Old Carriage Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 5.5 miles (8.85 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 394 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Fall. When the leaves have peaked, and a cool crisp is in the air
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for those who can hike a hilly trail.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Red Lock Trailhead. 1175 Highland Road, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067
Old Carriage Trail Guide
Old Carriage Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
The Old Carriage Trail is a 5.5-mile loop that starts at the Red Lock Trailhead, about a half mile from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park headquarters (yellow houses).
To begin, pull into the small parking lot right off of Highland Road at the Red Lock trailhead. There are no water sources, so pack plenty of liquids and food. Then, walk one hundred feet west until you reach the towpath trail, where you will take a right to begin your journey.
You will stay on this beautiful, flat limestone trail for 3/4 mile until you reach the old carriage trail loop. On this stretch, you will see many wildlife, such as amphibians, hawks, and occasional deer. You will also see different landscapes like bogs, conifer forests, and the Cuyahoga River. You will also see a lot of foot and bike traffic, so stay on the right side of the path as a courtesy to others.
Once you reach the Old Carriage Loop sign, you will take a right over a small footbridge. Expect very little traffic on this section of the trail. You will then head up a concrete uphill trail for an elevation gain of over 800 feet for almost 3/4 of a mile. This may be the most fascinating part of the trail, where you’ll find several attractive educational signs explaining the area’s history and information on a potential past civilization.
Once you reach the top of the trail, you follow a single-track dirt trail left for almost one mile. During this section, expect beautiful maple and oak trees, plenty of wildlife like deer, squirrels, and birds, and a flat winding path that passes above different sections of the valley carving into the ridge.
At approximately 2.65 miles in, you’ll come across the first man-made structure, a large blue bridge allowing you to pass above a massive drop in the valley. Once you cross over this bridge, you will continue on the same single track for more of the same flat trail you have already experienced. On the next mile stretch, you will notice that you are very close to some residential houses, giving beginner hikers a sense of security if they have never been in the backcountry.
You’ll cross over one more small bridge, and at approximately mile 3.75, you will begin a large descent back to the valley floor. Use caution when descending, as it is very steep, and numerous hikers have fallen and injured themselves.
Once you reach the bottom, you will cross over a wooden footbridge and take a left (heading south) onto the towpath trail, where you will head back the same way you came. Since you are coming out on the back end of the trail, expect a 1.5-mile hike back the same way you came. You will finish back at your car, with access to a bathroom and more educational information on the lock and old canal transportation system.
Alternative Option
If you want a similar hike with more streams and the largest waterfall in the park (Brandywine Falls), check out the Standford Trail just a few miles away.
The benefits of this hike are that you get the following:
- It is a beautiful waterfall that is magnificent any time of year, especially in winter when they freeze.
- It is a similar technical hike as the Old Carriage Trail, but with more visible trails, more access to water, and a larger parking lot.
- It has less mileage, making it perfect for anyone who wants the same chance to see flora and fauna but with fewer miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
Yes, this is a moderate hike for teenagers 12 and up. They will love the authentic wilderness experience of this hike.
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, the fall season is the best time when wildlife is abundant, the foliage is beautiful, and the air is crisp.
This moderate hike has over 800 feet of elevation gain and winding uphill climbs. It should only be done by those in good shape who can complete uphill hiking.
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how hilly this trail is. It is one of the most popular trails for runners in Northeast Ohio.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits frequent this trail. You may also see red-tail hawks, owls, coyotes, and the occasional fox on the trail. None of these animals pose a risk to hikers.
Yes, the Old Carriage Trail is marked. Follow the signs to avoid adding miles to your trip.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
It would be best if you parked at the Red Lock parking lot.
No, you can hike this trail at any day or hour. However, it is recommended not to hike it at night.
This trail is not very crowded, especially in the spring and winter. During summer and fall weekends, expect just a few people on the trail at most.
It is always recommended to carry a phone, 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.
Old Carriage Trail Map
Directions
The easiest way to get to the Old Carriage Trail is to input the Red Lock Trailhead (1175 Highland Road, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 442067) into your phone and GPS, as the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Red Lock parking lot (Old Carriage Trail), you will come either east or west on West Highland Road. Most travelers will arrive on West Highland Road from Riverview Road (the most popular route) or Brandywine Road. You will turn right or left into the Red Lock parking lot.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
While the Old Carriage Trail is one of the least crowded and most unknown trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, numerous fulfilling hikes can be enjoyed during the day or on a long weekend. Check out some of my other favorite hikes below.
