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Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Best Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

106 reviews


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Seasonal Popularity

Overview

Cuyahoga Valley is Ohio's only national park. But with over 125 miles of hiking trails, access to the Cuyahoga River and the Eerie Canal, and dozens of native plant and animal species, this park proves that quality is more important than quantity.

Getting Started

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is about a 30-minute drive south of Cleveland. If you're new to the area, make a stop at the visitor center to learn about the park and get some recommendations for things to do.

If you want to stretch your legs, the Towpath Trail is a great place to start for riverside views, scenic bridges, and mellow, shady walking. Or, for a hike with bigger scenic payoff, try taking this 4.8-mile stretch of the Stanford Trail to 65-foot Brandywine Falls.

In the winter, you can connect a number of trails via skis or snowshoes, but this easy 2.6-mile cross-country ski loop makes a good quick jaunt. Alternatively, bring a sled to Kendall Hills by the Pine Hollow parking area for a day of fun where you're never too far from the car (and a way to warm up kiddos' cold fingers).

If you want to stay overnight, be sure to reserve a site ahead of time. There are several primitive campsites within the park, in addition to five other campgrounds nearby.

When to Go

The park is open year-round, though some facilities are closed in winter.

Spring and fall offer the mildest temperatures. You'll also find wildflowers blooming in spring and brilliant red and yellow foliage in the fall (colors usually peak around mid-October). If you go in summer, consider seeking relief from the often-humid temperatures by planning your hikes for early or late in the day, or by planning a canoe or kayak trip on the Cuyahoga River. Even in winter there's plenty to do if you don't mind braving the cold. You can rent cross country skis and snowshoes from the Winter Sports Center.

Permits

Currently, Cuyahoga Valley National Park charges no entry fee. However, the park does encourage visitors to make a donation to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park help fund community events and conservation efforts.

Dog Info

Leashed pets are allowed in most areas of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For more details on where they are and aren't allowed, visit the national park website.


Resources

  • nps.gov
  • wikipedia

  • Hiking Trails (54)
  • Reviews (106)
  1. 1
    Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.4 mi
  2. 2
    Plateau Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 4.7 mi
  3. 3
    Brandywine Gorge Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.3 mi
  4. 4
    Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.9 mi
  5. 5
    Linda Falls Loop via Sagamore Creek Loop Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.7 mi
  6. 6
    Linda Falls via Sagamore Creek Loop Trail and Buckeye Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.5 mi
  7. 7
    Buckeye Trail: Boston to Pine Lane
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 4.8 mi
  8. 8
    Octagon via Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.8 mi
  9. 9
    Overlook Loop via Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.3 mi
  10. 10
    Kendall Lake via Salt Run Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.7 mi
    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    rachelshanower 11 months, 2 weeks ago
    Track (5/31/21, 12:45:06PM)
    Really interesting scenery & rocks. Beautiful hike & will definitely be back again: I’ll probably just try to come on an off day/time because it was pretty busy which isn’t my favorite for a scenic hike. Overall, really beautiful & easy to follow.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Sharkbiteblue 1 year, 1 month ago
    Brandywine Falls - staff meeting
    Nice easy hike with beautiful falls and wild flowers.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jktudhope 1 year, 2 months ago
    Track (3/15/21, 5:22:03PM)
    Gabby- 2 stars—blue, rainbow ice cream, lost little and had to go back and find him. Got a horse stuffy and a coyote- that look like a dog. Gwendolyn- 5 stars - no hills or roots, and I road in the stroller- and we started with a trip to the trail mix Peninsula store- and bought a slap bracelet bat and a snake Henry- 5 stars - no hills, -road in stroller- Snow hills from the ski resorts Daddy- 2.5 stars - it was flat -by a river, not muddy Mommy- 2 stars -it was flat but the scenic reviews we’re crowded with junk roped off / old broken not use brighes - maintenance dump - became interesting as we got closer to Brandywine sky resort—& started at Boston hills sky resort...
    ★ ★

