Tree Farm Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 2.8 miles (4.50 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 74 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Summer. When foliage is lush and wildlife is in abundance.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for all ages
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Horseshoe Pond Trailhead. 2075 Major Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Tree Farm Trail Guide
Tree Farm Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
The Tree Farm Trail is a 2.8-mile loop that starts at the Horseshoe Pond Trailhead, about 1.5 miles from Riverview Road (on Major Road).
To begin, pull into a small parking lot right off of Major Road at the Horseshoe Pond trailhead. This parking lot is small and sneaks up on you, so keep your eyes open. There is a small bathroom but no other water sources (besides the pond).
To start, you can hike clockwise or counterclockwise. It is recommended to hike counterclockwise to get the best experience with the least elevation gain.
As you leave the parking lot and enter the grass/dirt trail, you will quickly enter the woods filled with brush, maple, and oak trees. The trail will zigzag you through more of the same forest before having you hike parallel to Major Road for about 1/2 mile.
As you enter a small pine tree section of the forest, you will soon gain slight elevation before trekking back into more brush and trees. If you hike this trail during the fall or winter, you will notice it is not maintained and will have to climb over down trees.
As you continue, you will reach the famous Christmas Tree section of the forest around mile 1. This was part of a Bishop Farm (not Heritage Farm) and contains a narrow section of overgrown pine trees. Not only is this one of the most unique natural attractions of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but it is also one of the most picturesque areas of the park.
You will quickly exit this section of the trail and enter another half-mile stretch of shrubs, diverse foliage, and footbridge crossings. This area is excellent for seeing turkeys, deer, and the occasional coyote. Continue following this trail and watch your step of roots poking out of the ground.
You will then come close to mile 2, where the trail opens. You’ll have fantastic views of Heritage Tree Farm and its trees. This is an excellent time for families to take a quick break and see how many trees they can count.
After you have finished a quick stop taking in views of the tree farm, continue along the trail for another 1/2 mile of windy paths, trees, and more forest.
Before you know it, you’ll come upon the famous Horseshoe Pond. This is the perfect spot for fishing, relaxing with a picnic in the pavilion, or just sitting on a bench and watching wildlife silently. You will then continue along the last 1/3 of a mile of the trail before entering the parking lot.
Alternative Option
It is recommended that you try it if you want a longer and more remote hike similar to the one on the Old Carriage Trail.
The benefits of this hike are that you get the following:
- It’s a similar hike to Furnace Run but longer with more hills for those who want a challenge.
- It is a more remote hike for those who want to spend more time in the backcountry away from people.
- More wildlife. You have a better chance to see more wildlife during the entire day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is an easy hike for children of all ages, especially given the slight elevation.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
This hike is super easy, with less than 100 feet of elevation over 2.5 miles.
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, the summer is the best time of year for foliage, wildlife, and so much more!
Deer, turkeys, coyotes, owls, hawks, and even the occasional bald eagle.
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.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
Yes, the Tree Farm Trail is marked. Follow the signs to avoid adding miles to your trip.
You will park at the Horseshoe Pond Trailhead, right off Major Road.
No, a permit is not needed. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.
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.
The trail is one of the least crowded in the national park. You will rarely see other visitors.
Tree Farm Trail Map
Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Tree Farm Trail is to input the Horseshoe Pond Trailhead (2075 Major Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264) into your phone and GPS, as the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Horseshoe Pond Trailhead parking lot (Tree Farm Trail), you will either east or west on Major Road. You will turn right or left into the Horshoe Pond Trailhead parking lot.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
While the Tree Farm 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.
- Buttermilk Falls Trail
- Blue Hen Falls Trail
- Furnace Run Trail
- Towpath Trail
- Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail
- Stanford Trail
