The Ledges
Explore ancient, moss-covered sandstone cliffs and enjoy panoramic valley views on the magical Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
The Ledges
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient, moss-covered sandstone cliffs and enjoy panoramic valley views on the magical Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
"This is an awesome, short trail that has a lot to offer. "
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Loop
Connect to outer loops for a longer, 2-3 mile hike and more exploration. :hiking_boot:
✨ Embrace the Magic
The Ledges feel ancient and magical, especially with mossy rocks and quiet forests. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ledges Overlook
Trailhead
Expansive valley views from a dramatic rock promontory. A must-see, especially around sunset.
Sandstone Maze
Ledges Trail
Explore ancient, moss-covered sandstone cliffs and crevices. Kids love crawling through these formations!
Forest Ambiance
Ledges Trail
Walk through a quiet, lush forest that feels like a hidden canyon. Magical and ancient vibes abound.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Accessibility & Exploration
For a longer adventure, connect to outer loops for a 2-3 mile hike. Wear comfortable shoes, as some sections have stairs, roots, and rocks. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Loop
Connect to outer loops for a longer, 2-3 mile hike and more exploration. :hiking_boot:
✨ Embrace the Magic
The Ledges feel ancient and magical, especially with mossy rocks and quiet forests. :sparkles:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love crawling through the sandstone formations! Keep a close eye on younger ones. :child:
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook is a prime spot for photos, especially around sunset. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Loop
Connect to outer loops for a longer, 2-3 mile hike and more exploration. :hiking_boot:
✨ Embrace the Magic
The Ledges feel ancient and magical, especially with mossy rocks and quiet forests. :sparkles:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love crawling through the sandstone formations! Keep a close eye on younger ones. :child:
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook is a prime spot for photos, especially around sunset. :camerawithflash:
💧 Gnats Can Be Annoying
Be prepared for gnats, especially on warmer days. Consider bug spray. :bug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about The Ledges for its stunning, almost magical scenery and accessible trails, making it a family favorite. The unique sandstone formations and the expansive overlook views are consistently praised. While some find the main loop short, the option to extend the hike appeals to many. A few mention minor annoyances like gnats, but overall, it's considered a highly rewarding and beautiful experience within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
"Phenomenal scenery, very accessible trailhead, almost too nice to believe. Have wanted to visit Cuyahoga National Park for years but wasn't sure where the best views and reasonable hiking trails were, for a family outing. This is the place. Short loop but so many places to explore at every corner. I recommend taking connector at the 3:00 spot on the map, then following the outer loop counter-clockwise, for the 2-3 mile hike. We spent nearly four hours exploring, but it's easily done in an hour or so if you only wanted to see it all on a relatively easy walk."
Jason Hill
"Very beautiful and scenic trail. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is full of so many good trails and this is one of them my favorites. It’s nice and cool in the shade of the trees and helps when it’s a hotter day. The ledges are everywhere and the scenic look out is a must stop especially around sunset. There is a large field for activities and a pavilion with a grill."
Josh Valloww
"Large paved parking lot. Monday morning so few people to deal with. Trail in excellent condition though the gnats were a little annoying. Highly rated but actually like the Pine Grove Trail more. This had great rock formations, the view overlook was nothing much plus the haze today and you have stairs, roots and rocks to deal with if that is something you don’t like. But all in all, an excellent hike."
N and C Farrell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ledges Trailhead is located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It's easily accessible by car with a large paved parking lot. The park is conveniently located near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Regional Airport, making it a remote park in a not-so-remote area.
While direct public transport to the trailhead might be limited, visitors can take the train to the park and then rent bikes to ride the towpath, which can lead you to various points of interest including The Ledges.
The Ledges Trailhead is a popular spot within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Use GPS navigation to 'The Ledges Trailhead' or 'Cuyahoga Valley National Park' and follow park signage.
Yes, there is a large paved parking lot available at The Ledges Trailhead, which can accommodate many visitors.
You can bike to The Ledges via the park's extensive trail system, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including The Ledges, is free to enter. This makes it a fantastic and accessible National Park experience.
As an outdoor trail system within a National Park, The Ledges is generally accessible from dawn to dusk. Always check the official Cuyahoga Valley National Park website for any specific alerts or closures.
No advance booking or tickets are required to visit The Ledges. It's a public trail within the national park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park does not require an entrance fee or any special passes for general access to its trails and overlooks, including The Ledges.
To avoid crowds, plan your visit for a weekday morning or late afternoon. Weekends, especially during peak seasons like fall, tend to be busier.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main Ledges Trail is considered easy, with a short loop that's very accessible. For a longer hike, connecting to outer loops offers a moderate challenge with stairs, roots, and rocks.
The main loop is less than a mile and can be completed in about an hour. However, you can easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the various nooks and crannies, especially if you take connector trails.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the main trailhead parking area for The Ledges.
Expect to see ancient, moss-covered sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, crevices, and a beautiful, quiet forest that feels like a hidden canyon. The Ledges Overlook offers expansive valley views.
The main Ledges Trail is a short loop, and while parts may be accessible, the presence of stairs, roots, and uneven terrain in some sections might make it challenging for strollers or wheelchairs. The overlook area is generally more accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ledges Overlook provides stunning panoramic views, especially during golden hour. The sandstone formations themselves, with their mossy textures and unique shapes, offer incredible close-up photography opportunities.
Late afternoon, leading up to sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography at the overlook. However, the shaded canyons and rock formations can be photogenic throughout the day.
Drone usage in National Parks is strictly regulated. You must adhere to all FAA regulations and NPS policies. Check the official Cuyahoga Valley National Park website for current drone guidelines.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the scale of the rock formations. A macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of moss and rock textures.
General photography for personal use is permitted. However, commercial photography or videography may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will absolutely love exploring the sandstone maze, crawling through crevices, and discovering hidden spots. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
If you have more time, connecting to the outer loops provides a more substantial hike without requiring a full day commitment. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Ledges Overlook is a prime spot for landscape shots, particularly during the golden hour before sunset. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of The Ledges
This unique geological landscape creates a distinct environment within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The cool air trapped within the sandstone maze provides a welcome respite on warmer days, and the sheer scale of the formations can make you feel like you've stepped into another world. It's a tangible connection to Ohio's deep past, offering a glimpse into the forces that shaped the region.
Exploring the Ledges Trail System
It's perfect for those seeking a less strenuous hike or a family-friendly outing. The trail winds through a beautiful forest, leading to the iconic Ledges Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley. For those looking for a more extended experience, the Ledges area connects to a network of outer trails. These can be combined to create a 2-3 mile loop, offering a more challenging hike with varied terrain, including stairs, roots, and rocks.
The Ledges: A Family Favorite
The main trail is short and manageable, allowing even younger kids to participate without excessive fatigue. The opportunity to crawl through crevices and discover hidden nooks sparks imagination and adventure. While the main loop is easy, parents are advised to keep a close eye on younger children, as some spots could be tricky if they get stuck.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit