Last Updated on March 25, 2023 by Igor Karni
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a national park located in Ohio, USA. At 50 square miles (131 square kilometres), the park includes landscapes along the Cuyahoga River, between the cities of Akron and Cleveland. Cuyahoga Valley National Park features varying natural climates such as rivers, forests, wetlands, and hills, as well as various manmade and private attractions!
If you’re interested in visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park by electric bike, this article will answer all the questions you may have!
Are e-bikes allowed in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Yes! Per the National Park Service (NPS) rules for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Class I and Class II (but not Class III) e-bikes are allowed on all roads and trails where traditional bikes are allowed. According to federal USA and Ohio state requirements, e-bikes must have:
- A maximum motor output that must not exceed 750W
- A maximum speed that must not exceed 20 mph (32 km/h)
- A motor that is only used to assist pedal propulsion
Click here to learn more about the USA’s electric bicycle laws, and view the next section of the article to learn which cycling trails are available in the park!
Read also: Best specialized electric bicycle insurance companies in the USA. And, Rules & regulations for e-bikes and speed e-bikes in the USA.
How is Cuyahoga Valley National Park organized, is it bycicle friendly?
Yes, the park is well organized for cycling, and there are multiple road cycling and mountain biking options!
Available trails include: the East Rim Trail System, Old Carriage Connector Trail, The Towpath Trail, Carriage Trail Connector (paved section), Stanford House Connector Trail, Everett Covered Bridge, Old Stanford Roadbed, Old Akron-Peninsula Roadbed, and Hemlock Trail.
Riders should be aware that the Towpath Trail is a multi-use trail, and as such, there is a 15 mph (24 km/h) speed limit on the trail. E-bikes are also prohibited to ride in wilderness areas.
Where to stay during the trip?
There are a variety of places to stay when visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
Some hotel options include La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia, Hampton Inn & Suites Oakwood Village-Cleveland, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland-Richfield, Hampton Inn Richfield, Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland/Twinsburg, Quality Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites Twinsburg, Cuyahoga Valley Inn, Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Akron Stow, Staybridge Suites Akron-Stow-Cuyahoga Falls, and many more! Visit Booking.com, Trip Advisor, and Expedia for more recommendations and information!
While camping is no longer allowed within the park (including backcountry camping, tent camping, camping or staying overnight in parking lots, and overnight RV parking), visitors who are interested in camping during their trip can visit this webpage to learn which nearby parks offer campground options.
Where can I eat? Or should I take my food with me?
There are tons of food options to choose from in Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
For coffee, snacks, and dessert, visit Courtyard Café, Country Maid Ice Cream, Rosati’s Frozen Custard, Stan’s Northfield Bakery, and Honey Hut Ice Cream.
For restaurants and pubs, check out Creekside Restaurant & Bar, Winking Lizard Tavern, Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers, Fisher’s Café & Pub, Loose Moose Grub & Pub, Simon’s Restaurant and Delicatessen, Dos Coronas Mexican, Blue Canyon Kitchen Tavern, Austin’s Wood Fire Grille, Tacos Mexicanos, Bob Evans, First Watch, The Basement Sports Bar & Grill, Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill, Teresa’s Pizza, and Luna’s.
If you’re looking to pick up snacks and quick bites, there are also two Trail Mix stores in the park, which are run by the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You can also find park merchandise at these stores!
Lastly, if you’re bringing your food with you, there are plenty of picnic areas in the park. Visit this webpage to find out their locations!
What gear should I take on the trip?
It’s imperative to bring the proper safety and biking gear on your e-bike trip.
This includes: a helmet, backpack, water, extra battery pack, e-bike charger, bike-appropriate clothing and extra layers, front and rear lights, sunscreen, sunglasses, a first aid kit, and a bike repair kit and pump.
Where can I charge my e-bike?
There are currently no e-bike specific maps which show where visitors can charge their e-bike.
