The Cross Nation Path in Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park presents a refreshing mixture of open meadows and wooded paths, making it one of many extra various hikes in Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park. Stretching about 3.5 miles, the path winds by way of rolling terrain that was initially designed for cross nation skiers, giving it a spacious, open really feel in sections. You will go by way of tall grasses, stands of pine, and leafy groves, with vast views and a way of quiet solitude.
Do not miss climbing by way of Kendall Hills on the finish of the loop
Climbing the Cross Nation Path
There are a number of entry factors for climbing the Cross Nation Path, however my favourite by far is the Pine Hole Trailhead off Fast Highway. The views at the beginning and end—particularly within the early morning or at sundown—are incredible. It’s additionally the trailhead for the attractive Salt Run Path, certainly one of my favourite hikes within the park. In the present day, although, I’m right here for a mid-afternoon loop—only a fast escape to stretch my legs and break up a chaotic workday.
I begin the loop counterclockwise, strolling alongside a grassy strip beside the massive Pine Hole parking space. Past that, the path winds by way of one other open stretch, flanked by woods on each side, passing the Crow Foot Gully and Little Meadow parking tons.
Simply previous Little Meadow, the path strikes north by way of a small open meadow dotted with wildflowers and plush greenery. The scent of summer time hangs within the air.
Quickly after, I enter the forest, the place a dense cover of hardwoods and pine bushes surrounds me. I cross a small wood footbridge over an almost dry creek and climb a brief hill.
On the high, the path bends proper and enters an extended grassy hall—harking back to the tree-lined tunnels discovered alongside the Tree Farm Path. Close to the 1-mile mark, I’m again within the shade of mature hardwoods, passing among the largest bushes I’ve seen within the park.
The path narrows by way of a denser part the place NPS crews are out doing path work, then opens into one other meadow vivid with wildflowers. Round 2.1 miles in, I reenter the woods, surrounded by a thick cover and shaded ravines working alongside the path.
On the 3-mile mark, I attain the Kendall Lake Path and switch proper. Not lengthy after, I go by way of a stone tunnel inbuilt 1939 to maintain hikers protected from a now-defunct toboggan run. The path gently slopes downhill alongside the outdated run’s path earlier than passing a marshy space alive with bullfrogs and a pair of geese foraging within the shallows.
Simply earlier than Kendall Lake comes into view, the path begins to rise on the foot of Kendall Hills. Moderately than comply with the official loop, I take the extra scenic approach again—up and over the hills towards Pine Hole. I select the center of the three grassy paths and make the primary ascent.
From the highest, I can see the remainder of the ridge forward. I bear in mind my nephew working a cross-country race right here just a few years in the past and may’t assist however suppose, “What a brutal solution to finish a race—having to run up these rattling hills.” I descend steeply, then ascend the second, longer hill, which leads me again to the Pine Hole Trailhead.
I seize my lunch from the automobile and discover a quiet spot overlooking the vast, grassy hills to eat earlier than heading again to the actual world. It’s a beautiful day, with temperatures within the low 70s—a refreshing break after a stretch of sweltering days within the higher 90s.
One other go to to the park involves a detailed, however I will be again within the subsequent few days. The Wetmore Path has been calling my identify for a while.
