Hiking at night is a treat that we seldom have the opportunity to enjoy. Here in Ohio, most parks close at dark... which is probably for the best, as hiking at night is dangerous. Right? As it turns out, if you pick a familiar trail, hike with a buddy system, and bring a flashlight, night hiking can be endlessly rewarding. This is particularly true in the winter months when it gets dark by dinnertime throughout much of the state. If you're longing for night hiking near Cleveland, there's one incredible place with parks open around the clock. Pack your trail mix and flashlights, because today we're going to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), a beautiful national park near Cleveland!
Most people have experienced the majesty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park by day, but it's just as beautiful after dusk falls.
The parks and most attractions at Cuyahoga Valley National Park are open all year long, and most sections of the park are open day and night. A few areas do close at dusk, of course, including Brandywine Falls, Kendall Lake, and the Ledges.
Bring your binoculars, because you never know WHOO you'll see taking advantage of nature's nighttime splendor.
With over 32,500 acres of space, Cuyahoga Valley National park is a magnificent place to explore.
If you're looking to plan a night hike here, make sure to visit during the day to get to know the trail before you explore it in the dark. Remember that nighttime alters depth perception for many, and it can often make even familiar places feel strange. Ranger-led night hikes do take place on select occasions, so keep your eyes on the CVNP calendar for any topics of interest.
Beaver Marsh is one of many places in the park that grows vibrant after sunset, becoming a haven for birdwatchers and nocturnal critters alike.
However, the entirety of the park hosts a wide variety of nature... even in the winter months.
Among the native species of interest here, you may encounter seven species of bat, three species of moles, and a seemingly endless array of birds. As night falls, you also have a possibility of running into critters like coyotes and skunks, so make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and make an effort to keep distance between yourself and wildlife.
While many areas close out of an abundance of caution at night (such as at the Ledges, where one could easily overlook the darkness beyond a cliff's edge after dusk), it's always a wise idea to check for current conditions and alerts before you pay the park a visit.
And remember to respect all native creatures you encounter and leave nothing behind but footprints.
It is also seriously important to take a group with you if you are planning a night hike. With such a vast array of wilderness, phones may not get the best signal in the case of an emergency. Being cognizant of "stranger danger" is of utmost importance as well. Cool of the Wild has a great list of safety tips for a successful night hike.
Prepare to embrace the wonder of night hiking near Cleveland, because CVNP's landscape will enchant you to the core.
When it comes to night hiking near Cleveland, Ohio's only national park is the place to go. Have you ever gone on a full moon hike or a nighttime bird watching adventure? When was the last time you paid a visit to this national park near Cleveland? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Love exploring beautiful places near Cleveland? We have so many amazing places to go, don't we? There's even more to see and do around Cleveland -- plan one day trip each month in the upcoming year to make the most of the local landscape.
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