You’ll need to make more than one visit if you really want to enjoy fall colors at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. Different trees peak at different times, so each journey into this gorgeous forest offers a unique experience. Throughout October, maples, oaks, gums and dogwoods put on a splendid show you don’t want to miss. Photo at Blue Hen Falls by Craig Walton (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A dreamy picture of a sunrise along the Ohio & Erie Canal at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. Last fall, photographer Wookie Kim went on an epic 45-day trail running road trip, driving to more than 30 national parks – from Cuyahoga Valley to the Grand Canyon – and running a trail each day. Wookie says: “In all, I ran almost 500 miles of trails, gained 70,000-plus vertical feet, hit 33 states and had one unforgettable experience. It was the trip of a lifetime.” iPhone courtesy of Wookie Kim.

There’s something else in Cleveland that rocks – Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. It’s a quick drive from both Cleveland and Akron, so there’s no excuse not to #OptOutside this Thanksgiving weekend. Take a hike, ride the scenic railroad or bike the towpath trail. Blue Hen Falls is a popular destination, too. It’s an easy hike, so feel free to bring the family. Photo by Bob Trinnes (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Check out more amazing public lands near major cities: http://on.doi.gov/1MNd9Cv.

Did You Know: There are more than 400 national parks across the U.S. – from breathtaking landscapes to historical and cultural sites. To help people explore and connect with national parks near them, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation (goparks) launched #FindYourPark.

Check out some of the amazing pics of national parks above and visit findyourpark.com to learn more.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is gorgeous this time of year – and it’s only a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron! The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills and open farmlands. Beaver Marsh (pictured here) is a favorite location for watching wetland birds and other wildlife.

Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Gibson.

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Photo of Brandywine Falls by Amjad Zwaid

Much of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding lands were once part of the Great Black Swamp. The 1,500 square mile Great Black Swamp was a vast network of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The refuge manages about 6,500 acres of wetland, grassland, and wooded habitat. It provides valuable habitat for a diversity of waterfowl and other migratory birds, resident wildlife, and endangered and threatened species. It provides a place for people to enjoy wildlife-dependent activities and learn about the complexities of the natural world through education and interpretive programming. The refuge adds to the richness of the community by holding in trust a portion of the natural heritage of the Great Lakes ecosystem for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Photo of Brandywine Falls by Brian Frankforther (www.sharetheexperience.org)

There’s nothing quite like taking a walk through America’s great outdoors during a crisp, fall day. This photo is from Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio.

Photo: Tom Jones

Cold weather is on its way this week to Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio! When nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s, early morning hikers may encounter fog and/or slick trails in low areas, especially where wet leaves are present on the trail. As the temps drop even farther, watch for frost or light ice on steps and boardwalks. Wear shoes or boots with a sturdy hiking sole, and consider taking a walking stick for balance. Cold-morning walks can be a special treat under the coloring fall leaves.

Photo: Bob Fiala