    user_profile
    jktudhope 1 year, 2 months ago
    Happy Days lodge(3/13/21, 2:43:47PM)
    It was nice that the ground was fairly dry… With just a little bit of mud-good early spring Trail-I liked doing one part of a hike I’m going back to the car changing up clothes and then going to the other half of the hike— it was good to do the small part first by the lodge and then the large hike... do not think the kids would have wanted to continue the small hike if we did the large one first
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    loveboundselkie 1 year, 2 months ago
    Kendall Hills and Tabletop Trail
    Not the most exciting hike, but some nice scenery. Gets muddy in places, so hike in the dry season.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    susan.crowell 1 year, 2 months ago
    Cross country Trail, Cuyahoga Valley national park
    This is an easy loop hike, although I did it in the winter when it was very icy. Well marked. Mostly wooded with one meadow. Interesting tunnel and history about a toboggan run that used to be here (removed in 1990, if I remember the sign correctly). Could be added with the Lake Trail and Salt Run Trail for longer loop. Parking lot at trail head.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    caitbourque 1 year, 4 months ago
    Wetmore Trail
    Super muddy! But worth it.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    fsheline 1 year, 7 months ago
    Twin Sisters Waterfalls
    Up the run till you can go no more
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    natloveskara 1 year, 8 months ago
    Boy Scouts octagon
    This is a pretty flat hiking trail behind the octagon in Cuyahoga Valley national Park.
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    dpginger92 1 year, 10 months ago
    Camp Butler Lake Loop via Ledges Trail
    We had an awesome hike! The rock formations and leaves are pretty cool and definitely very different than other trails in the park! It’s short and sweet.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeffery 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/10/19, 12:53:33PM)
    After loosing my mother we laid her to rest I needed the trail magic to ease my troubled soul.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Roam 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/6/19, 12:03:32)
    Excellent
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Roam 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (9/20/19, 19:03:29)
    Sweet
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Roam 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/5/19, 19:17:44)
    Excellent!!!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jktudhope 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (8/24/19, 1:42:55PM)
    Henry said 4 because because he liked walking fallen trees and finding rocks...
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    MelanieW 2 years, 9 months ago
    Buckeye Trail: Blue Hen to Columbia Rd. 8/9/19
    The Buckeye Trail is in excellent condition through this stretch. Trail climbs up from Blue Hen Falls and plateaus before winding down through a hemlock grove toward Columbia creek.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Mark 1 month, 1 week ago
    Camp Butler Lake Loop via Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jacob 1 month, 2 weeks ago
    Ledges Trail 12/21/21
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Roam 2 months, 1 week ago
    Track (8/15/19, 18:48:27)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    taybarnesmusic 4 months, 2 weeks ago
    Pine Lane, Peninsula to Brandywine Creek, Sagamore Hills, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    taybarnesmusic 4 months, 3 weeks ago
    Pine Lane, Peninsula to Brandywine Creek, Sagamore Hills, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    bernardos.deandrade 7 months ago
    Track (10/17/21, 1:17:36PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    maudsley.eric 7 months, 2 weeks ago
    Track (10/3/21, 9:15:09AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    taragoode 7 months, 3 weeks ago
    Track (9/26/21, 10:39:26AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jeremy.l.kimble 9 months, 3 weeks ago
    Brandywine Falls via Stanford Trail
    ★

    user_profile
    MeaganRice 10 months, 1 week ago
    1000 Truxell Road, Peninsula to Virginia Kendall Park Lake Dam, Boston, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    aharlow 10 months, 3 weeks ago
    Track (6/28/21, 6:32:23AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    aharlow 10 months, 3 weeks ago
    Track (6/28/21, 6:32:23AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    ingersollj 11 months, 2 weeks ago
    Track (11/29/19, 10:50:58AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    rachelshanower 11 months, 2 weeks ago
    Camp Butler Lake Loop via Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    RonGPS 11 months, 3 weeks ago
    Bridal Veil Falls Overlook Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    taragoode 12 months ago
    Track (5/11/21, 7:43:39PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    dwunderle67 1 year, 1 month ago
    Track (3/28/21, 9:23:48AM)
    ★

