Cuyahoga Valley and Zion National Parks are two of America’s most stunning natural wonders, each offering its own unique blend of breathtaking scenery and adventure. Cuyahoga Valley, located in Ohio, is a peaceful retreat filled with rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering streams. On the other hand, Zion in Utah is a rugged, awe-inspiring landscape of towering cliffs, stunning canyons, and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or an adrenaline-fueled excursion, these parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the beauty and excitement of Cuyahoga Valley and Zion National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Zion National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP and Zion NP offer diverse hiking experiences for visitors. In Cuyahoga Valley, the Towpath Trail is a 20-mile, easy hike that follows the Ohio & Erie Canal and offers scenic views. More experienced hikers can tackle the Ledges Trail, a 4.4-mile hike through rock formations. Zion NP has two iconic hikes: Angels Landing, a strenuous 5.4-mile hike with narrow paths and steep drop-offs, and The Narrows, a challenging hike through a narrow canyon with waist-deep water. For easier options, visitors can hike the Riverside Walk, a 2.2-mile trail along the Virgin River with cliff views. Both parks offer a range of trails for varying skill levels, with stunning natural beauty to enjoy.
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 Zion National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing Trail | 6598.294 | 492.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk | 2896.812 | 62.7888 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Zion Canyon Overlook Trail | 1609.34 | 64.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Trail | 4988.954 | 196.9008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Subway Trail | 11265.38 | 397.764 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Weeping Rock Trail | 482.802 | 23.7744 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Zion Narrows Trail to Imlay Temple and Big Spring | 13840.324 | 1268.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2092.142 | 34.7472 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 4667.086 | 184.7088 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Hidden Canyon Trail | 4828.02 | 283.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Zion National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is home to a diverse range of wildlife including white-tailed deer, Eastern coyotes, beavers, foxes, and over 300 species of birds such as the great blue heron, the pileated woodpecker, and the scarlet tanager. The park also boasts a rich variety of native plants and flowers such as the trillium, the mayapple, and the wild columbine.
In contrast, Zion National Park in Utah offers a different type of wildlife experience, with species such as the desert bighorn sheep, the Zion snail, and the Zion Canyon snail, along with over 200 species of birds such as the California condor and the Peregrine Falcon. The park is characterized by its desert and canyon ecosystems, featuring plants like the Joshua tree and the yucca.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Zion National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Zion 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 | 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 |
Mammals
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Zion 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 | Black Bear |
| Hoary Bat | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mink | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Gray Fox | House Mouse |
| Badger | Mountain Lion |
| Masked Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Red Squirrel | Gray Fox |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Virginia Opossum | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | American Badger |
| Red Bat | Ermine |
| White-Footed Mouse | California Myotis |
| Norway Rat | Fringed Myotis |
Amphibians
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | Woodhouse’s Toad |
| Wood Frog | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Gophersnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Terrestrial Gartersnake |
| Common Garter Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Eastern Milk Snake | Common Sagebrush Lizard |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Insects
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| European Cabbage White | |
| Buckeye |
Fish
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Zion National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Northern Bluegill Sunfish | Brown Trout |
| Northern Fathead Minnow | Speckled Dace |
| Golden Shiner | Channel Catfish |
| European Carp | Goldfish |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eastern Burbot | |
| Central Mottled Sculpin | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Zion National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP boasts rolling hills, scenic waterfalls (e.g. Brandywine Falls), Ledges Trail with towering cliff formations, and views. Zion NP is famous for red rock cliffs (Great White Throne, Angel’s Landing), Narrows slot canyon, and Riverside Walk trail along the Virgin River.
Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Zion National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and Zion National Park (ZNP) offer diverse recreation options attracting different types of visitors. CVNP is known for its scenic railway, drives along scenic routes, kayaking, fishing and picnicking. ZNP is famous for its breathtaking rock formations, drives with stunning views and challenging hikes. While both parks offer outdoor activities, ZNP is a top destination for experienced hikers and rock climbers, while CVNP is more suitable for those seeking less strenuous pursuits such as leisurely walks and picnicking. Both parks are popular for nature and outdoor activities, but the range of activities and level of difficulty vary.
Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Zion National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) in Ohio has a moderate, humid continental climate while Zion National Park in Utah has a semi-arid climate. CVNP has cold to warm winters with avg 32°F (0°C) & hot, humid summers with avg 73°F (23°C). It has precipitation throughout the year, with highest in spring & summer. Zion has hot summers with avg 89°F (32°C) & mild winters with avg 42°F (6°C). It gets most of its precipitation in the form of flash floods from late spring to early fall.
The best time to visit CVNP is in fall for peak foliage, while spring is best for mild weather & wildflowers in Zion. Both parks are best for outdoor activities in spring & fall, as summer temperatures can be extreme. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes in Zion, including potential flash floods.
Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Zion National Park
Cuyahoga Valley NP and Zion NP both offer family-friendly activities, but differ in what they offer. Cuyahoga offers scenic railway, easy trails, and picnic areas. Zion has stunning canyons, majestic mountains, and activities such as hiking, camping and horseback riding, but some trails can be strenuous. For families with younger children, Cuyahoga is likely better, while Zion is better for older kids and teens who enjoy adventure.