Cuyahoga Valley in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Shoulder · VisitWhen score 62/100 · #5 of 12 months
November is a solid shoulder-season month to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park: crowds run 46% of the July peak (171,342 average visits). Weather: highs average 49°F and lows 32°F, with 3.0″ of precipitation and 9.9 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Cuyahoga Valley in November
- Insulated jacket, beanie and glovesSee it on AmazonWhy: nights average 32°F, below freezing.
- Packable rain jacketSee it on AmazonWhy: 3.0″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- HeadlampSee it on AmazonWhy: only 9.9 hours of daylight in mid-November.
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Cuyahoga Valley in November: what the park service says
Cuyahoga Valley is open every day of the year, but in November's short days the dusk closures matter more. The park service closes several popular spots from dusk until the morning opening: Brandywine Falls, the Ledges, the Octagon, Kendall Lake, the Happy Days south parking area and the Kendall Hills area on Quick Road. Other areas stay open around the clock, and individual facilities keep their own seasonal schedules.
Source: NPS, checked 2026-11-05.
Crowds in November
Cuyahoga Valley averages 171,342 recreation visits in November — 46% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.
Weather & daylight
Days are cool (highs average 49°F), and nights drop below freezing (lows average 32°F). Average precipitation is 3.0″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 9.9 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station STOW 4 SE, OH US (9 mi from park coordinates, 1,060 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for Cuyahoga Valley in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 32°F, below freezing
- Packable rain jacket — 3.0″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 9.9 hours of daylight in mid-November (compare other options)
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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If your dates are flexible, consider shifting: The computed best months for Cuyahoga Valley are April and May.
Also at their best in November
Other parks whose computed November verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Canyonlands in November — 35% of peak crowds, highs 55°F, score 72/100
- Mammoth Cave in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 72/100
- New River Gorge in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 54°F, score 72/100
- Petrified Forest in November — 45% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 72/100
Common questions
Is Cuyahoga Valley crowded in November?
Moderately: November runs 46% of the July peak, averaging 171,342 visits (NPS, 2021–2025). See every month at Cuyahoga Valley.
What is the weather like in Cuyahoga Valley in November?
Average highs of 49°F, lows of 32°F, 3.0″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, STOW 4 SE, OH US station). Compare it with other national parks in November.
What should I pack for Cuyahoga Valley in November?
Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves; Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page. Going in December instead? Cuyahoga Valley in December has its own list.
See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-24