“Discover the beauty of nature with a side of adventure at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. These two parks offer a chance to escape into the great outdoors and immerse in scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife. From the rolling hills of Cuyahoga to the rugged canyons of Theodore Roosevelt, each park offers its own unique brand of natural splendor. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape, both parks are sure to leave you breathless and eager to explore more. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Cuyahoga Valley and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks.”
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. CVNP boasts over 125 miles of trails, including the easy 1.5-mile Octagon Shelter Loop and the strenuous 22-mile Buckeye Trail. TRNP, located in the Badlands of North Dakota, has over 70 miles of trails including the easy 1.5-mile Wind Canyon Trail and the challenging 14-mile Caprock Coulee Trail. Both parks offer scenic views and diverse landscapes, with CVNP featuring rolling hills, wetlands, and forests, while TRNP showcases the rugged beauty of Badlands formations. CVNP hikes range from easy to strenuous, while TRNP trails tend to be moderate to challenging due to the rough terrain. Regardless of the trail, both parks offer unique and memorable hiking experiences for nature lovers.
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 Theodore Roosevelt National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota both offer unique wildlife opportunities. Cuyahoga is home to white-tailed deer, foxes, beavers, and river otters, as well as great blue heron, wood duck, and scarlet tanager birds. Wildflowers and forests are abundant. Theodore Roosevelt is known for bison, pronghorns, bighorn sheep, elk, swift fox, ferruginous hawk, and golden eagle. The park’s prairies and rugged terrain provide habitat for cactus, wildflowers, and grasses. Both parks showcase America’s diverse wildlife beauty.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Theodore Roosevelt 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 | 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 | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mink | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Badger | Mink |
| Masked Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Red Squirrel | Gray Wolf |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Badger |
| Red Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| White-Footed Mouse | North American River Otter |
| Norway Rat | Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Wood Frog | Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Bullsnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Rattlesnake |
| Eastern Milk Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Insects
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Fish
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Theodore Roosevelt National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Bluegill Sunfish | Bluegill |
| Northern Fathead Minnow | Flathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | Golden Shiner |
| European Carp | Carp/European Carp |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Eastern Burbot | Burbot |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Graceful Catfish | Channel Catfish |
| Black Crappie | Black Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | Creek Chub |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP has scenic river, hills, valleys, scenic train, Brandywine Falls & Ledges Trail. Theodore Roosevelt NP features badlands, Painted Canyon, petrified forest trails & Little Missouri River. Wildlife such as bison, pronghorns & elk can be seen in park’s grasslands.
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP and Theodore Roosevelt NP both offer scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. CVNP is known for scenic railway, bike trails, and water activities. TRNP is known for wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and horseback riding. CVNP has more developed campgrounds, while TRNP has primitive options. TRNP focuses on history and geology, while CVNP has a wider range of interpretive programs. Both parks offer visitor centers and ranger-led programs. What visitors enjoy depends on their interests.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers with thunderstorms. Visit in spring/fall for mild temps/foliage. Theodore Roosevelt in ND has cold winters, warm dry summers with thunderstorms. Best time to visit is summer for wildflowers/wildlife.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is ideal for families due to its variety of educational programs, picnic areas, scenic train rides, and easy trails. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, while offering a more rugged wilderness experience, is ideal for families interested in wildlife viewing and horseback riding. CVNP is more accessible with young children, while TRNP may present challenges with some difficult to reach trails and backcountry areas. Overall, both parks offer family-friendly options, but Cuyahoga is the better choice for families with young children.