Pros & cons
PROS
- Consistently quiet compared to the park’s hot spots
- Easy extensions via a signed connector to Perkins Trail
CONS
- Limited vistas—this is a forest walk, not a viewpoint hike
- Gets muddy and slick after rain, with rooty, steep sections
Everett Covered Bridge Trailhead on Everett Road; park at the bridge lot, use the restrooms, then walk about 0.25 miles through the covered bridge to reach the start of the loop.
Shared with horses—yield and give calm verbal cues. Expect steep, rooty, and slick sections, especially after rain or in winter ice. Occasional downed trees possible. No bikes.
Overview
Riding Run is the park’s low-key, woodsy workout: a hilly, unpaved bridle trail that trades big views for quiet miles under oaks and sycamores. Most hikers do it as an about 3.9-mile loop starting from Everett Covered Bridge (that distance includes the short approach), which typically takes 1.5–2 hours at a steady pace. The trail itself is moderate to difficult for its length—expect a few toe-scrunching grades, rolling hills, and uneven tread with roots and rocks. After rain, it gets muddy and slick.
What You’ll See
Don’t come for vistas; come for the forest. You’ll walk stretches of old township road through mixed hardwoods with occasional conifers, mossy logs, ferns, and a couple of small footbridges. It’s a solid spot for birds—listen for pileated woodpeckers and bluebirds—and you may spot deer or rabbits. Early summer brings a sprinkle of wildflowers.
Route and Flow
From the Everett Covered Bridge parking, walk about a quarter mile, cross the bridge, and follow the wide path to the signed loop. Many hikers prefer counterclockwise: a steadier climb early, then a longer, gentler descent back toward the junction. Junctions are signed and navigation is straightforward.
Difficulty and Conditions
This is a shared bridle/hiking trail with some narrow, rooty, and rocky sections. Steep downgrades can be slippery when wet, and you may encounter mud, shallow streamlets, or occasional downed trees after storms. It’s not ideal for those unsteady on their feet. Sturdy footwear (and trekking poles if you like them on descents) makes a difference.
Best Time to Hike
Open year-round, Riding Run stays pleasantly shaded in warm months and quieter than the park’s marquee spots most days. Go early or late on weekends for maximum solitude. After rain or snowmelt, expect significant mud; in winter, shaded slopes can hold ice.
Practicalities
Park at Everett Covered Bridge Trailhead; restrooms are at the lot. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Yield to horseback riders and use calm, audible cues when passing. Bicycles are not allowed on this trail. If you want more miles, a signed connector lets you add the neighboring Perkins Trail for a longer loop with similar character.
Elevation
3.9 mi · 2 hrWhere it starts
41.2124, -81.5453Wildlife on this trail
Near Riding Run Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayWetmore TrailShady, stitchable loop network where clay tread keeps you honestModerate · 4.5 mi · 1.9 hr
0 mi awayTabletop TrailShort bridle connector with rolling woods and frequent mud after rain.Easy · 0.7 mi · 24 min
0 mi awayWetmore TrailheadQuiet forest trail hub with hills, creek crossings, and horse trafficTrailhead · Parking
0.7 mi awayKendall Hills Toboggan ChutesNatural sledding hills with long runs and easy accessTrailhead · Parking
0.7 mi awayPine HollowBig-hill trailhead linking Salt Run, Wetmore, and Kendall Lake loopsTrailhead · Parking
0.7 mi awaySalt Run TrailShady ravines, pine groves, and short, punchy climbs on a tidy loopModerate · 3.4 mi · 1.4 hr
1.1 mi awayValley Picnic AreaQuiet, wooded picnic stop with trail access to Sylvan PondTrailhead · Parking
1.1 mi awayLake TrailEasy lakeside loop with wildlife and quick connections to bigger hikes.Easy · 1 mi · 36 min
