To help you plan your session, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite locations for Cuyahoga Valley National Park pictures. This park is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along—just remember to keep them on a leash and follow leave-no-trace principles.

Why We Love Cuyahoga Valley National Park Pictures

As seasoned elopement photographers based in the Cleveland area, we absolutely love capturing beautiful moments at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This stunning park is one of our favorite locations in Ohio for engagement photo sessions, offering a variety of picturesque spots perfect for any couple.

Top Cuyahoga Valley National Park Pictures Locations:

Let’s review our favorite options for Cuyahoga Valley National Park pictures.

Blue Hen Falls

Parking: Due to recent changes, parking is no longer available directly near Blue Hen Falls. Visitors must park at the Boston Mills Visitor Center or the Boston Trailhead and either hike the 3-mile trail or be dropped off at the trailhead.

Other Info: From the trailhead, it’s a 5-minute walk down the trail, across a small bridge, and to the waterfall. You will need to climb down a steep hill with a lot of tree roots to get to the falls themselves, so make sure you have appropriate shoes for this.

Scenery: The waterfall offers a beautiful natural backdrop with cascading water and rugged scenery, perfect for intimate and adventurous Cuyahoga Valley National Park pictures.

Restrooms: Available at the Boston Mills Visitor Center.

Virginia Kendall Ledges & Kendall Lake

Parking:  A large parking lot is conveniently located next to the Ledges Shelter, a small black building.

Other Info:  For breathtaking views, head to the overlook at the far end of the parking lot, away from the Ledges Shelter. Alternatively, take the trailhead past the black building to access the stone stairs leading down to the ledges. The trail itself is a 2.2-mile loop with diverse scenery, and Kendall Lake is just a 2-minute drive away with additional photo opportunities.

Scenery: The Ledges offer incredible rock formations and cliffs, while Kendall Lake provides serene waters, a picturesque dock, and beautiful wooded surroundings.

Restrooms:  Public restrooms are available near the Ledges Shelter.

Boston Mill Visitor Center & 271 Overpass

Parking: An easily accessible parking lot is next to the visitor’s center.

Other Info: This area is near other popular photo spots, such as Blue Hen Falls and Hines Hill Campus. The historic store, gas station, and old barn provide unique photo opportunities, and the nearby towpath offers striking views under the 271 and Turnpike bridges.

Scenery: A mix of historical structures, industrial architecture, and natural landscapes, offer diverse photo opportunities.

Restrooms: Available at the visitor’s center.

Hines Hill Campus

Parking: An easily accessible parking lot is available.

Other Info: Hines Hill Campus is a popular venue for weddings, so it’s important to check for scheduled events before planning your session. The campus features a charming barn, several historic buildings, open fields, a pond, and beautiful flowers. This location is especially stunning during sunset making it one of our favorite locations for Cuyahoga Valley National Park pictures.

Scenery: The combination of rustic architecture, open fields, and well-maintained gardens makes Hines Hill Campus a perfect spot for engagement photos.

Restrooms: Available at the campus facilities.

Indigo Lake

Parking: Parking is somewhat limited, but the area is usually not too crowded.

Other Info: Indigo Lake is a stop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the train stop makes for a great photo opportunity. The less-than-a-mile path around the lake is an easy walk with tall grass and beautiful wildflowers. Be prepared for mosquitoes with bug spray.

Scenery: A peaceful lake surrounded by wildflowers and forested areas.

Restrooms: Potable restrooms are vailable on-site.

Kendall Hills

Parking: Multiple parking lots are available, making it easy to find a spot.

Other Info: Kendall Hills offers rolling hills, open fields, and forested areas. This location is great for capturing a variety of outdoor settings in one place. The hills are particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset, offering golden light and sweeping vistas.

Scenery: Expansive hills and meadows, perfect for capturing the beauty of the landscape.

Restrooms: Portable restrooms may be available depending on the season.

More Cuyahoga Valley National Park Pictures Locations

While the above were our favorites, these next Cuyahoga Valley National Park pictures locations are just as breathtaking.

Viaduct Park (Great Falls of Tinkers Creek)

Parking: There is a small parking area near the entrance to the park.

Other Info: Viaduct Park offers a unique experience with the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, featuring a towering waterfall and remnants of a historic viaduct, including a river tunnel. The trails are relatively easy and showcase a blend of industrial history and natural scenery. Unless there has been significant rainfall, you can explore the surrounding rocks. Always be cautious and wear appropriate shoes.

