Buckeye and Towpath Loop: Red Lock to Boston

This is the Red Lock–Boston circuit: a short access path from Red Lock joins the Buckeye Trail south to Boston, then a signed pedestrian connection reaches the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath for the northbound return. The park map labels the loop 8.1 miles; other route descriptions put it a little under eight, so plan for about eight miles. Allow roughly four to five hours with stops.

The Red Lock access path has shifted over time with floods and changes in the river. Follow current signs and blue blazes as the connector runs west through fields and across the railroad and roads before climbing into the woods. A blue-blaze jog near a radio tower is easy to miss; slow down at turns and check for the next marker rather than following a worn straight-ahead tread.

The Buckeye section is a narrow, hilly footpath. It climbs to the west rim on built steps, opens briefly along a utility corridor with long valley views, then drops into ravines and climbs out again. Expect rocky footing, creek crossings on stepping stones, and another steep stair climb near Boston. Hemlocks shade the Columbia Run ravine, where old homestead traces remain.

A signed side path reaches Blue Hen Falls near the southern end of the Buckeye section. The falls are a short detour rather than part of the mapped loop; return to the marked route before continuing toward Spring Creek and Boston.

Near Boston, follow the signed connection across the railroad and the pedestrian bridge over the Cuyahoga River to the Towpath behind Boston Store. The return north follows the old canal corridor and is much flatter than the Buckeye Trail.

Park at Red Lock Trailhead on Highland Road, about half a mile east of Riverview Road; the loop returns to the same access. Restrooms are available at Red Lock and in the Boston area. Dogs are allowed on this route on a leash no longer than six feet.