Pros & cons
PROS
- Easy connector to the Ledges for a big scenery upgrade without moving your car
- Historic cemetery and creek bridges add character to a very short loop
CONS
- Can feel underwhelming on its own if you’re seeking standout vistas
- Stairs and winter ice can make the short climb surprisingly slick
Park at Happy Days Lodge main lot (500 W Streetsboro Rd). Use the pedestrian tunnel under SR 303 to reach the trail; parking behind the lodge is reserved for accessible/drop-off.
Icy in winter and slick after rain; stairs and rocky spots require careful footing. Stay on trail and be respectful near the cemetery.
Overview
Haskell Run is a short, easy loop through a cool, shaded ravine carved by a healthy tributary of the Cuyahoga River. The official distance is 0.5 miles total with about 70–80 feet of climbing; many hikers track closer to ~0.7 miles. Plan on 15–30 minutes if you’re just doing the loop. Expect a few rocky and muddy patches, two wooden bridge crossings, and a memorable pass by the historic Mater Dolorosa Cemetery.
What You’ll See
This is a compact sampler of Cuyahoga Valley’s stream-cut scenery: a deep, forested gully with a lively creek, spring wildflowers, and birdsong in summer. In fall, the ravine glows with color; in winter, snow outlines the rocks and footbridges. The cemetery adds a quiet, historic moment—move respectfully and stay on the signed path.
Trail Experience
From the main lot, you’ll descend steps, use the pedestrian tunnel, and quickly enter the woods. The loop meanders along the ravine, crosses the creek on two bridges, skirts the cemetery fence, and then climbs back out—finishing with a set of stairs toward the open field by the tunnel. Surfaces can be rocky or muddy after rain; traction is helpful if it’s icy.
Getting There & Parking
Park at the main Happy Days Lodge lot (500 W. Streetsboro Rd/SR 303). Use the pedestrian tunnel under SR 303 to safely reach the trail. Limited accessible parking and drop-off are behind the lodge; general parking is across the road. Trail info is posted at the kiosk near the accessible lot.
Best Times to Hike
It’s a pleasant year-round walk. Spring brings abundant wildflowers; summer is shaded and birdy; fall colors can be excellent; winter is pretty but often slick—go slow and consider traction. Weekends see more traffic; aim for early morning or weekdays for quieter laps.
Add-Ons If You Want More
A short connector mid-loop leads to the Ledges—dramatic Sharon Sandstone and Conglomerate cliffs with a 1.8-mile loop. A popular moderate option is the ~2.7-mile Ledges loop via Haskell Run. From the same parking area, Boston Run offers a longer, moderate 3-mile-ish circuit through mixed forest and meadows.
Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; expect stairs and occasional mud/rocks.
- Dogs are allowed on-leash.
- Don’t pick wildflowers or ramps; stay on trail and be respectful near the cemetery.
- In winter, this loop can be icy—microspikes make it safer.
Elevation
0.5 mi · 30 minWhere it starts
41.2299, -81.5084Wildlife on this trail
Near Haskell Run Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayHappy Days LodgeHistoric CCC lodge for events with trails at the doorstepTrailhead · Restroom
0.2 mi awayBoston Run TrailheadShady loop into a cool headwater ravine with distinctive birchesTrailhead · Parking
0.2 mi awayBoston Run TrailShady ravines, gentle hills, and a mellow streamside forest loopModerate · 3.3 mi · 1.2 hr
0.4 mi awayPine Grove TrailShady pine loop that beats Ledges crowds without the dramaEasy · 2.2 mi · 48 min
0.4 mi awayLedges ShelterHistoric group shelter beside signature sandstone ledgesTrailhead · Restroom
0.4 mi awayOctagon ShelterHistoric octagonal picnic hub with easy trail access and fireplacesTrailhead · Restroom
0.4 mi awayLedges TrailMossy sandstone corridors and a sunset-worthy overlook loopModerate · 2.4 mi · 1.2 hr
1.2 mi awayLake TrailEasy lakeside loop with wildlife and quick connections to bigger hikes.Easy · 1 mi · 36 min
