Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Boston Run Trail

moderate Woodland LoversFall ColorSolitude Seekers
3.4 mi Distance
80 ft Elevation Gain
Varies Estimated Time
loop Trail Type

What to Expect

Boston Run starts from the overflow lot at Happy Days Lodge and immediately lets you know this isn't your typical Ohio flattie. The trail dips into a ravine carved by Boston Run creek, where hemlocks and oaks close in overhead and exposed roots and rocky outcrops keep your eyes on your feet. Despite the modest elevation change on paper, the terrain rolls constantly — short, punchy ups and downs that add up over three-plus miles. You'll cross small feeder streams, pass through stands of beech trees that glow golden in autumn, and hear the creek gurgling below even when you can't see it. The loop format means no backtracking, and the second half opens up slightly with better sight lines through the forest. This one rewards hikers who appreciate woodland atmosphere over big vistas — if you want a trail that feels wilder than a national park twenty minutes from Akron has any right to feel, Boston Run delivers.
Woodland LoversFall ColorSolitude SeekersTrail RunnersNature Photography

Safety Advisory

The rocky, root-covered sections stay slick for a day or two after rain. The trail drains poorly in the ravine bottom, so expect mud and standing water if it's rained in the last 48 hours.

Creek crossings can be tricky after heavy rain — water levels rise fast in these narrow ravines. If the creek looks higher than ankle-deep at the first crossing, consider turning back.

Trail Details

Distance 3.4 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain 80 ft
Difficulty moderate
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type loop
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Boston Run Trail

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Park at the Happy Days Lodge overflow lot specifically — the main lot fills fast on weekends, and the overflow puts you right at the trailhead without the crowds heading to the visitor center.

Trail Tip

Wear boots with ankle support, not trail runners. The rocky sections and root tangles are relentless, and the creek crossings can be slippery even in dry weather.

Trail Tip

Hit this trail in mid-October for peak fall color — the beech and maple canopy turns the ravine into a tunnel of gold, and the low afternoon light filtering through the trees is the best photography you'll find in the park.

More Trails in Cuyahoga Valley

Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park

125 trails, 2.9M annual visitors

View Park Guide