Scenery: A combination of cascading waterfalls, historic structures, and lush vegetation offers unique photo opportunities.

Restrooms: No restrooms available on-site.

Horseshoe Pond (Tree Farm Trail)

Parking: Parking is available at the Horseshoe Pond parking area.

Other Info: The Horseshoe Pond area includes a picturesque pond and the Tree Farm Trail, a 2.75-mile loop that passes through diverse landscapes, including pine forests and open fields. This location offers a peaceful and secluded setting for Cuyahoga Valley National Park pictures. Keep in mind that the trail can get muddy, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is a must.

Scenery: A serene pond surrounded by woods and open fields, offering a variety of natural backdrops.

Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available near the parking area.

Beaver Marsh

Parking: Park at the Ira Trailhead, which provides easy access to Beaver Marsh.

Other Info: Beaver Marsh is one of the most popular spots in the park, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic boardwalk so it can get busy. The area is beautiful throughout the year, with vibrant colors in the fall and lush greenery in the summer.

Scenery: A boardwalk over a marshy area teeming with wildlife, providing a unique and tranquil setting.

Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available at the Ira Trailhead.

Everett Covered Bridge

Parking: A small parking area is available near the bridge.

Other Info: The Everett Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Summit County, offering a historic and romantic setting for photos. The surrounding area includes trails and a creek, providing additional photo opportunities.

Scenery: A classic covered bridge surrounded by woodlands and a creek, perfect for timeless and romantic photos.

Restrooms: No restrooms available on-site.

Station Road Bridge (Brecksville Reservation)

Parking: Ample parking is available at the Station Road Bridge Trailhead.

Other Info: The Station Road Bridge area features a historic bridge over the Cuyahoga River and access to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The combination of the bridge, river, and trails makes this a versatile spot for Cuyahoga Valley National Park pictures.

Scenery: A historic iron bridge over a scenic river, surrounded by forested areas and trails, provides a beautiful and unique setting for engagement photos.

Restrooms: Available at the trailhead.

Brandywine Falls

Parking: A parking lot is available at the Brandywine Falls Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Other Info: Brandywine Falls is one of the most iconic landmarks in the park, featuring a 65-foot waterfall surrounded by a boardwalk and observation decks. The trail to the falls is short but can be steep in places.

Scenery: A dramatic waterfall set in a gorge, with a boardwalk offering various angles and perspectives for photos.

Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Oak Hill Trail & Plateau Trail

Parking: A large parking lot is available at Oak Hill Rd & Plateau Trailhead.

Other Info: These trails are perfect for those looking for a quieter, more secluded location. The Oak Hill Trail is a 1.8-mile loop through woods and fields, while the Plateau Trail is a longer, 4.9-mile loop with more varied terrain. Both trails offer beautiful backdrops of mature forests, wildflowers, and wildlife.

Scenery: Dense forests, open meadows, and picturesque trails.

Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Happy Days Lodge & Trail

Parking: Parking is available at this location and across the street.

Other Info: Happy Days Lodge is a historic building nestled in the woods, with nearby trails offering scenic views. The lodge itself provides a rustic and charming backdrop, while the trails lead through forests and open fields, offering a variety of photo settings. Since weddings are often held here, check for events before planning your session.

Scenery: Historic lodge, wooded trails, and open fields.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available inside the lodge when open.

Lock 29 Trailhead

Parking: Parking is available at the Lock 29 Trailhead.

Other Info: Lock 29 is a scenic area along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The trail offers views of the canal and the Cuyahoga River and is lined with historic locks and bridges. This area provides a mix of historical and natural settings for photos.

Scenery: Historic canal locks, bridges, and riverside views.

Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available near the parking area.

Szalay’s Sweet Corn Farm and Market

Parking: Ample parking is available.

Other Info: Although not technically within the park, Szalay’s Farm and Market is a popular destination adjacent to the park. The market features a rustic barn, fields of corn, and various seasonal decorations, offering a unique and charming setting for photos.

Scenery: Rustic barn, cornfields, and seasonal decorations.

Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available during market hours.

Want Stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park Pictures of Your Own?

As wedding and elopement photographers, National Park engagement sessions are our specialty. And as locals to the Cleveland area, Cuyahoga Valley National Park pictures are some of our favorites to capture. Get in touch and we can plan an engagement session that is unique to you.