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Those in the know claim ‘Midwest is best’, but is that only because it’s a catchy rhyme?
Between so many underrated cities often overlooked by the coastal allure of sun, sand, and ocean breeze, much of the Midwest goes by the wayside.
With the exception of Chicago, travelers are missing out on some of the best fall escapes smack dab in the middle of the U.S., where fall colors transform city skylines and park treetops for miles on end.
One such place is even overlooked in their own state, let alone the entire Midwest region.
Forget Cincinnati and even trendy Columbus, and venture into Cuyahoga Valley National Park for epic waterfalls and a scenic fall train ride through a rush of vibrant foliage.
50 Years Of Year-Round Astounding Nature, But Fall is Best!
Located between Cleveland and Akron lies Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the Midwest’s most serene destinations to immerse in fall splendor.
Celebrating 50 years since being designated as an official National Park, the National Park Service (NPS) has announced ‘50 new ways to experience‘ this magical hidden gem.
Fall is when the crowds pick up, however.
The NPS recommends visiting on weekdays as early as possible or squeezing in a trip later in the day to better your chances of finding a parking space.
October is definitely the best month to leaf-peep and snap incredible photos throughout the 33,000-acre park.
There are ample hiking trails to check out the lush, vibrant scenery. NPS recommends these 3 trails for the best photo-ops this fall:
- Brandywine Gorge Trail
- Oak Hill Trail
- Ledges Trail
Go Chasing Waterfalls! Cuyahoga Valley Boasts More Than Fall Colors
Majestic waterfalls often seem like a distant dream to reach, but that’s not the case at all.
Sure, you can jet off to natural wonders such as Iceland, or perhaps visit cheesy over-fluffed attractions like Niagara Falls, but there are actually many other places with similar scenery tucked away in our National Parks – Cuyahoga Valley being one of them.
There are at least 8 noteworthy waterfalls well worth a visit within the park grounds.
According to the Conservancy For Cuyahoga Valley National Park, these waterfalls are the 5 most visible for your next fall adventure:
- Great Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Alexander Falls
- Deer Lick Cave Area
- Mudcatcher Falls
That being said, Brandywine Falls usually tops the list for visitors.
This flowing waterfall cascading nearly 70 feet into a picturesque gorge offers views both high and low, receiving rave reviews from recent visitors like, “This is a great waterfall. The boardwalk and stairs seems to be quite well maintained. It’s plenty wide enough for people (and their pets) to walk in each direction. The falls themselves were very picturesque.”
Plus, this waterfall is equipped to stay as long as you like with picnic areas, water fountains (no, not the actual waterfall!), and spotlessly clean restrooms, according to parkgoers in multiple reviews.
Grab A Window Seat On The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Hiking through the vast forestry of Cuyahoga Valley is a great time, but why not level up on a scenic train ride guided by the pros?
Sit back and relax as you pass through gorgeous scenery along the rapid Cuyahoga River, with promising chances to spot wildlife such as eagles, deer, and a variety of birds.
Suitable for all ages, the 2-hour round-trip is perfect to keep the kiddos entertained while the grown-ups enjoy an adult beverage on-board.
For fall, you’ll want to book the National Park Scenic excursion priced between $18 – 39 depending on your class selection.
The train departs from Peninsula Depot in Peninsula, OH and tickets are available for purchase online with plenty of dates to choose from.
Given the journey is only 2 hours in total, many visitors splurge on Upper Dome seating, offering domed carts with panoramic views where there’s no such thing as a bad seat!
If you miss out on fall, keep an eye out for the train’s North Pole Adventure as well!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.