Haskell Trail Hike Overview
- Length: .5 miles (.80 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 24 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Summer. When the trail is lush, and the creek peacefully flows
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: 500 West Streetsboro Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Haskell Run Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
The Haskell Run Trail is a .5-mile loop that starts at the Haskell Run Trailhead at the Happy Days Lodge Parking Lot or Overflow Parking Lot.
To begin, pull into the Happy Days parking lot, where you should have no problem finding a spot during weekdays or weeknights. If it is during the weekend, there is almost always an event, and you’ll have to park in the overflow lot.
You can walk right out of your car and immediately straight ahead, and to the left is the Haskell Run Trailhead. Head towards this trailhead and walk 100 feet, where you’ll see a famous cemetery to your left and Haskell Run below and to the right.
Within 500 feet, you’ll notice the trail goes down and to the right. You’ll notice the downhill is a gentle descent, and quickly you’ll be able to see Haskell Run. When you reach the bottom, you will see the beautiful creek to your left, amazing woods surrounding you, and nothing but a clear path ahead.
You’ll walk straight for .10 mile before crossing a bridge. Continue across the bridge and over the creek, and you will get to an intersection where you can head towards the Octagon or Ledges Trail, or you can head to the right back to Happy Days Lodge.
Continue where you’ll have a few winds and curves before you’ll notice two sets of stairs that will take you to a direct view of Happy Days Lodge.
Continue on the trail and head towards the right, where you’ll get back to the parking lot within a couple of minutes. After this short hike, there is so much more you can explore around the Happy Days Lodge area.
Alternative Option
If you’ve enjoyed the Haskell 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. They’ll love to play in the creek.
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, the summer is the best time when it’s beautiful out, and the creek is melodic.
This trail is perfect for kids and families that want a short but fulfilling hike. It’s perfect for beginners.
This trail can be run on, but due to how short it is, it is better to be hiked.
You can park at the Happy Days Trailhead parking lot or the overflow parking lot. The overflow parking lot is your best bet on the weekend.
The Haskell Run Trail is a short, easy trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, ideal for beginners.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits frequent this trail.
This trail does not get very crowded. While there is always a steady stream of people, you’ll never feel like there is a large crowd.
Yes, the Haskell Run Trail is well marked, and its short length means you will not get lost or rerouted.
Carrying 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.
No, you can hike this trail at any time. However, it is recommended not to hike it at night.
Haskell Run Trail Map
Haskell Run Trail Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Haskell Run Trail is to input Happy Days Lodge (500 West Streetsboro Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264) into your phone and GPS, as the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- There is one way to get to the Haskell Run Trailhead. You can go to West Streetsboro Road either east or west, and then you can pull into the Happy Days Lodge parking lot or the overflow parking lot.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
Haskell 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
