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There are over 125 miles of hiking trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. These trails range from nearly-level to more challenging, and pass through various habitats including woodlands, wetlands, and old fields. Some trails require you to cross streams with stepping stones or log bridges, while others, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, are nearly level and are accessible to all visitors. A portion of the state-wide Buckeye Trail also passes through the park.
Visit our Maps page for maps of the park and of certain trail areas. Several books and leaflets, including Trail Guide: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 3rd Edition, contain helpful information about hiking in the park. This book is published by the and is available for purchase at Boston Mill Visitor Center.
Ask a ranger at Boston Mill Visitor Center about borrowing hiking poles to use in the park. Hiking poles are available first-come, first-served. No matter where you choose to hike, please be mindful of your impact on plants, animals, and other people. We recommend trying to "Leave No Trace."
Hiking Recommendations
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 The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.  The Brandywine Gorge Loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning views of Brandywine Falls along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.  Blue Hen Falls is a popular hike-in destination in the Boston area. Hikers can reach the waterfall via the Buckeye Trail from Boston Mill Visitor Center. Learn more about this popular hilly hike.  These short walks along the Towpath Trail explore many highlights of the valley’s lowlands. They are recommended for people who have mobility disabilities, are visiting with children, or have limited time.  Three short walks in the Everett area offer sensory activities that appeal to children or individuals with autism. They include tactile and audio exhibits.
Trail Details
Find detailed information about each trail, including trail length, surface type, elevation change, and more.
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Length (miles)
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Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location(s)
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Towpath Trail
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19.5
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Hiking: up to 10
Biking: 2.75
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135
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firm, flat, crushed limestone
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Yes
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There are 10 trailheads which provide parking and access to the Towpath Trail.
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Learn more about the Towpath Trail.
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Length (miles)
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Hiking Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair
Accessible
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Trailhead Location(s)
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Egbert Picnic Area to Alexander Road
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6.1
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3.5
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90
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hilly and rocky
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No
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On Gorge Parkway 0.4 miles northwest of Egbert Road in Bedford Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks).
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Alexander Road to Frazee House
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1.5
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.75
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200
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hilly and rocky
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No
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On Alexander Road 0.2 miles west of Dunham Road in Walton Hills, OH.
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Frazee House to Station Road Bridge
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2.5
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1.25
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8
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firm, flat, crushed limestone
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Yes
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On Canal Road 3.5 miles south of Rockside Road in Valley View, OH.
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Station Road Bridge to Jaite
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7
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3.5
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200
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hilly and rocky
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No
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Station Road Bridge Trailhead is located off of Riverview Road 0.2 miles south of Chippewa Road (S.R. 82) in Brecksville, OH.
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Jaite to Boston
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5.6
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3
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250
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hilly and rocky
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No
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Red Lock Trailhead is located on Highland Road 1/2 mile east of Riverview Road. (Vaughn Road becomes Highland Road)
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View a map of the trail on our Trail Maps page.
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Length (miles)
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Hiking Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location(s)
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Boston to Pine Lane
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4
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2
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240
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hilly and rocky
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No
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Boston Trailhead is located on Boston Mills Road 0.2 miles east of Riverview Road in Boston, OH.
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Pine Lane to Everett Covered Bridge
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4.1
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2
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150
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hilly and rocky near Pine Lane, firm flat the rest of the trail
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No
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Pine Lane Trailhead is on State Route 303, 1/2 mile east of Akron-Peninsula Road in Peninsula, OH.
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Everett Covered Bridge to Botzum Trailhead/Train Station (via Towpath and Buckeye Trails)
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3
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2
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160
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hilly and rocky on northern part of trail, firm flat the rest of the trail
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No
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Everett Covered Bridge Trailhead is located on Everett Road 1/2 mile west of Riverview Road near Everett, OH.
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View a map of the trail on our Trail Maps page.
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Length (miles)
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Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead location
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Frazee House to Station Road Bridge
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3
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Hiking: 1.25
Riding: 1
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8
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firm flat, crushed limestone
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Yes
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On Canal Road 3.5 miles south of Rockside Road in Valley View, OH.
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View a map of the trail on our Trail Maps page.
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Length (miles)
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Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location
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Brecksville Reservation to Boston
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6.9
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Riding: 2.5
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400
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hilly, dirt
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No
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On Cleveland Metro Parkway 1/2 mile southeast of Valley Parkway in Brecksville, OH.
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Boston Trailhead to Wetmore Trailhead
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9.25
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Riding: 3.5
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400
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hilly, dirt
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No
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Boston Trailhead is located on Boston Mills Road 0.2 miles east of Riverview Road in Boston, OH.