However, there are several electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located in the Cuyahoga Falls region where e-cyclists may be able to charge their e-bike. Some locations include Ron Marhofer Nissan, Thompson Electric Inc, Park Ford, Al Spitzer Ford, Staybridge Suites Stow Hotel, and Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls.
Visit Chargehub and EV Stations Local for more information on EV charging stations.
Riders may also be able to charge their e-bike at some hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Be sure to ask for permission first!
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Because there are options for both road cycling and mountain biking routes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we recommend choosing your e-bike according to the trail types you are planning to embark on.
For example, if you are only planning to take road cycling routes, you can choose a commuter or city cruiser e-bike. However, if you are planning to take mountain biking routes, or a combination of road cycling and mountain biking routes, choose a hybrid or electric mountain bike (eMTB) for safe riding.
Read also: How to select the best road e-bike (with examples)? – and also in this article. And, How much does a good road e-bike cost?
Where can I rent an e-bike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, or should I take one with me?
There are a couple of options for renting an e-bike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which we will feature later in the article!
Due to the limited rental options, though, you may want to bring your Class I or Class II e-bike with you. However, be sure to check that your vehicle abides by federal and state regulations first!
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
What else can I do while on an e-bike trip in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
There is plenty to do and see while visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
Some of the most popular natural landscapes to visit include Beaver Marsh, Brandywine Falls, The Ledges, Blue Hen Falls, Bedford Reservation, Riding Run Trail, Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Garfield Park Reservation, Richfield Heritage Preserve, East Rim Trailhead, and Tree Farm Trail.
A number of historical landmarks, as well as arts and entertainment activities, include Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Sarah’s Vineyard, Szalay’s Farm & Market, Station Road Bridge, Fun ‘n’ Stuff, Bedford Historical Society & Museum, Water Works Family Aquatic Center, Mary Campbell Cave, and Broadview Heights Splash Park.
There are also a number of parks where you can try a range of activities like hiking, birding, archery, and fishing. Locations include Gorge Metro Park, Sand Run Metro Park, Hampton Hills Metro Park, Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, Furnace Run Metro Park, O’Neil Woods Metro Park, and Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley. Ski and winter activity spots also include Polar Blast Snow Tubing, Boston Mills Ski Area, and Brandywine Ski!
Read also: Check out USA best travel destinations by electric bike.
What is the best time of year to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park on an e-bike?
According to visitors, the most ideal time of year to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park is during the late summer and fall months, between August and October. This is due to the weather being the most pleasant, and the changing colors and foliage making for idyllic scenery. Average temperatures in the fall time range from 40 – 79 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 26 Celsius) during the day.
However, springtime (March-May) is the next best time of year. With blooming flora and fauna, as well as warming temperatures, this is an ideal time to visit the park. Average temperatures range from 29 – 69 Fahrenheit (-6 to 20 degrees Celsius).
Summer (June – August) average temperatures range from 58 – 81 degrees Fahrenheit (14 to 27 degrees Celsius), but can go upwards as far as 95 F (35 C). Because of this, summertime can get quite humid, which may not be ideal for cyclists.
In the winter (November – February), the weather conditions can change rapidly, and average temperatures often get very cold from 19 – 37 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 to 2 degrees Celsius). The park gets 61 inches of snow annually on average; as such, we recommend cyclists avoid visiting the park during this time of year.
In general, visitors should be prepared for all types of weather, including sunny, foggy, rainy, and snow flurries.
Resources to help plan your trip
To further help plan your trip, visit the NPS’ Cuyahoga Valley National Park webpage here!
If you’re interested in renting an e-bike while visiting, options include Century Cycles, where you can rent e-bikes for 2 hours minimum (and hourly from thereon out), and Pedego – Peninsula, Ohio, where you can rent an e-bike in hourly or daily increments.
For further recommendations on restaurants to visit, view Trip Advisor’s list!
Read also: Best known electric bicycle brands in the USA. And, Best e-bike financing options in the USA.
And lastly, for more suggestions on things to do while visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park, check out Google Travel’s list!
Take a 5-minute video tour to Grand Canyon National Park:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
