Old Carriage Trail

Starting from the Red Lock Trailhead off Highland Road, the Old Carriage Trail wastes no time reminding you that Cuyahoga Valley has more vertical punch than most people expect from northeast Ohio. The trail follows an old carriage road — the kind that gives you just enough width to walk side by side but keeps things interesting with exposed roots and rocky patches that demand you watch your feet. The rolling terrain delivers a series of modest climbs and descents through second-growth hardwood forest, with the Cuyahoga River valley occasionally revealing itself through gaps in the canopy. The elevation change is gentle enough that your lungs won't complain, but the uneven, rocky footing adds a layer of engagement that keeps this from feeling like a sidewalk stroll. This is a trail for hikers who want a solid morning walk with enough texture to feel like they actually went hiking.