Pros & cons
PROS
- Combines ridge solitude with a flat, scenic Towpath cooldown in one loop
- Packs Blue Hen Falls and historic canal features into a single outing
CONS
- Unbridged stream crossing can be hazardous or impassable after heavy rain
- Tall grass in places—wet feet from dew and higher tick pressure
Primary parking at Red Lock trailhead to start the loop; additional parking and amenities at the Boston Store area (Boston Mills).
Expect roots, rocks, and mud on the Buckeye; mosquitoes in warm, wet periods; an unbridged stream crossing that swells after rain; winter ice on steps and creek approaches.
Overview
This 8-mile loop stitches together the Buckeye Trail and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath for a satisfying tour of the park’s heartland. Expect a moderately challenging mix: a steep opening climb to a wooded ridge, a classic Buckeye singletrack traverse, a visit to Blue Hen Falls, and a flat, scenic Towpath cruise back along the Cuyahoga River. Plan on about 4 hours total for the full loop.
Route
Start at the Red Lock parking lot. Head south on the Towpath, turn onto Highland Road, then pick up the Buckeye Trail after the bridge. Blue blazes mark the route. The Buckeye winds through tall grass and across the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, climbs to a heavily wooded ridge with river-valley views, crosses Snowville Road, and continues to Blue Hen Falls before dropping into the Village of Boston. From Boston, rejoin the Towpath and follow it north—flat and fast—past old canal locks and the historic Jaite Paper Mill back to Red Lock.
What You’ll See
This loop is all about variety: shady hardwoods and evergreens on the ridge, ravines and creeks, and the park’s canal-era history on the Towpath. Blue Hen Falls is a lovely mid-hike payoff. Keep an eye out for birds overhead—bald eagles nest in the valley—and look for seasonal wildflowers along the Buckeye’s narrower tread.
Conditions and Difficulty
The Buckeye section is classic CVNP singletrack: narrow, rooty, and often muddy after rain. There’s an unbridged stream crossing that can be tricky or impassable when water is high. The Towpath portion is flat crushed limestone—great as a cooldown after the ridge. Trails are open year-round, but winter ice can make steps and stream approaches hazardous.
Logistics and Tips
- Parking and restrooms are available at Red Lock and at Boston Mills (Boston Store area). Parking can be tight at peak times—arrive early on weekends.
- Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash.
- Navigation is straightforward: follow blue blazes on the Buckeye and clear signage on the Towpath. Printed maps are available at Boston Mill Visitor Center; the NPS app can help on the go.
- Bring sturdy footwear for roots and mud, and bug spray—mosquitoes can be active, especially after wet weather.
Best Time to Hike
Spring and fall offer cooler temps, foliage, and fewer bugs. After heavy rain, consider postponing—water levels at the stream crossing rise quickly. Weekday mornings are the quietest; weekends see more Towpath traffic near Boston. Summer evenings can be beautiful once the heat eases, and winter days can be serene if traction is solid.
Elevation
8 mi · 4 hrWhere it starts
41.2628, -81.5569Wildlife on this trail
Near Buckeye Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayBlue Hen Falls TrailShort, hilly hike to a photogenic 15-foot waterfall from Boston MillModerate · 3 mi · 1.5 hr
0 mi awayBoston TrailheadBusy gateway to the Towpath, Buckeye, and Valley TrailsTrailhead · Parking
0.1 mi awayBoston StoreHistoric canal-town shop for snacks, ice cream, and trail breaksTrailhead · Restroom
0.2 mi awayCuyahoga Valley National Park Welcome SignClassic park sign and easy photo stop by Boston MillParking · Visitor Center
0.2 mi awayBlue Hen Falls via Buckeye TrailShort, hilly out-and-back to a pretty 15 ft falls on blue blazesModerate · 3 mi · 1.5 hr
0.2 mi awayBoston Mill Visitor CenterFront door for smart planning, hands-on exhibits, and souvenirsVisitor Center · Exhibit
0.6 mi awayStanford TrailHilly forest path to the falls, skipping the crowded main lot.Moderate · 3 mi · 1.5 hr
1.1 mi awayWildlife Woods TrailShort, quiet loop with a punchy hill and mellow meadow viewsModerate · 1.3 mi · 45 min
