Buckeye Trail: Everett Covered Bridge to Botzum Trailhead

This three-mile stretch of the Buckeye Trail is really two hikes stitched together. Starting from the iconic Everett Covered Bridge — one of the most photographed spots in Cuyahoga Valley — the northern section throws some attitude at you with rocky, rooted terrain and rolling hills that keep your ankles honest. But once you cross into the southern half, the trail mellows dramatically into a firm, flat path that feels like a reward for your earlier effort. You'll wind through second-growth hardwood forest, catch glimpses of the Cuyahoga River valley below, and pass through quiet stretches where the only sound is your own breathing and whatever woodpecker is working overtime nearby. The finish at Botzum Trailhead feels earned but not exhausting — perfect for hikers who want a taste of terrain variety without committing to an all-day sufferfest.