Cuyahoga Valley National Park may not be at the top of everyone's National Park bucket list, but if you find yourself in the area, the Ledges Trail is a must-explore. This easygoing trail winds through stunning rock formations and vibrant foliage, offering a beautiful display of nature in northern Ohio
Trail Info
Know before you go
The trail can get icy in winter. It's still a doable year-round hike, but conditions can vary.
There is no entrance fee for the park, and dogs are allowed on this trail, which isn't the case at most National Parks. Another great reason to stop by and bring your pup!
Alternate routes
Adding on the Pine Grove Trail or starting from Kendall Lake lets you cover more distance and get a few more steps in.
Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls are two other popular trails in the park.
The Trail
The trailhead is located at the end of the main parking lot. The Ledges Trail forms a large loop around the parking area, so you'll need to choose which direction to start in.
I made the first right and followed the trail clockwise. The beautiful rock formations start pretty quickly. This is a hike where there's no need to rush. Soak it all in and enjoy the colors and smells.
It felt like I had barely started hiking before reaching one of the trail's landmarks, the Ledges Overlook. While the views are partial, it offered a nice spot to take in some of the surrounding landscape. I'm sure this spot would be stunning during foliage season
For me, the highlights of the hike came after the lookout, when the ledges came into full view. This section also had the most unstable footing, with some roots and rocks, but for a short trail with minimal elevation gain, it was a nice way to keep you on your toes.
The rock formations here felt towering, their massive presence making me feel small in comparison. Standing next to them, it was easy to appreciate their age and sheer scale, a reminder of the forces of nature that shaped them over time.
But without a doubt, my favorite shot of the day was this one. The morning rays streamed through the canopy, casting light on the moss-covered rocks and making their vibrant greens pop. It was a perfect moment of serenity and beauty all in one.
SS Reflections
Cuyahoga National Park is what I'd call a "Drive-By National Park." It's probably only worth the trek if you're in the area or passing through. While it does offer some unique history and geology, it doesn't quite have the same grandeur as some of the other 62 parks (though it’s probably more captivating than places like Hot Springs and Indiana Dunes).
That said, I had a lovely few hours here. The Ledges Trail was unlike any other, with its fascinating textures and rock formations. The freshness and vibrance of the trail made me feel fully immersed in the experience. Sure, there weren’t towering peaks or sweeping vistas, but that’s what made it special. Sometimes, it’s the subtle uniqueness of a place that leaves the most lasting impression—it's not always about grandeur, but the quiet, unexpected beauty that makes a hike feel personal and memorable.
Other helpful resources
Local love and wanderlust's post about this trail
NPS official webpage about the trail