Wetmore Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 4.5 miles (7.24 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 90 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 476 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Summer. When the trail is lush, the creeks are beautiful, and wildlife is plentiful
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for those who can hike a hilly loop trail
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: 4653 Wetmore Trail, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Wetmore Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
The Wetmore Trail is a 4.5-mile loop that starts at the Wetmore Trailhead or at the furthest parking lot of Virginia Kendall. For this article, we will start at the Wetmore Trailhead.
To begin, pull into the parking lot, where you should have no problem finding a spot. You will look for the Wetmore sign (as seen below) and start walking straight down the trail/hill. You’ll notice right away that this trail looks and feels different than any other trail in the park. You’ll start by hiking past a wide open space and forests to the right, and before you know it, you’ll be walking in between forests to your right and left as you progress further down the path.
You’ll approach the bottom of the trail, where it is recommended you take a right (going counterclockwise). The trail is flat, which is great because your senses will be overwhelmed. You’ll see forests, potential creeks, and wildlife.
Within a few minutes, you’ll even see remnants of old farm buildings. In addition, you’ll see some newer trees and plants that are being started and protected by Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You’ll continue on this trail for another 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile, where you’ll find rolling hills and forests that become surreal in the late fall.
Before you know it, you’ll be climbing a steep incline where you’ll come across an intersection that can take you to numerous connecting trails, including Tabletop and Langes. It is very important that you pay attention to the signs so that you don’t add additional miles or get lost.
As you continue trekking on a single dirt path and following the Wetmore Trail signs, you’ll begin to see the road on your right. This is where Virginia Kendall is, along with numerous connecting trails. Continue straight though where you’ll hike for another mile on a slow, windy path. Don’t get too comfortable, as you will soon have a quick descent down to the valley of the park.
The valley may be my favorite part of this trail. Here, you’ll notice a slow, gentle creek that is a great spot for a picnic in the summer and an amazing photography spot when it freezes in the winter. You’ll continue for another 1/2 mile, where you’ll notice a lot of the same beautiful scenery.
Soon, the trail becomes modestly hilly, with your sight line being filled with nothing but forest. This is a great opportunity for wildlife spotting and taking in the pure solitude of the area for the next mile. Make sure to keep an eye on trail signs again, though, as there are some connector trails that will add miles or get you turned around.
Continue on this trail through the windy hills of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park until you once again drop down into the valley. Before you know it, you’ll come across the original Wetmore Trail loop sign that you first saw when starting the trail. Take the trail to the right, and you’ll ascend one last time to your car, making this the perfect weekend or early morning experience.
Alternative Option
If you’ve enjoyed the Wetmore Trail, you’ll love Salt Run Trail, just a short few-minute drive away.
The benefits of this hike are the following:
- Like Wetmore Trail, it is a hike filled with water, hills, forests, and amazing views!
- A close hike to Kendall Lake, considered one of the best park lakes in Northeast Ohio
- Perfect training grounds for trail runners and individuals wanting to get in better shape
Frequently Asked Questions
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 less muddy and more solid.
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
This trail is perfect for kids who can handle elevation, rolling hills, and uneven terrain over about 5 miles. This is considered one of the harder trails in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Yes, trail runners of all levels will appreciate the hilly terrain of this trail. It is the perfect trail for trail runners and ultramarathoners. It is also part of the Burning River ultramarathon course and a great training ground for runners in Northeast Ohio.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits frequent this trail. You will also see a plethora of birds.
You can park at the Wetmore Trailhead parking lot. This doesn’t get overly crowded, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot.
Wetmore Trail is considered a challenging trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with nearly 500 feet of elevation gain, uneven terrain, and numerous rolling hills.
You can hike on the Wetmore Trail any time of year without ever having to worry about too much of a crowd.
Yes, Wetmore Trail is marked. Follow the signs to avoid adding miles to your trip, or you can take a side trip to Langes Run.
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.
Wetmore Trail Map
Wetmore Trail Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Wetmore Trail is to input the Wetmore (4653 Wetmore Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264) into your phone and GPS, as the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- There are several ways to get to Wetmore Trailhead. You can either come from Akron Peninsula Road or Wetmore Road. Once you are on Wetmore Road, you will go east (if coming from Akron Peninsula Road) or west down Wetmore Road until you get to the Wetmore Trailhead.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
While Wetmore 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
