership: 1,423 acres

Visitation Statistics

  • 2018: 2,096,053 (#12 most visited national park)
  • 2019: 2,237,997 (#13 most visited national park)
  • 2020: 2,755,628 (#7 most visited national park)
  • 2021: 2,575,275 (#13 most visited national park)
  • 2022: 2,913,312 (#9 most visited national park)

Learn more about visitation statistics from the National Park Service.

Park Creation

  • Enabling Legislation: December 27,1974, P.L. 93-555 (Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area)
  • Name Change Legislation: October 11, 2000, P.L. 106-291 (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)

Purpose Statement

To preserve and protect for public use and enjoyment the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational values of the Cuyahoga River and its valley; to maintain the necessary recreational open space in connection with the urban environment; and to provide for the recreational and educational needs of the visiting public.

Mission

To preserve and protect for public use and enjoyment the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational values of the Cuyahoga River Valley, to maintain the open space necessary for the urban environment, and to provide for the recreational and educational needs of the visiting public.

Strategic Focus 2022-2024

Fall 2024 and through 2025, Cuyahoga Valley National Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary of creation as a Park for the People. Planning includes a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Features/Programs

CVNP is located within a one-hour drive of the four million people in the greater Cleveland/Akron/Canton metropolitan area. Some 250 historic structures, including residential and farming properties, are located in the park, in addition to the nationally significant Ohio & Erie Canal and the Valley Railway. Protection of NPS-owned historic properties continues with a focus on rehabilitating historic structures and the railroad, and the restoration of disturbed areas and the river. The natural resources of the park include a remarkable and thriving wildlife population in an urban area where development continuously reduces the amount of available open space. The park offers visitors over 140 miles of hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails. Visitor services include Boston Mill Visitor Center and Canal Exploration Center. In addition to regular public interpretive programs, the park also offers focused educational programs in a residential or day use setting.

Partnerships

NPS has three main non-profit partners that assist and support the visitor experiences in CVNP.

  • Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park's mission is to engage public support for CVNP and provide services to enhance public use and enjoyment of the park. In addition to raising money to help enhance the park, the Conservancy connects visitors with their national park through volunteer events, youth and adult education, and cultural arts.
  • Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) provides opportunities for excursions like the National Park Scenic and as an alternative means of transportation through the Explorer program. CVSR enhances the park experience by offering special events and programs.
  • Countryside has worked to connect people, food, and land since 1999. They collaborate with CVNP and 10 Countryside Initiative farms to host classes and more. Farmers operate within park boundaries through a competitive leasing program. They offer tours, farm-to-table dinners, and other events.

Numerous other publicly oriented operations are within park boundaries: Blossom Music Center (the summer home of The Cleveland Orchestra); Hale Farm & Village (operated by The Western Reserve Historical Society); Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market; Boy Scout and Girl Scout camps; Cleveland Metroparks; Summit Metro Parks; Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resorts; golf courses; and other facilities that offer opportunities compatible with NPS goals.

Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area

Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area is designated by Congress to help preserve and celebrate the rails, trails, landscapes, towns and sites that grew up along the first 110 miles of the canal that helped Ohio and our nation grow. Visitors can experience the heritage area and CVNP using the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and America's Scenic Byway.

Park Photos

Use images from our Photographs for Media gallery below or from our Photos & Multimedia page.

 
 

Contact one of our Public Affairs Officers

Pamela Barnes, Public Information Officer/Community Engagement Supervisor
Mobile: 440-241-5857
Office: 440-546-5994

e-mail us: Pamela_Barnes@nps.gov

Jennie Vasarhelyi, Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services
Office: 440-546-5990
Mobile: 440-343-7352

e-mail us: Jennie_Vasarhelyi@nps.gov

Last updated: December 12, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

Phone:

440 717-3890

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