Susan B. Barnes

Special for USA TODAY

Within close proximity to Cleveland and Akron in Ohio is a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of an urban lifestyle - Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Cuyahoga River winds through the park’s nearly 33,000 acres, including waterfalls, rock formations that date back millions of years, forests, rolling hills and sweeping farmlands. There’s a little bit of everything in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The park was designated Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area in December 1974, and received national park status 26 years later, in October 2000; more than than 2.2 million people visit annually. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled these 10 tips, in no particular order. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open 365 days a year; some areas of the park close at dusk, while others remain open 24 hours a day. Entrance to the park is free of charge, but donations are appreciated.

1. It’s a Bird: Ornithologists and casual bird watchers alike will want to have their binoculars focused during a visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park’s varied landscapes make ideal homes and migration stops for about 250 bird species, 28 of which have been deemed a concern for conservation and for which the park is an important habitat. And of significant birding news, bald eagles have returned to the park after a 70-year absence.

2. Paddle Away: The Cuyahoga River, which winds through the park, is actually 100 miles long and provides loads of opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Within the park, three temporary access points have been made available: Boston Store Visitor Center, Red Lock, and Station Road Bridge Trailhead. Before setting out, however, note that the park staff does not maintain the river for paddling, and you should paddle at your own risk. If you’d rather have someone else be in charge when you’re out on the river, opt to join a guided tour instead.

3. Go Fish: More fun on the river can be found at the end of a fishing line. Fishing is indeed permitted within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, along the Cuyahoga River and even on the park’s lakes and ponds. More than 65 species of fish can be found within the park, which encourages catch-and-release fishing. Prior to casting your line, be sure and review the park’s fishing regulations, the first of which is that a fishing license is required.

4. Take a Hike: As within many national parks, hiking is a popular outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by everyone who visits Cuyahoga Valley National Park. More than 125 miles of hiking trails traverse through woodlands, wetlands and fields, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which is accessible to everyone. You’ll even find some easier, family-friendly hikes for the littlest hikers.

5. Ride a Bike: In addition to hiking, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is terrific for bicycling too, and is one of five major bicycle trails found within the park. Another popular trail, this one for off-road cyclists, is the East Rim Trail, the first of its kind in a national park.

6. All Aboard: Perhaps one of the most unique ways to get around a national park is onboard a train, but that’s just what you can do on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The roundtrip National Park Scenic Excursion is three hours long, or hop off and explore the park by foot before hopping back onto the train to return to the start.

7. Tee Up: Another unique way to experience Cuyahoga Valley National Park is by playing a round of golf. You can tee up at one of four privately-managed public golf courses within the park for a different type of national park experience.

8. Look Up: Even with its close proximity to urban areas, night sky viewing is terrific within the park. Park rangers suggest spotting Mercury at Beaver Marsh, and the Aurora Borealis have been spotted from the Pine Hollow parking area’s views to the north.

9. Stay the Night: With plenty to do all around Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you may decide to make it more than a day trip when visiting. In addition to camping (by reservation), there are two lodging options within the park: the nine-bedroom Stanford House, and the six-room Inn at Brandywine Falls bed and breakfast.

10. More to Do: In addition to the scenic train and golf courses located within the park’s boundaries, you’ll also find a ski resort, an outdoor living history museum, and a series of parks that are part of area parks systems, all of which add can add to your visit.

For more on Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and to help with trip planning, download the free Chimani app to your smart phone to easily navigate your way around the park.