Looking to stretch your legs and enjoy some scenic views? The Cuyahoga Valley National Park trails have you covered! With trails passing through forests, meadows, and along the river, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re a serious hiker or just out for a leisurely stroll, here are some of the best hikes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Brandywine Falls Trail
Trailhead: 8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067
Distance: 1.5 miles
Type: Loop trail
Cuyahoga Valley National Park has several amazing waterfalls, and Brandywine Falls is one of them. If you want to only see the waterfall, you can follow the boardwalk from the parking lot straight down to the falls. Another option is to follow the Brandywine Trail loop for a relaxing walk around the valley and back up to the waterfall.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a place to stay in Cuyahoga Valley, you can reserve a room at the Inn at Brandywine Falls. It’s right off the trail for Brandywine Falls, meaning you have almost instantaneous access to Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s centerpiece waterfall.
Ledges Trail
Trailhead: 405 Truxell Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Distance: 1.8 miles
Type: Loop trail
If you like rocks and rock formations, the Ledges Trail is one for you. The 1.8 mile loop takes you through a collection of sandstone ledges and cliffs. You’ll also find an unhindered overview of the Cuyahoga Valley. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can shimmy through some of the different cracks in the rock and discover extra passageways. Can you find the carvings of the horse and faces along one of the passages?
Plus, Ledges is one of the best Cuyahoga Valley National Park trails for those wet days when many others are muddy and inaccessible.
Beaver Marsh on the Towpath Trail
Trailhead: Ira Trailhead: 3801 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264 OR Hunt House Trailhead: 2054 Bolanz Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Distance: From Ira: 0.3 miles (hike towards Hunt House / Peninsula); from Hunt House Trailhead: 1.1 miles (hike towards the Ira trailhead)
Type: Out and back trail
If you’re looking for some of the best marsh landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you need to stop by Beaver Marsh. If you park at Ira, it’s only 0.3 miles to the start of the boardwalk. It’s one of my favorite places for a sunrise! There are benches along the boardwalk, giving you plenty of space to simply sit and watch the nature around you. Beaver Marsh is home to ducks, geese, turtles, fish, herons, and so many other creatures.
Since Beaver Marsh is part of the Towpath trail, it gets a lot of traffic. You’ll be sharing the trail with hikers, runners, and cyclists. Make sure you’re aware of what’s going on around you.
Blue Hen Falls Trail
Trailhead: 1508 Boston Mills Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Distance: 3 miles
Type: Out and back trail
If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenging hike that pays off, Blue Hen Falls is a good choice. You’ll follow the Buckeye Trail towards the Jaite trailhead, up and down several hills. But when you reach the water fall, you’ll have the opportunity to scramble down and see it at its base. Bring some food and have a picnic there!
Because of the trailhead’s proximity to the Towpath, Buckeye Trail, and Blue Hen Falls, it can fill up fast. However, there’s additional overflow parking and parking at the visitor center. Speaking of, when you’re done with your hike, stop by the visitor center and share some ice cream with your friends!
Pine Lane to Boston Mills loop trail
Trailhead: 1281 Pine Lane, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Distance: 8 miles
Type: Loop trail
This is one of my favorite loops when I want a longer run or hike. It’s not a heavily trafficked trail; as you head out from Pine Lane, it feels almost remote. If you want the reminder of civilization, though, you can still hear the highway in the background.
Start at the Pine Lane trailhead and follow the Buckeye Trail towards Boston Mills. There are several hills and a stream crossing. When you reach Boston Mills, you’ll meet up with the Towpath. If you’d like, take the .1 miles into Boston Mills and get ice cream at the visitor center. Additionally, you can extend your loop by visiting Blue Hen Falls as well.
When you’re ready to head back to your car, follow the Towpath to Peninsula. Get off the Towpath there and follow the Buckeye Trail again through the little town, and up the brick road to your car at the Pine Lane trailhead.
This is a great hike if you’re training for some larger backpacking trips. I spent many hikes here as I was training for my Appalachian Trail thru hike.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Trails
For a full list of the trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, visit the park website. You can also find important information about trail closings, events, and other park updates there.
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