Discover two of the most captivating parks in the US – Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park, each offering an experience like no other. While Cuyahoga Valley, located between Cleveland and Akron in Ohio, boasts breathtaking waterfalls, rolling hills and a scenic railway, Dry Tortugas is a remote island chain located 68 miles west of Key West, Florida and is famous for its crystal clear waters teeming with marine life and the historic Fort Jefferson. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or a journey through history, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and inspire you to learn more. So, get ready to be swept away by the beauty of nature and history at Cuyahoga Valley and Dry Tortugas National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a range of hiking trails, from leisurely walks to challenging treks. The Ledges Trail is one of the easiest hikes, a 1.5-mile route through a rocky landscape with overlooks. For a more strenuous hike, try the Towpath Trail, a 20-mile trail along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal, or the Buckeye Trail, a 40-mile trek through rugged terrain.
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida also has a variety of hikes, from short walks to longer excursions. The Garden Key Trail is an easy hike, a short walk to the historic Fort Jefferson. For a more challenging hike, the Loggerhead Key Trail is a 4.5-mile hike to the southernmost point in the Dry Tortugas and offers spectacular ocean views. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, from rocky ledges to historic towpaths to stunning ocean vistas.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledges Trail | 4184.284 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Brandywine Gorge Trail | 2735.878 | 65.8368 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 162.7632 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Blue Hen Falls Trail | 804.67 | 23.7744 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Salt Run Trail | 6759.228 | 123.7488 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Plateau Trail | 7081.096 | 96.9264 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake | 6115.492 | 98.7552 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Buckeye Trail to Valley Bridle Trail Loop | 5471.756 | 119.7864 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wetmore Bridle Trail | 7563.898 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Brecksville Station | 7081.096 | 20.7264 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio offers a range of wildlife, including deer, beavers, otters, muskrats, squirrels, and rabbits. The park attracts birds like bald eagles, falcons, and herons, and is rich in native flowers, trees, and shrubs.
In contrast, Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is a remote island chain known for its unique ecosystem and marine wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees, and tropical fish. The park also boasts a diverse seabird population, including pelicans, boobies, and migratory and shorebirds, as well as sea grass and coral reefs.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Great Blue Heron |
| Great Blue Heron | Hermit Thrush |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | Green-Winged Teal |
| Northern Pintail | American Pipit |
| American Wigeon | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Green-Winged Teal | Killdeer |
Mammals
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Rat |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Bobcat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Badger | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| White-Tailed Deer | |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Red Bat | |
| White-Footed Mouse | |
| Norway Rat |
Amphibians
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Eastern Milk Snake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Fish
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Northern Bluegill Sunfish | |
| Northern Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eastern Burbot | |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Cuyahoga Valley Nat’l Park has rolling hills, lush foliage, historic sites, & tranquil waterways. Sites incl. historic Canal Exploration Center, Everett Covered Bridge, & natural wonders like Brandywine Falls (60ft) & Ledges Overlook.
Dry Tortugas Nat’l Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, FL & is famous for its clear waters & marine life, incl. coral reefs & fish species. The park features Fort Jefferson (19th-century military fort), lush mangrove forests, seagrass beds, & Garden Key Lighthouse.
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP is known for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and bird-watching, as well as scenic train rides, historic canal town visits, and waterfall viewing. Dry Tortugas NP, on the other hand, is a remote island park that offers world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and boat tours to see wildlife. CVNP is more accessible with nearby amenities, while Dry Tortugas requires a ferry or seaplane trip and is more primitive but provides a secluded, exotic adventure.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has a humid continental climate with chilly winters and warm summers. Best time to visit is spring & fall with mild temperatures & colorful foliage. Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, on the other hand, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year & high humidity. The park is hottest & most humid Jun-Sep, making winter (Dec-Mar) the best time to visit, when temperatures are cooler & less humid. Both parks offer unique experiences, but weather is a significant factor in determining the best time to visit for each individual.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is more family-friendly than Dry Tortugas National Park. CVNP offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and educational programs, making it a great choice for families. Dry Tortugas, however, requires a ferry or seaplane ride to reach and is best known for snorkeling, camping, and bird watching, which may not be as appealing to families with young children. If traveling with children, CVNP is the better option for a family-friendly national park experience.