    user_profile
    jkrejsa 1 year, 2 months ago
    Track (2/21/21, 10:17:56AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jkrejsa 1 year, 3 months ago
    Track (2/6/21, 11:05:25AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    taragoode 1 year, 3 months ago
    Red Lock
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    caitbourque 1 year, 4 months ago
    Camp Butler Lake Loop via Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    taragoode 1 year, 4 months ago
    Boston and Haskell Run
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    ousleyj100 1 year, 4 months ago
    Brandywine Falls Gorge - family
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    kthsnyder 1 year, 5 months ago
    Track (12/12/20, 9:11:10AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    ousleyj100 1 year, 5 months ago
    Tinker's Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook to Parallel Universe, Walton Hills, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    fcom4155 1 year, 5 months ago
    Track (11/22/20, 7:18:05AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    MelanieW 1 year, 6 months ago
    Coyote Hill Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Bralekeco 1 year, 6 months ago
    501 W Streetsboro Rd, Peninsula, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Christian 1 year, 7 months ago
    Bedford Reservation
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    harri2al 1 year, 7 months ago
    Red Lock Trailhead Loop via Buckeye Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    kschadick 1 year, 7 months ago
    Brecksville reservation orienteering
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    harri2al 1 year, 7 months ago
    Shady Knoll Picnic Area Loop via Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Ian 1 year, 8 months ago
    Sept 8 2020
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    bac2830 1 year, 8 months ago
    Track (8/29/20, 4:45:24PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    blast we 1 year, 9 months ago
    Big Oak Tree Loop via Brandywine Gorge Trail and Bike and Hike Trail
    ★ ★

    user_profile
    szetobry 1 year, 10 months ago
    River View Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    wdcroft 1 year, 10 months ago
    Salt Run
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    szetobry 1 year, 10 months ago
    Camp Butler Lake Loop via Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    szetobry 1 year, 10 months ago
    Brandywine Falls via Stanford Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    szetobry 1 year, 10 months ago
    Brandywine Out and Back
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    rriddell6 1 year, 10 months ago
    Kendall Lake Loop via Salt Run Trail and Cross Country Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    aryastark940 1 year, 11 months ago
    Bedford - George pkwy
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jlc.enterprises 1 year, 11 months ago
    Canal Exploration Center to Sagamore Creek, Valley View, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    taragengler 1 year, 11 months ago
    Shady Knoll Picnic Area Loop via Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    d126102 2 years ago
    Track (5/10/20, 10:49:36AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jcline740 2 years ago
    Track (5/2/20, 9:44:28AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    steveforro 2 years ago
    Hiking with the family
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    hlquintana05 2 years, 1 month ago
    Track (4/11/20, 9:15:36AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    MelanieW 2 years, 1 month ago
    Kendall Lake via Salt Run Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jwbader98 2 years, 2 months ago
    Track (3/6/20, 8:48:38AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Michael 2 years, 2 months ago
    Blue Hen Falls via Buckeye Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    rcsoltko 2 years, 4 months ago
    Track (1/2/20, 10:44:18AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeffery 2 years, 4 months ago
    Lockdown
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeffery 2 years, 4 months ago
    Bedford
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeffery 2 years, 4 months ago
    Bedford
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeffery 2 years, 4 months ago
    Bedford
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    kkickel1 2 years, 4 months ago
    Chippewa Creek, Brecksville to Old Carriage Trail, Sagamore Hills Township, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeffery 2 years, 5 months ago
    Tree farm
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    rcsoltko 2 years, 5 months ago
    Track (11/28/19, 11:09:48AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    rcsoltko 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/16/19, 11:01:24AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeffery 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/11/19, 12:17:26PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    chuccnguyen 2 years, 6 months ago
    Salt Run (11/10/19, 7:37:05AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeffery 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/3/19, 11:36:24AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    johnturleygeo 2 years, 6 months ago
    Tree Farm Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile Gaia GPS staff
    Melanie 2 years, 6 months ago
    Ledges Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    katerina.edwards44 2 years, 6 months ago
    4653 Wetmore Rd to Valley Trail, Boston Township, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    saragtice 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/16/19, 12:30:20PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    david.clingingsmith 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (9/28/19, 10:40:38AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    yenibahar.vs 2 years, 7 months ago
    Pine Grove Trail & Ledges Trail (10/4/19, 10:48:07AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jktudhope 2 years, 7 months ago
    Ledges
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Bralekeco 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/12/19, 6:11:45PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    katerina.edwards44 2 years, 8 months ago
    -9 Kendall Park Rd, Boston Township to Connector Trail, Boston Heights, OH, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Tom Kearns 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/7/19, 11:30:25AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    katerina.edwards44 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (8/30/19, 3:58:04PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Vince R 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (8/25/19, 12:51:08PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    DanLeonard 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (8/17/19, 12:04:07PM)Ledges Trail, Pine Grove, Kendall Lake Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Roam 2 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/16/19, 19:12:52)
    ★

    user_profile
    brady.elizabeth.a 2 years, 9 months ago
    Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    jktudhope 2 years, 10 months ago
    Ledges Area Trails
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    Jeff Lange 2 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/11/19, 10:56:15AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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