This is one of my favorite hikes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and, since I first put it together in the fall of 2019, I’ve taken it over 20 times. It’s named the “Historical CVNP Hike Through Peninsula” because it begins/ends at Deep Lock Quarry, part of the Summit Metro Parks system, which are in turn one of the organizations that make-up the park system in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
From the parking lot it quickly enters the towpath which is taken to the small town of Peninsula. At that point, a shortcut is taken to the road and is then followed for about a half mile to an access road that leads up to the Buckeye Trail. This trail is taken for about a mile, through a beautiful evergreen lined path, and then crosses a bridge over Route 80 just after it crosses the valley to the west. Another mile or so on the trail brings you to an overlook of the valley to the south over Route 80 which is one of my favorite overlooks in the park. At that point, it’s only a half mile back to the towpath which takes you through the valley and past three more locks on the way to Peninsula and then finally back to Deep Lock Quarry.
There are a few variations to the hike which can alter its length. The first option is to hike to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park visitor center in Boston, and back, which adds a mile to the hike. Another option is to take a shortcut on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad that goes around the towpath and directly to Peninsula. This way is used mostly when the towpath is busy because I don’t like passing people and the cyclists don’t notify you when they’re passing as much as they’re supposed to.
AllTrails Recording
Image Gallery
- Gate to Old Akron Peninsula Road This gate leads to the old Akron Peninsula Road leading-up to the Buckeye Trail.
- Keep Out! Graffiti on the path leading-up to the Buckeye Trail.
- Old Akron Peninsula Road This deteriorating part of Old Akron Peninsula Road leads-up to the Buckeye Trail.
- Pine Path A straight path about a quarter-mile long through pine trees on the Buckeye Trail.
- Pine Path A panoramic view showing the meadow on the left.
- Otto on the Pine Path My brother's dog, Otto, on the pine path.
- Route 80 View (Winter) The path passes over and under Route 80. This area of the path gives a great view of the highway.
- Route 80 (Summer) A view during the summer.
- Paraglider A paraglider over Route 80.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor Center
- Valley Panorama The path passes below the Route 271 and Route 80 bridges.
- Boardwalk A boardwalk connects two sections of the towpath that pass over the Cuyahoga River wetlands.
- Lock 31 One of many locks along the historic towpath.
- Tunnel Under the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Tracks The towpath passes below the train tracks.
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Tracks Sometimes I take the tracks into Peninsula, especially if a lot of people are on the towpath.
- Lock 30 One of many locks along the historic towpath.
- Lock 29 A lock that can be walked inside of in Peninsula. One of many locks along the historic towpath.
- Peninsula Bridge This bride in Peninsula passes over a 90-degree bend in the Cuyahoga River.
- Peninsula Ablaze This hike provides great views of the color in autumn.
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