The Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ledges is our favorite trail at CVNP

We are lucky enough to live a short drive from Ohio’s only National Park! Cuyahoga Valley National Park has only been established since the 1970s, but it still offers a diverse amount of four-season activities. The Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is our absolute favorite trail – possibly our favorite hike in NE Ohio.

The Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park combines some of my favorite elements of a hike – it has great scenery, is fairly safe for families (i.e. Mom’s anxiety), and offers convenient amenities like toilets & parking.

Today I’m sharing with you the route that we enjoy! It takes in the best elements of the Ledges Trail but is easy on little legs. Hiking with kids at Cuyahoga Valley National Park can be done, but sometimes it is nice to tweak your route to better suit your family.

Our 5 favorite spots at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Tips for hiking The Ledges Trail with kids

The Ledges Trail is typically a 2.2-mile loop trail. From Kendall Park Rd turn onto Ledges Road and park.

Our favorite part of the hike is the eastern side of the trail, which passes the Ice Box Cave and the beautiful stone steps built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Here is the website for the CVNP Map. Below, I’ve highlighted the route we prefer to take.

CVNP Ledges Trail Map:

Trail map for The Ledges at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Follow the red markings to see the trail we like to take.
Ledges Trail CVNP
The views in Cuyahoga Valley National Park look otherworldly, but you’re only minutes from Cleveland & Akron.

The large stone walls make you feel so small! It’s hard to believe that you’re just minutes from Cleveland and Akron. Cuyahoga Valley National Park and The Ledges Trail are so close to major interstates, but you feel as though you’re miles away from the world.

Our favorite trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the Ledges Trail.  Here are my tips for hiking there with kids.

Before you enter the loop, you’ll want to watch small children as you descend from the top of the stone ledges to the valley floor. Our children were 5 and up at the time and we felt “safe” while hiking with them. Use common sense and take kids by the hand in places that are steep. Overall, The Ledges hike is one that can be done with children.

I’d avoid taking toddlers on the trail unless you have them in a hiking pack or baby carrier.

Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Tips for visiting with kids

One of the most Instagram-worthy spots is the staircase built by the Civilian Corps during the Great Depression. Make sure you stop & take a photo.

Ready to hit the trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? I hope you enjoy The Ledges Trail as much as our family!

Ledges Trail Address:

405 Truxell Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264

Want to find more things to do in the area? Check out my favorite spots within CVNP and the beautiful waterfall Brandywine Falls. You may also be interested in the best Northeast Ohio hiking trails, Whipps Ledges, or free things to do in Cleveland with kids.

Where to stay near CVNP

Residence Inn by Marriott Akron FairlawnResidence Inn by Marriott Akron Fairlawn When you stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Akron Fairlawn in Akron, you’ll be near the airport, within a 15-minute drive of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Akron Civic Theater. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Akron? This hotel has facilities measuring 480 square feet (43 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.

We stayed at the Residence Inn Marriott Fairlawn- Check rates now. We love Residence Inns for their family-friendly qualities- check out the best hotel chains for families.

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Things to do in Ohio - Best hike in Ohio- The Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is our favorite trail for hiking with our kids!  Great scenery abounds.  Here are my tips for hiking the Ledges Trail with kids.
Things to do in Ohio - The Ledges Trail - Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Located near Akron & Cleveland, Ohio, here are my tips for hiking the Ledges Trail with kids.
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