Brandywine Gorge Trail – 1.4 mi, difficulty: easy
- Trail type: Loop
- Time needed: 1-1.5hours
- Accessibility: Accessible for strollers; the trail is well-maintained and relatively flat.
- Bikes prohibited. Designed for foot-traffic only.
- Restrooms: Available at the Brandywine Falls parking area, which includes accessible facilities.
- Short, paved path that leads directly to one of the park’s most iconic features, Brandywine Falls.
🧑🧑🧒 Perfect for young children and toddlers in strollers, providing easy access to stunning views.
🌿 Trail Highlights
Picnic Spot: relax at a picnic area near the parking lot.
Safe boardwalk sections for younger kids.
Waterfall Spotting: The 65-foot Brandywine Falls is a highlight that will captivate young ones. Kids can marvel at the view from the boardwalk and viewing platform that overlooks the falls, offering a fantastic photo opportunity.
Easy to follow loop with footbridges and stream sounds.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips
- Trail can be muddy; appropriate footwear is advised.🥾
- The area is usually busy; it’s best to visit early in the day to avoid crowds as this is a popular spot, especially with families!
Cuyahoga Valley Towpath Trail, 2.0 mi (flexible distance, trail is 20+ miles) Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Type: Multi-use path (walking, biking, strollers, wheelchairs)
- 🚲 Stroller & Bike Friendly
- Surface: Crushed limestone or pavement
- Restrooms: Available at major trailheads (Peninsula, Boston Mill, etc.)
🧑🧑🧒 Best for families with mixed ages, strollers, bikers and scooters users
🌿 Trail Highlights
Scenic & Calm: Great nature exposure without steep terrain
Historical Stops: Lock remnants, old canal structures, and trail crossings
Ample parking, picnic areas and benches available
Littles tired along the way? Just turn back! The distance you hike on this trail is totally dependent on you!
❤ This is a personal favorite for my family. Our children are 3, 8, 10 + 15 for reference. We frequently bike this trail & use a bike trailer for our 3yo. We also stop along the way & allow the kids to play in the creek. It's ankle/knee high at many spots along the trail. If you decide to do this, take my advice & bring a change of shoes/clothes for the kids if you're continuing on afterwards.
Recommended Family-Friendly Sections within the Towpath:
1. Boston Mill to Lock 29 in Peninsula
• Distance: ~2 miles one way (4 miles round trip):
• Boston Mill Visitor Center (restrooms, rangers, exhibits)
• Scenic views of the Cuyahoga River
• Opportunity to spot herons, ducks, turtles
• Access to ice cream or snacks in Peninsula
2. Hunt Farm to Everett Covered Bridge
• Distance: ~1.5 miles one way (3 miles round trip)
• Flat, peaceful stretch through woods and meadows
• Historic Everett Covered Bridge at the turnaround point
• Great for young walkers and strollers
3. Station Road Bridge Trailhead
- Distance: Choose short out-and-back
Fun Family Ideas Along this Trail
- Ride the Train Back: The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) offers a Bike Aboard! program—ride out, walk/bike back, or vice versa.
- Pack Snacks or a Picnic: Plenty of places to sit and relax along the way
Tinkers Creek Gorge Overlook Trail, 0.6 miles, Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Bedford Reservation (managed by Cleveland Metroparks, adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley NP)
- Trail Type: Out-and-back with scenic overlook
- Stroller Friendly: Mostly (unpaved but flat path)
- Bikes prohibited
- Great for Ages 8–14: A scenic stop that feels rewarding without needing a full hike.
- TODDLER APPROVED: Short Walk with a clear destination; just stay close near the overlook.
- Benches & Shaded Areas make for nice resting spots for snacks or a nature break.
📸 Best for quick nature stop, family photos, and scenic views
🌿 Trail Highlights
Gorge Overlook: The star feature! A breathtaking view of the Tinkers Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark.
Wildlife & Nature: Great spot to hear birds, see squirrels, and explore diverse tree species.
Quiet & Peaceful: Less crowded than Brandywine or Ledges, ideal for calm exploration.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips
- Supervise Near Overlook: There’s a railing, but young children should be watched closely.
- Trail Surface: Natural dirt and gravel; may be muddy after rain.
- No Restrooms at Trailhead: Plan ahead! The closest restrooms are at nearby Bedford Reservation areas.
🧭 Nearby Attractions
- Viaduct Park Loop (Bedford Reservation) ~0.6 miles
- Features: Waterfalls, Stone ruins, & a small gorge walk
- Good for families with older kids wanting a second, short adventure!
Horseshoe Pond Trail, Approx 2.8 miles, Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Virginia Kendall Area, Peninsula, OH
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trailhead is located at the Horseshoe Pond parking area off Major Rd.
- Facilities: Restrooms and picnic tables are available at the trailhead.
- Surface: Unpaved, natural trail with some boardwalk sections
- Stroller Accessibility: The trail is mostly flat and suitable for strollers, though some boardwalk sections may be narrow.
- Bikes prohibited
- Best Time of Day: Late Morning or Early Afternoon for a peaceful experience and optimal wildlife viewing.
🦅 Best For Families, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.
🌿 Trail Highlights
Scenic Pond Views: The trail loops around Horseshoe Pond, offering picturesque water views and opportunities for wildlife observation. Older children may enjoy fishing in the pond!
Diverse Ecosystems: Pass through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, providing varied habitats for flora and fauna.
Wildlife Spotting: Common sightings include birds, frogs, and small mammals.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips
•Wildlife Observation: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and teach children about local wildlife.
•Safety: Stay on marked paths and supervise children near water.
•Snacks and Breaks: Pack snacks and take breaks at scenic spots along the trail.
🧭 Nearby Attractions
•Tree Farm Trail: Adjacent to the Horseshoe Pond Trail, this 2.8-mile loop offers additional scenic views and wildlife opportunities.
•Kendall Lake: A short drive away, offering fishing and picnicking opportunities.
•Brandywine Falls: A stunning 65-foot waterfall accessible via a short walk
Buttonbush Trail, approx. 1.6 mi, difficulty: easy
- Trail Type: Out and Back Loop
- Location: Liberty Park, Twinsburg OH (part of Summit Metro Parks)
- Parking Info: 3873 E. Aurora Rd Twinsburg, OH 44087
- Facilities: Restrooms, nature center (at Liberty Park) and picnic shelters
- Surface: natural path with boardwalk sections
- Accessibility: Suitable for strollers, however some sections may not be stroller friendly due to natural terrain.
- Bikes prohibited.
👧🏼👶🏻 Best For toddlers to tweens & beginner hikers; those wanting a short, but enriching nature experience
🌿 Trail Highlights
Water Views: Kids will love looking for fish, turtles, and frogs in the water.
Interactive Nature: informational signs along the trail help kids learn about wetland ecosystems
Boardwalk Trail: keep the trail easy to navigate for young kids and strollers.
🧭 Nearby Attractions
- Boston Mills Visitor Center: Start your adventure here for restrooms, a map, and helpful ranger advice. The Visitor Center is also a good spot for snacks before or after the hike.
- Picnic Areas: There are several picnic spots nearby where you can relax and enjoy a family lunch with views of the wetlands.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips
- Supervision Near Water: Keep a close eye on younger children near the wetland area to ensure they stay safe.
- Wet and Slippery Areas: Some sections near the water may be muddy, so be cautious after rain.
- Trail Conditions: While it’s mostly flat, the boardwalk can get slippery in wet conditions!
The Ledges Trail, 2.2 mi, Difficulty: moderate
- Location: Virginia Kendall Area, Peninsula OH
- Trailhead: Located at Ledges Shelter Parking lot
- Trail type: Loop
- Surface: rocky, uneven terrain with stairs & boardwalks
- Trailhead: located at ledges shelter parking lot
- Accessibility: not stroller friendly due to rocky terrain, not wheelchair accessible
- Facilities: restrooms & picnic areas available at the shelter
- Bikes prohibited
- Slightly more adventurous hike with different terrains to explore
👨👩👧👦Best for families with children aged 5 and up
🌿 Trail Highlights
Ledges Overlook: Enjoy panoramic views of the Cuyahoga Valley.
Talus Caves: Discover small caves formed by fallen rocks.
Wildlife: Spot various birds, squirrels, and other woodland creatures.
Natural "rock playground" : tunnels, ledges & climbing friendly boulders, feels like a real life maze!
