Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Butlers Trail
easy_moderate Quick OutingsNature WalkersTrail Running
0.7 mi Distance
150 ft Elevation Gain
Varies Estimated Time
roundtrip Trail Type
What to Expect
Butlers Trail is a quick leg-stretcher in the Wetmore area that packs more personality than its short distance suggests. The dirt path rolls through gentle hills beneath a canopy of hardwoods, delivering that classic Cuyahoga Valley experience — lush, green, and quiet enough to hear woodpeckers working overhead. The elevation change is modest, roughly equivalent to climbing ten flights of stairs spread across the entire route, but the undulating terrain keeps things interesting. The trail weaves through second-growth forest with occasional glimpses of the surrounding ravine landscape that makes this stretch of northeast Ohio feel surprisingly wild. Expect soft footing on packed dirt that can get slick after rain. This is a perfect trail for hikers who want a quick woodland escape without committing to a full afternoon, or anyone looking to warm up before tackling the longer Buckeye Trail connections nearby.
Trail Details
Distance 0.7 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain 150 ft
Difficulty easy_moderate
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type roundtrip
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Butlers Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Park at the Wetmore Trailhead off Wetmore Road — it's a small lot that rarely fills up, but on fall weekends you'll want to arrive before mid-morning when leaf-peepers descend on the valley.
Trail Tip
Combine this with the adjacent Wetmore Loop for a longer outing of roughly two miles — Butlers on its own is more of a snack than a meal, and the connecting trails are well-marked.
Trail Tip
After rain, the dirt surface turns greasy on the downhill sections — trail runners with light tread will want to slow down or opt for shoes with actual lugs.
