10 Most Scenic Hikes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Tucked between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is more than just a beautiful escape—it's my backyard. As a local who hikes here year-round, I’ve come to appreciate not just the views and quiet forest paths, but the subtle, ever-changing details that make this park special. From mossy ravines to rolling meadows, from roaring waterfalls to tranquil ponds, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a fantastic range of scenery packed into its 33,000 acres. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to rediscover old favorites, these are my picks for the 10 most scenic hikes in the park—trails that showcase the heart, soul, and natural beauty of Ohio’s only national park.

The Ledges Loop

Hiking the Ledges Loop is a beautiful trek through some of Cuyahoga Valley’s most dramatic landscapes—jagged sandstone cliffs, winding woodland trails, and an overlook that peers out onto the valley. You’ll find yourself climbing up rugged stone staircases, pausing to admire the moss‑clad rock formations and leafy overhangs. In spring and summer, sunlight filters softly through the forest canopy, while in fall, pops of orange and gold frame the rocks in vivid contrast. By the time you complete the roughly 2.5-mile loop, you’ll feel invigorated—sweaty from the climb, awed by the scenery, and grateful for every moment spent exploring the cant-miss part of the park.

For hike details and photos, visit Exploring the Ledges Trail: Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Most Scenic Hike.

Blue Hen & Buttermilk Falls

The trail to Blue Hen Falls is a gentle descent through rustling forests until the rushing cascade emerges, framed by rugged rock walls and dripping moss—it’s an intimate, refreshing moment in the heart of the valley. A short and scenic stroll further downstream lands you at Buttermilk Falls, where water tumbles more broadly over smooth ledges, creating a serene, misty amphitheater perfect for a quiet rest or picnic. Together, these waterfalls offer a delightful contrast—Blue Hen’s secluded charm and Buttermilk’s graceful cascade—making the pair an ideal mini-adventure through some of the park’s most enchanting terrain.

For hike details and photos, visit Buttermilk Falls: Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Most Scenic Waterfall.

Brandywine Falls Gorge Loop

Hiking the Brandywine Falls Gorge Trail is like stepping into a living postcard—the park's largest waterfall, lush greenery, and the roar of water echoing through the gorge. The path meanders through the gorge, ultimately offering a sweeping view of the 65-foot waterfall as it crashes dramatically into the rocky plunge pool below. The trail’s wooden boardwalks and staircases bring you close enough to feel the mist on your face without sacrificing safety, and the surrounding forest buzzes with the energy of nature—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the constant rush of flowing water. It's a sensory-rich stroll, perfect for photographers, families, and anyone drawn to the sheer power and beauty of one of Cuyahoga Valley’s most iconic waterfalls.

For hike details and photos, visit Hike to Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Plateau Loop

Hiking the Plateau Trail offers a peaceful, wooded escape with a bit of everything—rolling terrain, dense forest, and glimpses of the park’s diverse ecology. The 5-plus mile loop winds through quiet beech, oak, and maple groves, with stretches of hemlock providing shade and a sense of solitude. Occasional boardwalks and footbridges cross over muddy patches and small streams, while gentle inclines keep the hike engaging without being too strenuous. Wildlife sightings are common—deer, birds, and the occasional fox—and in fall, the trail blazes with brilliant color. It’s a trail that feels remote, even though it’s just minutes from nearby towns.

For hike details and photos, visit Looking for Solitude in Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Try the Plateau Trail.

Tree Farm Loop

Tucked away in the heart of the park, the Tree Farm Trail offers a peaceful escape into Ohio’s rich woodland scenery. The 2.8-mile loop winds through fields of Christmas trees, open meadows, pine and hardwood forest, and beside the picturesque Horseshoe Pond, making it a favorite for hikers seeking solitude, seasonal color, or a short family adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a first-time visitor, the Tree Farm Trail delivers a scenic slice of the park’s diverse landscape in a short, rewarding hike.

For hike details and photos, visit Rooted in Beauty: Hiking Cuyahoga Valley's Tree Farm Trail.

Oak Hill Loop

Hiking the Oak Hill Trail offers a quiet, woodsy escape perfect for a peaceful walk or short trail run. The 1.6-mile loop winds through a mix of pine, beech, oak, and maple forest, with gently rolling terrain that’s easy to navigate but varied enough to stay interesting. The trail is generally less crowded than more popular spots in the park, making it a great option for solitude seekers. Seasonal wildflowers, songbirds, and the occasional deer add to the natural charm, while spur trails connect to the longer Plateau Trail for those looking to extend their adventure.

For hike details and photos, visit Short & Sweet: Hiking the Oak Hill Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Salt Run Loop

Hiking the Salt Run Trail is a delight for anyone seeking a lush, varied woodland experience. Beginning near the Pine Hollow trailhead—an inviting hub perched atop the boot-shaped Kendall Hills—you trek through a tapestry of oak, hickory, beech, and graceful pines before the path dips into fern-carpeted ravines beside skunk cabbage–lined springs. The trail’s rolling hills and occasional log steps deliver a satisfying challenge, offering glimpses of wildlife like deer, turkeys, and songbirds. But it’s Pine Hollow itself that steals the show—this scenic meadow-and-pine‑dotted hollow, planted during the 1930s by the CCC, gently transitions hikers from open grasslands into dense forest, creating a timeless, almost magical sense of place.

For hike details and photos, visit Cuyahoga Valley's Salt Run Trail: A Scenic Hike with Roots That Run Deep.

Kendall Lake Loop

Hiking the Kendall Lake Loop offers a peaceful, scenic walk through shaded woods, wetlands, and quiet clearings that circle a serene lake. This gentle 1.5-mile loop is perfect for a relaxed stroll or a short nature escape, with wooden bridges, occasional muddy patches, and the soothing presence of birdsong and rustling leaves. As the day winds down, Kendall Lake becomes an ideal spot to catch a colorful sunset—the sky often lights up in pinks and oranges, reflecting off the water and creating a tranquil, picture-perfect end to the day.

For hike details and photos, visit Reflections & Roots: Hiking the Kendall Lake Loop in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Whether you're hiking or biking, the Towpath Trail through Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a beautiful journey steeped in history, nature, and tranquility. Following the historic Ohio & Erie Canal bed, you’ll pass antiquated locks—like scenic Lock 26 & 29, and Beaver Marsh. Here, the path transitions onto a raised boardwalk winding through wetlands alive with frogs, turtles, waterfowl, otters, muskrats, and the occasional beaver dragging branches into view. Midweek mornings or late afternoons are magic for spotting wildlife in the golden light. Beyond the marsh, the trail continues along the peaceful canal corridor, with forested stretches, open meadows, and river views—ideal for a relaxed pedal or stroll. All in all, the Towpath delivers a perfect blend of gentle exercise, living history, and ever-changing wildlife encounters.

For hike details and photos, visit Bikepacking the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.