Pine Grove Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 2.2 miles (3.54 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 114 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Winter. When you can see all the valleys and views from the trail.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for all ages
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Pine Grove Trailhead at the Octagon Shelter parking lot. 499 Truxell Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Pine Grove Trail Guide
Pine Grove Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
The Pine Grove Trail is a 2.2-mile loop that starts at the Octagon Shelter Trailhead, about 1/2 mile from Truxell Road.
To begin, pull into the large parking lot at the Octagon Shelter right off Truxell Road. At this parking lot, you’ll find a shelter (reservable) that has picnic tables, grills, fire pits, bathrooms, and an open field for activities.
To start your hike, you will begin at the Octagon Shelter Trailhead (in the parking lot) and take an immediate right onto the gravel and dirt trail. For the first 1/3 mile, you will hike parallel to the road and through a mix of trees. This is a pretty uneventful section of the trail before you quickly cross the road and continue on the trail.
You will follow the trail for another 1/3 of a mile through more of the same before getting to the loop section. At this point, it is recommended to go counterclockwise to minimize elevation while taking in all the incredible views.
As you continue your hike, you will quickly wave between beautiful pine trees (hence the name) on double and single tracks. The trail is flat, but you should watch for roots and large stones.
You will quickly approach a park bench, overlook the beautiful valley, and cut into the forest. You may see the occasional hawk or owl in the sky and squirrel or deer on the ground at this overlook. After you take in the scenery, you’ll follow the trail that will take you left through more pine trees.
As you begin the second half of the loop, you’ll be parallel to Truxell Road and can join other trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Follow the signs, and you will not get lost. You should expect more pine trees, potential wildlife, and a flat trail as you return to the loop’s beginning.
Once you reach the start of the loop, you’ll head back to the trailhead the same way you came in. Keep an eye out as you cross the road again, keep dogs leashed, and always stay tuned for foot traffic you’ll most likely see.
Alternative Option
If you’ve enjoyed the easy Pine Grove Trail, you’ll love Furnace Run Trail.
The benefits of this hike are the following:
- It’s a similar hike to Pine Grove Trail but without the crowd.
- You’ll have a greater chance for a more diverse group of wildlife!
- You’ll have beautiful views and easy access to the Cuyahoga River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is an easy hike for children of all ages, especially with little elevation gain.
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, but winter is the best time to do so, as you have the best views. This trail is open from dawn to dusk.
Deer, coyotes, owls, hawks, squirrels, and other birds.
This hike is super easy, with less than 100 feet of elevation over 2.2 miles.
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how hilly this trail is. It is an easy trail to run for all experience levels.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
Yes, the Pine Grove Trail is marked. To avoid adding miles to your trip, follow the signs for the loop.
No, a permit is not needed. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.
You will park at the Octagon Trailhead, right off Truxell Road.
The trail is one of the least crowded in the national park. You will encounter just a few hikers.
Carrying a phone, backpack, water, hiking boots or shoes and a light snack are always recommended. In the summer, carrying 2 liters of water is recommended when it is hot and humid due to the altitude and heat.
Pine Grove Trail Map
Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Pine Grove Trail is to input the Octagon Shelter Trailhead (499 Truxell Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264) into your phone and GPS, as the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Octagon Shelter Trailhead parking lot (Pine Grove Trail), you will either east or west on Truxell Road. You will turn right or left onto Kendall Park Road and into the Octagon Shelter parking lot.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
While the Pine Grove Trail is one of the lesser-known trails in the Ledges section of the 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.
- Buttermilk Falls Trail
- Blue Hen Falls Trail
- Tree Farm Trail
- Towpath Trail
- Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail
- Stanford Trail
