Hiking the Ledges at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Man walking a trail along moss covered rocks

Hiking the ledges at Cuyahoga Valley is one of my favorite hikes to do in Ohio’s only National Park. One of the more unique National Parks out there, you can be hiking through the forest, rocky ledges, and waterfalls one moment and then the next you’ll be walking by a railroad, a farm, or even the city.

While the park doesn’t have majestic mountain ranges, huge bodies of sparkling water, or surreal alien-like cacti, there is still a lot to love about this modest but beautiful park. In a state known for being on the flatter side, the geologically fascinating sandstone ledges make you feel like you’re in another area altogether.

Hiking the Ledges

The Ritchie Ledges

The Ritchie Ledges is part of the Virginia Kendal area. You’ll probably also hear it called “The Ledges”, “the Virginia Kendal Ledges”. There are four trails in the ledges area but I usually stick to The Ledges Trail. The Ledges Trail is a 2.2-mile loop trail that takes you through a lower area of the trail and an upper park with an overlook.

There’s a Ledges Shelter that splits through the middle of the trail where you can just visit parts of the park instead of visiting the full trail if you’d like, this is great if you’ve been here before and know what you want to go see.

Love National Parks? Me, too! Check out my posts on National Parks we’ve visited

Man standing between moss covered rock formations

Woman standing between moss covered rock formations

Get some close-up shots of all the incredible textures throughout the park

Trees growing between moss covered rocks

Cuyahoga Valley National Park looked similar to our Hike to Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park

Carved in time

200-Year-Old Petroglyphs

About 200 years ago the owner of large sections of land, William Goeppert, carved petroglyphs into part of the rocky ledges. You can still see the horse and face shapes today hiking in between the ledges in Cuyahoga Valley along the trail.

This staircase connects the upper and lower portions of the Ledges Trail and is a perfect location for a portrait photo session or that perfect Instagram shot.

Mushrooms growing on side of moss covered tree

Destionation Details

The Ledges Trail

Distance: 2.2 Mile Loop
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Rating: Moderate
Elevation: 105 ft.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Website

Fees: No fees
Hours: Most destinations 24 hours. Exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Virginia Kendall Ledges, Octagon, and Lake close from dusk until morning opening
Parking: Several lots throughout the park