Ledges / Pine Grove Loop

A short trail run along massive sandstone cliffs that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Trail Running Moderate

Distance: 5.8 km
Ascent: 87 m
Descent: 87 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 269 m
High Point: 320 m
Gradient: 2˚

Other than the popular waterfalls hikes and runs, the Ledges Trail tops the list as one of the most stunning loops in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Popular among hikers, the trail is only ~2.5-miles in length, so trail runners often pair the trail with the Pine Grove Loop to form this (mapped) 3.5-mile loop. Several other trails intersect the network if you're looking for something longer. Outside Online even ranked it as the best hike in Ohio in 2019!

Ledges at Cuyahoga Valley National Park Photo: Erik Drost

Cuyahoga Valley: Ledges Trails Photo: daveynin

Cuyahoga Valley: Begin of Ledges Trail Photo: daveynin

Description

According to the NPS, "The Ledges drew many visitors in the 19th century who came here to recreate and play. One of those, wealthy industrialist Hayward Kendall, purchased the area and set it aside to become the Virginia Kendall Park."

In addition to the Pine Grove Trail, "the two-mile Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga National Park skirts the tops of sandstone cliffs that tower a couple hundred feet above the Cuyahoga River," according to Outside Online. A vista atop the tree line offers spectacular views and can be especially stunning if you plan your run around sunrise or sunset.

Given the area's popularity, there is a large trailhead with plenty of parking. In the event that it's full, there are two other trailheads that can access the trail. One is at the shelter on Octagon Road, the other on Streetsboro Road to the north.

Sources: https://www.nicolekathryn.com/blog/9-best-hikes-in-cvnp https://www.outsideonline.com/2393036/50-best-hikes-us https://www.nps.gov/cuva/the-ledges.htm