Cross Country Trail

This mellow loop through the Kendall Lake area delivers a surprisingly satisfying workout for a trail that barely climbs higher than a six-story building. Starting from the Kendall Lake trailhead, you'll wind through mixed hardwood forest on packed dirt singletrack, rolling over gentle hills that keep your legs honest without ever making you question your life choices. The canopy is dense enough to feel like you've left Ohio behind entirely — oaks, maples, and beeches close in overhead, filtering light into something almost cathedral-like. In fall, this corridor absolutely ignites with color. The loop format means no retracing your steps, and the terrain shifts just enough between wooded ridgelines and small ravines to stay interesting. This is a trail for people who want actual dirt under their boots — not a paved path — but don't need to suffer for it. Perfect for hikers stepping up from flat rail-trails who want a taste of real woodland hiking.