Moderate

Buckeye Trail

Big-woods ridge, Blue Hen Falls, and an easy Towpath return.

Distance8 mi

Typical time4 hr

DifficultyModerate

PetsAllowed

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.

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

Parking

Primary parking at Red Lock trailhead to start the loop; additional parking and amenities at the Boston Store area (Boston Mills).

Caution

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.