Hiking at night is a treat that we seldom have the opportunity to enjoy. Here in Ohio, most parks close at dark… which is probably for the best, as hiking at night is dangerous. Right? As it turns out, if you pick a familiar trail, hike with a buddy system, and bring a flashlight, night hiking can be endlessly rewarding. This is particularly true in the winter months when it gets dark by dinnertime throughout much of the state. If you’re longing for night hiking near Cleveland, there’s one incredible place with parks open around the clock. Pack your trail mix and flashlights, because today we’re going to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), a beautiful national park near Cleveland!

Most people have experienced the majesty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park by day, but it's just as beautiful after dusk falls.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Facebook
The parks and most attractions at Cuyahoga Valley National Park are open all year long, and most sections of the park are open day and night. A few areas do close at dusk, of course, including Brandywine Falls, Kendall Lake, and the Ledges.
Bring your binoculars, because you never know WHOO you'll see taking advantage of nature's nighttime splendor.
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/Flickr
With over 32,500 acres of space, Cuyahoga Valley National park is a magnificent place to explore.
intenteffect/Flickr
If you're looking to plan a night hike here, make sure to visit during the day to get to know the trail before you explore it in the dark. Remember that nighttime alters depth perception for many, and it can often make even familiar places feel strange. Ranger-led night hikes do take place on select occasions, so keep your eyes on the CVNP calendar for any topics of interest.
Beaver Marsh is one of many places in the park that grows vibrant after sunset, becoming a haven for birdwatchers and nocturnal critters alike.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Facebook

Related Stories

The One Loop Trail In The Cleveland Metroparks That's Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

The One Loop Trail In The Cleveland Metroparks That's Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

 If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Greater Cleveland, Make Them These

If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Greater Cleveland, Make Them These

 It's Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In Cleveland

It's Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In Cleveland
However, the entirety of the park hosts a wide variety of nature... even in the winter months.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Facebook
Among the native species of interest here, you may encounter seven species of bat, three species of moles, and a seemingly endless array of birds. As night falls, you also have a possibility of running into critters like coyotes and skunks, so make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and make an effort to keep distance between yourself and wildlife. 
While many areas close out of an abundance of caution at night (such as at the Ledges, where one could easily overlook the darkness beyond a cliff's edge after dusk), it's always a wise idea to check for current conditions and alerts before you pay the park a visit.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Facebook
And remember to respect all native creatures you encounter and leave nothing behind but footprints.
Steve @ the alligator farm/Flickr
It is also seriously important to take a group with you if you are planning a night hike. With such a vast array of wilderness, phones may not get the best signal in the case of an emergency. Being cognizant of "stranger danger" is of utmost importance as well. Cool of the Wild has a great list of safety tips for a successful night hike.
Prepare to embrace the wonder of night hiking near Cleveland, because CVNP's landscape will enchant you to the core.
Luz Adriana Villa/Flickr

When it comes to night hiking near Cleveland, Ohio’s only national park is the place to go. Have you ever gone on a full moon hike or a nighttime bird watching adventure? When was the last time you paid a visit to this national park near Cleveland? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Love exploring beautiful places near Cleveland? We have so many amazing places to go, don’t we? There’s even more to see and do around Cleveland — plan one day trip each month in the upcoming year to make the most of the local landscape.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

National park to visit near Cleveland

Sarah M. | February 07, 2022

How many national parks are there to visit near Cleveland?

While Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in Ohio, Cleveland's location in the northern region of the Buckeye State makes it well-positioned to visit some national parks in other states! For example, in southern Michigan, the MotorCities National Heritage Area is a really cool spot in Detroit that's a must for auto aficionados, while in Pennsylvania, Friendship Hill National Historic Site is a really unique place with incredible historical significance. Of course, if you want to stay in the Buckeye State, Cleveland is also close to a wonderful national site, Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. Located on South Bass Island in the bustling summer town of Put-In-Bay, you’ll find a massive column that commemorates an important time in Ohio history, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, a popular destination on the island. The monument honors Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry, who won one of the biggest victories in The War of 1812. It also serves to celebrate the lasting peace between Britain, Canada, and the United States that followed the war. We absolutely love this site for a unique and historic Ohio day trip!

Are there other places to go for night hiking in Ohio?

If you enjoy being out with the owls and other nocturnal creatures, you should definitely check out the Cincinnati Nature Center, (CNC) one of Ohio's most amazing treasures. Within the CNC, Rowe Woods is 1,016 acres of pure natural beauty; its 14 miles of trails traverse deciduous woodlands, fields, streams, ponds, wetlands, and even old-growth forest! The CNC regularly hosts guided hikes, and whether you're an early bird or night owl, you can explore this beautiful slice of Buckeye State paradise at dawn or dusk.

Is there anywhere to go stargazing in Ohio?

If you enjoyed the nighttime hike at Cuyahoga, you'll absolutely want to check out John Glenn Astronomy Park, a new attraction with some of the best stargazing in the state! Specifically designed for stargazing, the park features giant "slots" on the perimeter, which are designed to catch the rising and setting sun on the equinoxes (spring and fall) and the solstices (summer and winter). Guests can bring their own telescopes, or use the high-powered 'scope on site; either way, you're sure to see way, way out into the infinite, incredible universe.

 

 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA