Family Hikes

A bend in a creek at the bottom of a wooded hillside, a dusting of snow on the ground.
A view of Haskell Run from the trail.

NPS / Doug Marcum

Haskell Run Trail (0.5 miles; 30 minutes)

Parking located at Happy Days Lodge, 500 West Streetsboro Road, Peninsula 44264 (81° 30.499' W) (41° 13.859' N).

The Haskell Run Trail makes a short loop, beginning and ending near Happy Days Lodge. Parking is located across the road from Happy Days Lodge on the north side of Rt. 303. The trailhead is located at the southeast corner of the parking lot directly adjacent to the lodge. The trail begins near the Mater Dolorosa cemetery, a small Irish Catholic cemetery established in 1869, and winds down a wooded ravine to Haskell Run. Squirrels, frogs, salamanders, songbirds, and other animals can be observed living in this creek valley. After crossing the creek twice on wooden bridges, it climbs out of the ravine again, ending in the field west of Happy Days Lodge. While hiking this trail, you may wish to extend your hike to include a visit to the nearby Ledges Trail.


 
A group of six people in winter coats walking away from the camera, down a trial through rows of evergreen trees.
Hikers on the Tree Farm Trail.

NPS / D.J. Reiser

Tree Farm Trail (2.75 miles; 1.5 hours)

Parking located at 2075 Major Road, Peninsula 44264 (81° 34.130' W) (41° 14.014' N).

The Tree Farm Trail, accessed via the Horseshoe Pond Trailhead, is located off Major Road. This trail loops through gently rolling woodlands, beginning and ending near Horseshoe Pond. The trail begins at the northeast edge of the trailhead parking lot, passing through stands of hardwoods, evergreens, and a large open field area adjacent to the Bishop family Christmas tree farm. The Tree Farm Trail wanders through a portion of the Christmas tree farm that the park acquired. (Please respect the private property lines when walking along this portion of the trail.) Wildlife is plentiful in this area, with sightings of deer, fox, coyotes, and numerous songbirds possible. For those who like to fish, the nearby Horseshoe Pond provides a fully accessible fishing pier, and is a popular bass and bluegill fishing pond. Visit our fishing page for more information about fishing in the national park. Along with restroom facilities, there is also a picnic pavillion provided at this location, with tables and grills.


 
An arched concrete bridge crosses high over a river with trees along its banks; in the distance, a smaller white metal bridge crosses much closer to the water.
The Station Road Bridge and the much taller Route 82 bridge both cross the Cuyahoga River.

© Rick McMeechan

Station Road Bridge (1 mile; 45 minutes)

Parking located at 9141 Riverview Road, Brecksville 44141 (81° 35.265' W) (41° 19.119' N)

This short, scenic hike over flat terrain provides views of Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's Brecksville Station, the historic Station Road Bridge, the Cuyahoga River, the Ohio & Erie Canal, and culminates with views of active bald eagle and blue heron nesting sites. Pack binoculars for a better view of the eagle and blue heron nests.

Park at the Station Road Bridge Trailhead, located east of Riverview Road, south of Rt. 82. Begin hiking north from the trailhead, passing Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's Brecksville Station. Once past the station, the trail crosses the Cuyahoga River via the old Station Road Bridge. Restored in 1992 to carry pedestrian, bicyclist, and equestrian traffic, this bridge has been in existence since 1881.

After crossing the bridge, the trail joins the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Turn left, and head north on the Towpath Trail, passing by the Brecksville feeder canal and dam, designed to supply water to the Ohio and Erie Canal. After passing under the graceful arches of the State Rt. 82 bridge high above the trail, you will walk alongside meadowland. About 1/2 mile north of Station Road Bridge, on the opposite bank of the Cuyahoga River, you can view the eagles' nesting site amidst a great blue heronry. Nesting eagles are very sensitive to human foot traffic, so hikers should walk quietly through this area while viewing the eagles, and avoid lingering. To protect Cuyahoga Valley's eagle nesting sites, closures and other restrictions are in place when eagles are nesting. Please review these restrictions before your hike. Finding this habitat to their liking, great blue herons have also built and occupied numerous nests in this area for years. After enjoying views of the eagle nest and the great blue heronry, retrace your steps in order to return to the trailhead.

 

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    Last updated: May 26, 2022

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