Old Carriage Trail

Overview

If you like your Cuyahoga hikes quiet, shady, and a little brainy, Old Carriage is your move. The official loop is about 5.25 miles with modest rolling elevation and one notable climb. Most hikers start at Red Lock and include Towpath connectors, which pushes the day to roughly 5.7–6.0 miles total. Expect a broad, old estate carriage-way feel under hardwoods and pines, deep ravines, a couple of bridges, and a surprising dose of archaeology.

Route Snapshot

From Red Lock, warm up on the flat Towpath for roughly three-quarters of a mile before crossing a small bridge to start the loop. The first stretch climbs on a short paved segment, then turns to dirt and settles onto a mostly level ridge. You’ll pass deep, shaded ravines, cross a few creeks on footbridges, and encounter a signed spur to an “Overlook.” Manage expectations—the view is better when leaves are down. The loop descends back to the Towpath; turn right to close it out at Red Lock.

Why Hike It

This isn’t the park’s most photogenic trail, but it’s refreshingly low-key and historically rich. The tread is generally wide and easy to follow, making it a steady cruise once you’re on the ridge. After rains, expect mud and slick spots; in winter, icy patches add a little spice. Footwear with grip pays off.

History on the Ridge

You’ll pass interpretive signs for subtle Woodland-period earthworks—low earthen embankments and a shallow ditch built roughly 500–1100 AD. It’s a rare archaeological feature you can see on a standard day hike here. The route also traces carriage ways associated with the former Marshall Estate, which gives the trail its name.

Geology and Nature Notes

Ridges in this area are commonly capped by tough, quartz-pebble–rich sandstone, while lower layers include softer shales and sandstones carved into the ravines you’re skirting. Glaciers once reshaped this valley, so don’t be surprised by occasional erratic boulders and varied soils underfoot. Wildlife leans quiet but steady—deer browsing the understory, birds in the canopy, and bullfrogs along the Towpath wetlands. After wet spells, you may catch small seeps and trickles in the ravines.

Best Time to Hike

Year-round is fair game. Summer shade is excellent but can be buggy and muddy after storms. Fall color lights up the ridge. For the best chance at any “overlook” views, aim for leaf-off months. Start early on weekends to avoid Towpath traffic; weekdays are typically calm. In winter, bring traction if it’s been icy.

Practical Tips

• Dogs are allowed on leash. The loop is not wheelchair accessible.
• Most of the route is hiking-only; watch signage on the short paved segment near the southern end, and share the Towpath connectors with cyclists.
• The trail is well signed, but follow junction markers carefully to avoid adding extra miles.
• Bring water; services are limited at smaller trailheads. Parking at Red Lock fills on nice days—arrive early.