Mud, Hills, and Solitude: Hiking Cuyahoga Valley's Wetmore Bridle Trail

The Wetmore Bridle Trail is a quiet, woodsy escape tucked entirely within the forested heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Shaded by a dense canopy of hardwoods, the trail winds through rolling terrain on a soft, often muddy path. It's a peaceful, backcountry-feeling hike, with towering trees, birdsong, and the occasional stream crossing setting the tone. There are no wide-open views here—just mile after mile of forested seclusion, perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural rhythm of the woods. The trail traces old horse paths and logging roads once laid out by previous landowners, including Tress and Peggy Pittenger. The Pittengers owned the now-defunct Blackacre Farm, where Peggy gained national recognition for breeding thoroughbreds. It's one of the most popular hiking trails in the national park, yet offers a surprising amount of solitude.

Trailhead elevation 856'

Water along Dickenson Run

Don't miss the old fence lines just after the junction with the Tabletop Trail

Hiking the Wetmore Bridle Trail

I arrive at the Wetmore Trailhead, named after Frederick and Emila Wetmore who once farmed this land in the 1800s. After tossing a liter of water into my pack, I set off. The large parking lot accommodates both standard vehicles and horse trailers—today, a few riders are already on the trail.

From the trailhead, I descend a gentle slope into a mixed hardwood forest. The grade soon steepens, and the path becomes rocky underfoot. I’m not usually a fan of bridle trails, but it’s been years since I’ve hiked Wetmore, and figured it was worth another look.

About a quarter mile in, I reach the start of the loop and, without much thought, choose to hike it clockwise. Throughout the national park, hikers may notice trail markers labeled "OA"—including here on Wetmore. These designate the Order of the Arrow Trail, a 13-mile route created by the Boy Scouts' honor society that links parts of the Wetmore, Salt Run, Pine Grove, Valley, Towpath, and Buckeye Trails.

Roughly a quarter mile farther, I come to an unbridged stream crossing. The opposite bank is steep and muddy, but I give it a go—attempting to jump across—only to slip right back into the ankle-deep water. A glance to the right and I notice a much easier way across. I laugh at myself and carry on.

From there, the trail climbs steadily along a ravine before leveling out along a ridge thick with tree roots.

True to its reputation, the Wetmore Trail is muddy, and today is no exception. Every few hundred feet, I skirt around puddles and soft patches, though none slow my pace.

Around the 1.5-mile mark, I cross a trickle of a stream—Dickenson Run.

A few hundred feet later, I cross it again before tackling a short but steep incline. Near the second creek crossing, large moss-covered stones mark the former foundation of a footbridge that once spanned the water. The NPS removed it years ago.

At the top, a connector trail branches off toward Pine Hollow Trailhead, home to some of my favorite hikes—Salt Run, Kendall Lake, and the Cross Country Trail.

Beyond this junction, the trail continues level for another three-quarters of a mile before plunging down to a footbridge over a small stream.

A climb follows, then another flat stretch. Old fence lines trace the left side of the trail while fragrant pines border the right—one of my favorite stretches of the hike.

Soon after, I pass through a quiet stand of tall pines and a forest floor soft with needles. It’s not quite the same as Salt Run's signature stretch, but it’s a welcome change from the dense hardwoods.

Eventually, the trail makes a steep descent to the valley floor, then levels out for the remainder of the hike, winding through light overgrowth along a narrow path.

While bridle trails aren’t usually my thing, Wetmore delivers on solitude and constant ups and down—exactly what I was looking for today. Would I hike it again? Probably, though next time I’d prefer to run it with Heather and link it to a Pine Hollow trail to mix in some different scenery. It’s one of her favorite trail runs—even if she takes a spill on it now and then.