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips
• Infants/Toddlers: Use a sturdy carrier
• Young Children: Ensure they wear appropriate footwear & supervise closely near ledges.
• Teens: They’ll enjoy exploring the caves and capturing scenic photos.
• Safety: Stay on marked paths; climbing on rock formations is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem.
🧭 Nearby Attractions
• Kendall Lake: A short drive away, offering fishing and picnicking opportunities.
• Towpath Trail: Ideal for biking and walking along the historic canal route.
• Brandywine Falls: A stunning 65-foot waterfall accessible via a short walk
Salt Run Trail, approx 3.3mi, Difficulty: moderate to difficult
- Location: Virginia Kendall Area, Peninsula OH
- Trail type: loop
- Elevation gain: 160 feet
- Surface: rocky, hilly, uneven terrain
- Parking: Pine Hollow Parking Area; located on quick rd- cross the top of the hill to find the trailhead just inside the woods (look for a picnic table & trail sign)
- Trailheads: (2) access points- Pine Hollow Parking on Quick Rd and Kendall Lake Shelter. Kendall Lake Shelter access point has facilities & picnic areas nearby
- Accessibility: Not stroller friendly due to uneven surfaces
- Bikes prohibited
- Restrooms: available at Pine Hollow parking area
👨👩👧👦Best for families with children aged 5 and up
🌿 Trail Highlights
Wooded Ravines: traverse through lush forests filled with hardwoods and evergreens
White Oak Spring: discover a naturally occurring spring at the base of a white oak tree along the southern stretch of this trail
Water Features: encounter small streams and wet ares; be prepared to get wet in some sections
Wildlife: spot deer, squirrels, chipmunks, & various birds!
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips
- Toddlers: use a sturdy carrier; trail is not stroller friendly due to the uneven, rocky terrain
- Young Children: Ensure appropriate footwear & supervise closely near ledges & water crossings
- Teens: they'll enjoy the challenge of a hilly terrain on this trail & the opportunity to explore the natural springs
- Safety: stay on the marked paths; climbing on rock formations is prohibited on this trail to protect the fragile ecosystem
🧭 Nearby Attractions
• Kendall Lake: serene spot for fishing & picnicking
• Cross Country Trail: A 2.5mi moderate trail suitable for hiking & cross-country skiing
• Lake Trail: A 1 mile easy trail perfect for families with young children.
Packing Suggestions For Hiking With Kids & Toddlers
- Snacks and Drinks: Pack easy-to-carry snacks like granola bars, fruit, and crackers to keep kids energized.
- Water: Stay hydrated, especially on longer or more strenuous hikes.
- Stroller-Friendly Gear: For stroller-accessible trails like Brandywine Falls, bring a stroller or carrier if your toddler can’t walk the entire way.
- Bike/bike trailer for littles: for bike friendly trails such as the Cuyahoga Valley Towpath Trail. These can be rented at Eddie's Bike Shop in Peninsula, OH & you can access the trail directly next to the shop! Very convenient!
- Sunscreen and Hats: Protect your family from the sun with sunscreen and hats.
- Bug Repellent: Essential for trails through wetlands and forests.
- Comfortable Footwear: Make sure everyone is wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes.
- Baby Carrier or Backpack: For uneven trails like The Ledges, bring a baby carrier or hiking backpack for toddlers.\
- Extra clothes & shoes! Especially for those trails that offer mud and/or stream play!
- Portal battery pack for your device in the event of emergency
- Camera/Journal & writing utensil: Encourage kids to document their hike by taking pictures or making a nature journal. A scavenger hunt would also be SUPER fun!
- I have attached one that my family and I recently used on our Towpath bike ride!
Wilderness Scavenger Hunt
□ A Rock Shaped like something else
□ A squirrel
□ A bird that is "chirping"
□ A leaf BIGGER than your hand
□ A teeny tiny flower, don’t pick it up!
□ A stick shaped like the letter, “Y”
□ A rock that sparkles!
□ A tree with ROUGH bark- give it a gentle touch!
□ A bug crawling on the ground!
□ A butterfly or dragonfly
□ Something red in NATURE!
□ A bridge or boardwalk
□ A fallen log! Look out for critters!
□ A muddy footprint….maybe yours?
□ The sound of rushing water (creek/waterfall)
