Mar 25

Mar 25 Hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Post Summary: The top trails to hike in Ohio’s only National Park.

Arguably some of the best trails in Northeast Ohio are located right here in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There’s over 125 miles of hiking here, including over 20 different trails along with the Buckeye, Valley, and Towpath trails. With stunning views of waterfalls, lakes, evergreen trees, ledges, and more, who wouldn’t want to hike here?

I know Ohio and Cuyahoga Valley National Park probably aren’t high on your list of places to hike at, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some pretty awesome trails here. I’m pretty lucky that I only live about 20-30 minutes away from the park, so I’ve been able to hike all the trails here. Most of the trails range from mostly flat to hilly and some trails get muddier than others after a rainfall. Ticks can be found on some trails in the summertime and there’s lots of bugs (like gnats!) on muggy weather days.

Below are my top 9 trail recommendations - happy hiking!

Blue Hen Falls Trail

Definitely the trail you’ll want to hike if you like waterfalls. The hike used to be quick and easy, but the park is redoing the parking situation so now you’re required to begin the hike at the Boston Mill Visitor Center. The waterfall isn’t as impressive when compared to Brandywine Falls, but it is beautiful in its own way and totally worth the hike.

Length: 2.7 miles, out & back
Difficulty: Difficult. Heavily trafficked.

>> Related: Northeast Ohio: The Fall Hiking Guide <<

Ledges Trail

Located on the eastern side of the park, you’ll start at the parking lot and head down past the Ledges Shelter. From there you’ll see the trail markers. Obvious from the name, the Ledges Trail will take you through the massive ledges where you can admire them (don’t climb) and learn some history. It’s a pretty wooded area too. You’ll eventually come across the overlook for stunning views above the trees. It’s not a difficult trail but you will be going up and down steps or rocks on the trail so just watch your footing.

I recommend extending this trail to the Pine Grove Loop, it’s another 1.5 miles and totally worth it even though you hike away from the ledges for that part.

Length: 2.2 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Heavily trafficked.

The Ledges Trail was ranked as the #1 trail in the state of Ohio by Outdoor Magazine in 2019.

Brandywine Gorge Trail

Simply park at the Brandywine lot and either head down the boardwalk to the falls or take the trail on the left. It doesn't matter which direction you begin since it all connects, but I like to hike the trail first and finish with seeing the falls. Brandywine Falls is the most popular spot in the park so on any given day you’ll find a full lot unless you go early in the morning or late in the day. Luckily, most people tend to just go down the boardwalk to the falls instead of hiking the trail.

This awesome trail will take you all around the Brandywine Gorge and eventually the namesake waterfall. In some of the lower spots, you can find some smaller waterfalls in the creek and some great views of the gorge at the top of it. Overall an easy trail, you might run into a higher heart rate going up the gorge but it’s nothing too strenuous.

You could also include the Stanford trail, which will add about 1.5 miles to your hike. That trail begins at either Stanford House or shortly after beginning the gorge loop.

Length: 1.3 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Heavily trafficked.

Salt Run Trail & Kendall Lake Loop

You’ll start at the Kendall Lake parking lot and take the Lake Trail around until it connects to this trail. This trail is more hilly and can get pretty muddy, but this is a gorgeous trail and is a great workout. Technically these are two different trails but the Lake loop is so short you may as well hike it as well.

I’d also add the Cross Country trail to add a few more miles since it’s pretty easy.

Length: 4.4 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Moderately trafficked.

Plateau Trail

This is a great trail for bird watching and hiking through the woods. You’ll come across some gorgeous spots among the trees. It’s a fairly popular trail, although every time I go it’s not that busy. It’s a mostly flat trail with some spots you’ll want to watch out for since it can get pretty muddy. Definitely check out this trail if you want to burn some calories.

It also connects to the Oak Hill Trail which is a smaller loop in the middle of Plateau, if you wanted to take a shorter hike.

Length: 4.9 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Moderately trafficked.

>> Related: 5+ Trails Near Cleveland To Hike This Winter <<

Furnace Run Trail

This fairly short trail starts at the Everett Road Covered Bridge where you’ll climb up some steep steps before leading you through the woods. There’s no special scenic views along the trail, but it’s still pretty and has a lot less traffic than others.

If you want more miles, I’d recommend adding the nearby Perkins or Riding Run trails for a more challenging hike.

Length: 1.7 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Lightly trafficked.

Tree Farm Trail

One of my favorites, this loop will take you through what used to be an old tree farm (hence the name). You start at the Horseshoe Pond parking lot (make sure to check out the beautiful pond) and take the first trailhead closest to the lot. It’s great for wildlife watching. Honestly no matter the time of year it will be muddy, even if it hasn’t rained for days, so wear boots that are waterproof. It’s also a little overgrown on the trail so don’t forget to put on bug spray.

Length: 2.8 miles, loop
Difficulty: Easy. Moderately trafficked.

Boston Run Trail

A lesser-known trail in the park, but one that shouldn’t be overlooked. Like other trails in the park, it can get close to the road in some sections, but the beauty of the trail makes up for it. The trail begins across the street from the Happy Days Lodge in the large parking lot. There is a shortcut if you wish to shorten your hike here.

Length: 3.1 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Lightly trafficked.

Wetmore Bridle Trail

A lesser trafficked trail, partly because it’s a bridle trail. But this is the perfect trail if you need a good workout. It has plenty of hills and it can be difficult in some spots. There are a few creek crossings, but the water level depends on the recent rain. Definitely worth checking out.

You could also add the Langes Run to add a few more miles to this hike.

Length: 4.7 miles, loop
Difficulty: Difficult. Lightly trafficked.

Other Trails to Hike in the Area

If you’re looking for more trails, then consider checking out the following Cleveland and Summit Metroparks. While these trails are maintained and technically in those respective parks, they do lie within the boundaries of the CVNP so the parks all work together on them.