Cuyahoga Valley Hiking Trails
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| Cuyahoga Valley has a wide selection of differing hiking trails throughout its many units. A few of the more popular ones are described below. Hiking distances given below are total, roundtrip distances unless otherwise stated. Difficulties are only a general guideline, for an adult in good condition, and do not take into account trail length. |
(click map to open very large locator map of the hikes below)
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Blue Hen Falls |
| Length | 0.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderately Easy |
| Trailhead | Blue Hen Falls parking area |
| This hike begins from a small parking area off of Boston Mills Road. This is an easy hike other than the initial descent to creek level. A bit of scrambling around is necessary to get to the base, but there is a fine view of the falls from the fenced viewing area. This is a beautiful and easy falls to get to, and is an easy choice for anyone who likes waterfalls. In many ways it is more scenic (and almostly certainly less crowded) than the much better known Brandywine Falls. |
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Brandywine Gorge |
| Length | 1.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trailhead | Brandywine Falls parking area |
| This hike begins from a parking area off of Brandywine Road. This hike starts near Brandywine Falls and goes across a bridge above the falls before descending to creek level along the other side of the gorge. The trail crosses Brandywine Creek at the bottom on large stone columns; this may not be possible during times of very high water. If it is, the trail crosses a road and climbs back up to the parking area. Brandywine Creek, and its waterfall, is very scenic and one of the best hikes in the park. |
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Chippewa Creek Loop |
| Length | 1.5 miles |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trailhead | Chippewa Picnic Area |
| This hike begins from the Chippewa Picnic Area along Chippewa Creek Drive. This trail follows both shores of Chippewa Creek, crossing at a ford halfway through. During high water, this crossing won't be possible. During lower water, much of the creekbed itself can be explored. |
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The Ledges |
| Length | 2.2 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trailhead | Ledges parking area |
| This hike begins from a parking area in the Ledges section off of Truxell Road. This is a very interesting hike that loops down and through the locally famous Ritchie Ledges. The trail starts above the ledges, and then drops down below them. An interesting feature, Ice Box Cave, can be seen along the way. This hike has lots of shade and is a good choice on a hot day. |
