Boston Run Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 3.1 miles (4.98 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 75 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 249 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Summer. When the trail is hardened, the forest is lush, and wildlife is plentiful
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for those who can hike a long, winding trail
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: 500 West Streetsboro Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Boston Run Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
The Boston Run Trail is a 3.1-mile loop that starts at the Boston Run Trailhead across the street from Happy Days Lodge.
To begin, pull into the parking lot, where you should have no problem finding a spot. You cannot miss the trailhead, which is clearly marked on a giant sign. As soon as you begin the hike, you’ll notice the trail goes adjacent to a large, open field. Soon, you’ll have the option to go straight or turn left. To make this as smooth a hike as possible, take the trail to the left, down a very large hill and into an area where there is a small ravine and open forest. It should be noted that the Volunteers-in-Parks do an amazing job taking care of this, among other trails.
As you progress through the next 1 mile, you’ll notice the trail winds up and down through the forest and deep into the park. In the early mornings and late evenings, this is one of the best trails to spot wildlife due to its remoteness. Expect lots of trees, flora, and at times an uneven trail.
Before you know it, you will get to a section of the trail where you can continue traversing, making this a little over 3.1 miles, or if you are tired, needing to get back, or just wanting to make it about 1/2 mile shorter, you can take the “shortcut” on the right-hand side.
If you continue on the trail, you’ll notice more beautiful forestry, potential animals, and some really beautiful valleys, rock features, and overlooks, making this well worth your effort.
After you explore the beauty of the trail (about halfway through), you’ll continue along the path where you notice a consistent amount of windiness, slight up and downhills, and a lot of similar features as before. From time to time, I’ve even spotted hawks, owls, and the occasional bald eagle.
Before you know it, you’ll get closer to the beginning of the trail, but not before going downhill followed by a slight increase. You’ll then connect with the first part of the trail that went through the open field and head back to your car.
The best part of visiting this trail is the opportunities it can provide a wide variety of people, from trail runners to hikers to first-time visitors. And even better, if you have energy after this hike, you can cross the street and hike several other trails that range from 1/2 mile to several miles, making this a great part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to spend an entire day.
Alternative Option
If you’ve enjoyed the Boston Run Trail, you’ll love the Ledges Trail, just a short few-minute drive away or about a mile hike away.
The benefits of this hike are the following:
- Long hike for anyone looking for a challenge
- Rich history that can be experienced throughout the hike
- Some of the most unique geology in the entire Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, the summer is the best time when wildlife is abundant, and the trail is more solid.
Yes, trail runners of all levels will appreciate the hilly terrain of this trail. It is the perfect trail for trail runners and ultramarathoners.
This trail is perfect for kids who can handle elevation, rolling hills, and uneven terrain over about 3 miles. This is considered one of the longer and windier trails in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, coyotes, and rabbits frequent this trail. You will also see a plethora of birds.
You can park at the Main Happy Days parking lot (north side of the road). This doesn’t get overly crowded, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot.
Wetmore Trail is considered a moderate trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with nearly 300 feet of elevation gain, uneven terrain, and numerous rolling hills.
You can hike on the Boston Run Trail any time of year without ever having to worry about too much of a crowd.
No, you can hike this trail at any time. However, it is recommended not to hike it at night.
Yes, Boston Run Trail is marked. Follow the signs to make the trail as short or long as you want.
Carry a phone, a backpack, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack. In the summer, carrying 2 liters of water is recommended when it is hot and humid due to the altitude and heat.
Boston Run Trail Map
Boston Run Trail Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Boston Run Trail is to input the Boston Run Trail (500 West Streetsboro Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264) into your phone and GPS, as the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- There are several ways to get to Boston Run Trail. You can either come from West Streetsboro Road or off of Route 8. Once you are on West Streetsboro Road (Route 303), you will go east or west until you get to the trailhead (across the street from Happy Days Lodge).
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
While Boston Run Trail is one of the most peaceful and interesting hikes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are numerous other fulfilling hikes, though, that can be enjoyed during the day or on a long weekend. Check out some of my other favorite hikes below.
- Buttermilk Falls Trail
- Blue Hen Falls Trail
- Towpath Trail
- Stanford Trail
- Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail
