A short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park feels worlds away as a refuge for native plants and wildlife and a place of discovery for visitors. Its winding Cuyahoga River passes through deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands, and the Towpath Trail follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Spring brings rain, warming temperatures, new leaves, blooming wildflowers, and visitors eager to get out on the trail. Summer can be humid, with temperatures ranging from 49 to 95 degrees F, so dressing in layers is advisable. Fall temperatures can range from the low 70s during the day to freezing at night, and fall foliage often peaks in mid-October. In winter, weather can change rapidly because of lake effect snow from Lake Erie, with temperatures varying from the mid-30s to below zero.