Exploring a National Park Near Cleveland

Even though you’re a dad with a young child, you can still get out and see nature. When my husband was at a conference in Canton, Ohio, and my son was one I took the opportunity to explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The park was filled with waterfalls, canyons and lots of hiking opportunities. We might have the opportunity to check this park out again in a few weeks when we head out this way once more. Here I’ll talk about how it went for the first time here!

Preparing for the Hike

Before you set out to go hiking with a toddler on your back you should practice. I worked on putting him in and out of the baby carrier backpack on our road by our house. Then I went to a nearby dirt trail area at a state park that included wooden steps to practice my walking with it and him. I found this prepared me for the trip.

When you are at your hiking destination give yourself plenty of time to adjust straps and fit the toddler in. It can be awkward at times to get him on your back. I looked for a grassy spot to do this on since sometimes doing this was not the easiest.

Make sure that he is positioned comfortably behind you. You could be walking awhile with him there and you don’t want back pain when you get back to the car.

How the Hike Went

My first hike was a little outside the national park. I checked out the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek at Viaduct Park. This turned out to be the largest waterfall and most interesting hike.

It is not well known, so I found myself exploring the area on my own, which added to a quiet moment with the kid. My son was secure on my back in the pack and the paths were wide enough to wander with him.

The 15-foot waterfall is wide with cascading water. Along with the falls, you find the viaduct built-in 1865 over Tinker’s Creek gorge. The viaduct is built over a long arched tunnel constructed over the creek.

You will also find ruins of the dam and a millrace. The gorge is impressive with smaller falls and cascades about the falls.

I found a tunnel that my son and I went through, which was fun, it was easy for him since he was little then. I had to crouch down to get through the tunnel and halfway crawl to follow him through. He loved it. This waterfall was off the beaten path but it was my favorite.

Seeing Brandywine Falls

The most well-known falls in the national park are 65-foot Brandywine Falls. The water fans out as it tumbled down the cliffside and you can hear it before you come to it. I love the bubbling sound of waterfalls.

You can explore the area by steps and boardwalk, which you can navigate with a kid on your back.

A large rounded boardwalk lookout gives you an expansive view of the falls.

Parking can fill up, but I was out early on a weekday so it was not a problem, you might try to visit early so you can find a place to park and have the falls mostly to yourself.

Always remember the earlier you go in summer hiking the cooler it is for you and the kid.

Checking Out Bridal Veil Falls

Next, we explored Bridal Veil Falls, it is a small wide waterfall with a small walk from the parking area nearby. I did not stay too long at this stop since I wanted to do some more hiking and we were both getting hungry.

Finding a Place for Lunch

I chose the Tinker Creek Road Tavern. I chomped down on a club sandwich and chips. The view of Tinker Creek flowing through the rocks below was worth the stop. It felt as if I was out west and not near Cleveland. You can even here the creek flow below. This was a scenic spot for a quick lunch.

Take A Break with a Toddler

We stopped at the Canal Exploration Center where you can learn how canals were once the “interstate” highway of their day. There were canal-themed activities and most of all it was air-conditioned. For a toddler, this was a stop that allowed him to interact with displays. You will find an interactive touch screen and you can steer a boat through the canal. Kids can dress up in canal-era clothes and the exhibits allow for kids to play around. My son found the most fun checking out a cabinet with what might be found on a canal boat. This was a good way to give him some time to play around indoors before we headed back out for a final hike.

Don’t Do Too Much

The last place we explored in the park was the Ledges. You take trails down below from the field and parking area above. You scamper around the rock ledges around you.

I should have skipped doing this at the end of the hiking day. I was tired of all the short hikes we had done earlier. It was scenic enough, but not as nice as seeing the waterfalls.

I would recommend doing this on a separate day or not at all with a little one on your back. If you have a young kid, they might find the rock formations fun to walk around, but not a place for a toddler to be on foot.

Final Thoughts

I found, for the most part, this was an awesome day for hiking with a little one. There are other activities, such as a train line that goes through the park, but I did not partake in this activity. My focus was on spending a day here hiking with the little guy behind me. I think it is important for even a toddler to be out in nature and seeing the beauty of the world first hand even if it is on the back of your daddy or mommy!

If you have suggestions when traveling with a kid please feel free to leave comments below. Happy Trails!