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Wetmore Trailhead to Everett Covered Bridge
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2.75
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Hiking: 1.5
Riding: 1
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40
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rolling hills, dirt
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No
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On Wetmore Road 0.6 miles east of Akron Peninsula Road in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Wetmore Trailhead parking lot is primarily for horse trailers. More parking for hikers is available at Pine Hollow, 5465 Quick Road.
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View a map of the trail on our Trail Maps page.
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Length (miles)
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Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location
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Old Carriage Trail
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5.25
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Hiking: 2.5
Skiing: 1.5
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180
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hilly, rocky
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No
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Red Lock Trailhead is located on Highland Road 1/2 mile east of Riverview Road. (Vaughn Road becomes Highland Road.)
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Length (miles)
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Hiking Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location(s)
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Stanford Trail
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1.5
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1.25
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190
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hilly, rocky
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No
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Stanford Trailhead is located on Stanford Road 1/2 mile north of Boston Mills Road in Boston, OH.
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Brandywine Gorge Loop
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1.4
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1
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160
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hilly, rocky
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Wheelchair accessible to the first boardwalk overlook. A spur off the main boardwalk has numerous steps.
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Brandywine Falls Trailhead is located on Brandywine Road 1.7 miles north of Hines Hill Road.
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View a map of these trails on our Trail Maps page. Learn more about Brandywine Falls.
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Distance (miles)
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Hiking Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location(s)
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Ledges Trail
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2.2
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1.5
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80
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rocky, some steps
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No
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Ledges Trailhead is located on Kendall Park Road 1 mile west of Akron Cleveland Road or 2.2 miles east of Akron Peninsula Road (Truxell Road turns into Kendall Park Road.) in Boston Heights, OH.
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Pine Grove Trail
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2.2
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1.25
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105
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flat, dirt
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No
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Pine Grove Trailhead is located on Kendall Park Road 1.3 miles west of Akron Cleveland Road or 2 miles east of Akron Peninsula Road (Truxell Road turns into Kendall Park Road.) in Boston Heights, OH.
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Forest Point Trail
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0.5
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0.5
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Minimal
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flat, dirt
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No
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Forest Point Trailhead begins at Octagon Shelter on Kendall Park Road 1.3 miles west of Akron Cleveland Road or 2 miles east of Akron Peninsula Road (Truxell Road turns into Kendall Park Road.) in Boston Heights, OH.
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Haskell Run Trail
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0.5
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0.5
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70
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a big hill, rocky
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No
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Haskell Run Trailhead is located behind Happy Days Lodge on State Route 303, 2 miles east of Peninsula and 1/2 mile west of State Route 8 in Boston Heights, OH.
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Boston Run Trail
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3.4
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Hiking: 2
Skiing: 1.5
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80
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hilly, rocky
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No
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Boston Run Trailhead is located in the overflow parking lot of Happy Days Lodge on State Route 303, 2 miles east of Peninsula and 1/2 mile west of State Route 8 in Boston Heights, OH.
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View a map of these trails on our Trail Maps page. Learn more about the Ledges.
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Length (miles)
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Hiking Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location(s)
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Cross Country Trail
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2.5
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Hiking: 1.5
Skiing: 1
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160
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rolling hills, dirt
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No
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Kendall Lake Trailhead is located on Kendall Park Road 1.6 miles west of Akron Cleveland Road and 1.5 miles east of Akron Peninsula Road (Truxell Road turns into Kendall Park Road.) In Boston Heights, OH.
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Lake Trail
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1
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0.75
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Minimal
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flat, dirt (some stairs)
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No
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(see above)
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Salt Run Trail
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3.25
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2
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160
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rocky, hilly
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No
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(see above)
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View a map of these trails on our Trail Maps page. Learn more about the Kendall Lake area.
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Length (miles)
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Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location
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Tree Farm Trail
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2.75
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Hiking: 1.5
Skiing: 1
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80
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flat, dirt
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No
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Horesehoe Pond Trailhead is on Major Road 0.7 miles west of Riverview Road in Peninsula, OH.
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View a map of the trail on our Trail Maps page.
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Length (miles)
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Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location(s)
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Oak Hill
Trail
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1.4
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Hiking: 0.75
Skiing: 0.50
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50
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dirt, flat
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No
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Oak Hill Trailhead is on Oak Hill Road 0.9 miles south of Major Road in Peninsula, OH.
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Plateau Trail
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4.6
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Hiking: 2.5
Skiing: 1.5
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200
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dirt, flat (one big hill)
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No
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(see above)
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View a map of these trails on our Trail Maps page.
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Distance (miles)
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Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location(s)
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Wetmore Trail
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4.6
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Hiking: 2.5
Riding: 1.5 hours
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250 feet
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rolling hills, dirt
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No
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Wetmore Trailhead is on Wetmore Road 0.6 miles east of Akron Peninsula Road in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Wetmore Trailhead parking lot is primarily for horse trailers. More parking for hikers is available at Pine Hollow, 5465 Quick Road.
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Langes Run Trail
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3.3
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Hiking: 2.5
Riding: 1.5
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190
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rolling hills, dirt
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No
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(see above)
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Butlers Trail
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0.7
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Hiking: 0.3
Riding: 0.3
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150
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rolling hills, dirt
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No
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(see above)
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Tabletop Trail
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0.7
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Hiking: 0.5
Riding: 0.3
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100
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rolling hills, dirt
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No
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(see above)
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View a map of these trails on our Trail Maps page.
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Distance (miles)
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Time (hours)
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Elevation Change (feet)
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Trail Surface
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Trailhead Location
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Riding Run Loop
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5.6
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Hiking: 3
Riding: 2
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260
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hilly, dirt
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no
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Everett Covered Bridge Trailhead is located on Everett Road 1/2 mile west of Riverview Road near Everett, OH.
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Furnace Run Loop
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1.9
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Hiking: 1
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240
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hilly, dirt
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no
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(see above)
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View a map of these trails on our Trail Maps page. Learn more about the Everett Covered Bridge.
Trailhead Information
Showing results 1-10 of 23
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 The far corner of the main parking lot for Happy Days Lodge provides access to Boston Run Trail. This 3.1-mile loop explores the woods and ravines along a headwater stream of the Cuyahoga River.  The Village of Boston grew up alongside a canal on the east side of the Cuyahoga River and a railroad on the west side of the river. Boston Store Trailhead provides limited mobility parking on the east side. Use it to access the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and refreshments at Boston Store. This small trailhead does not accommodate over-sized vehicles.  The Village of Boston is a crossroads for hikers, cyclists, runners, paddlers, and horse riders. Boston Trailhead provides parking for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, Valley, and Buckeye trails. Paddlers may park their vehicles at the trailhead after unloading equipment at the Cuyahoga River Water Trail drop-off. Horse trailers are permitted. However, the parking lot was not designed to accommodate them, and it can be a challenge to navigate.  Botzum Trailhead is a large parking lot and the southernmost access to the Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Named for a prominent settler, Botzum was part of a string of communities that grew up along the canal and railroad. This section of the towpath attracts exercise enthusiasts. It is 2.5 miles north to Beaver Marsh to view wildlife. Head south through a commercial district. The towpath intersects Cascade Valley and Sand Run metro parks in 2.5 miles.  Explore the power and beauty of the 60-foot Brandywine Falls from this location. Extend your visit by walking the 1.4-mile Brandywine Gorge Loop or 1.5-mile Stanford Trail. The trailhead also provides access to Summit Metro Parks’ Bike & Hike Trail.  Stop by this information kiosk to learn what there is to do in the area around Canal Exploration Center.  For almost a century, the original Everett Covered Bridge provided safe crossing over Furnace Run. Today’s bridge was reconstructed after a 1975 flood. The trailhead provides access to the bridge and nearby trails. The 5.6-mile Riding Run Trail is open to pedestrians and horses. The 1.9-mile Furnace Run Trail is a walking trail popular for viewing spring wildflowers.  The Haskell Run Trail is a ½-mile loop trail that explores a creek that feeds the Cuyahoga River. The creek’s deep, wooded ravine attracts abundant birdlife. Visit in April and May to enjoy spring wildflowers. The trail also connects Happy Days Lodge with the Ledges area.  The Horseshoe Pond area was once part of the historic Bishop Farm. By the second half of the 1900s, the Bishops were planting and selling Christmas trees. Take the Tree Farm Trail to see how nature is reclaiming these old fields.  Hunt House is in the Village of Everett, a type of rural crossroads community that was once common across America. Family-friendly exhibits at Hunt House explore village life and the lives of wild plants and animals. From Hunt House continue a quarter mile north to Lock 27 for another peek into the crossroads community. Beaver Marsh, popular for wildlife watching, is three-quarters of a mile south.
More Hiking Nearby
There are even more trails within the boundary of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The following areas are managed by local park districts:
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