There is something magical about the solace that nature offers to adventurers. When you are deep in an enchanting forest surrounded by the song-like sounds of native fauna, real life seems to be a million miles away. This trail will take you past wonders that will surprise and delight you, and you have to see it to believe that such a lovely place really exists outside of fairy tales and local legends.
Gorge Metro Park is located at 1160 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls.
The park gets it name from a natural gorge that was carved thousands of years ago when the former riverbed of the Cuyahoga River was blocked by glacial debris, which caused the river to take a new route.
The loveliest trail in the park is Gorge Trail, a 1.8 mile hike that will bring you face-to-face with some mind-blowing sights.
If you plan to travel along the entirety of the trail, be aware that this route is fairly intensive, as parts of the trail are primitive and make for challenging travel across rugged and uneven paths.
The trail forms a loop, half of which runs alongside the Cuyahoga River.
The river cuts through a shale riverbed, the banks of which are lined with a variety of native flora including blackgum, tulip, and oak trees.
Gorge Trail weaves alongside some enchanting ledges that speckle the landscape with unrivaled beauty and complexity.
The monotony of branches along this hike is broken by the behemoth silhouettes of Sharon Conglomerate sandstone ledges. The ledges were formed as a result of sediments collecting at the bottom of an ancient ocean that once covered Ohio millions of years ago. Northeastern Ohio's Sharon Conglomerate ledges seem to be made of deposition from the Canadian Shield. It is younger than similar Sharon ledges in southern Ohio, which are thought to have formed out of ancient streams flowing into the Ohio basin from the Appalachian region.
This path is worth exploring at least once, as it will lead you to a cave with an interesting role in local history and lore.
In 1759, in the midst of the French and Indian War, members of the Delaware tribe captured a young settler named Mary Campbell and took her away from her Pennsylvania home. Once they arrived in Ohio, Mary spent some time living in what would become the Cuyahoga Falls area.
The cave, located on the north wall of the gorge, is believed to be one of the places in which Mary Campbell made her home during her time apart from her family.
Mary lived with the Delaware tribe until she was rescued and returned to her family in 1764. Mary became known as the first white child to travel to the Connecticut Western Reserve. Today, the cave bears her name and has a small plaque celebrating her role in local history.
There is much to see along this beautiful trail, ranging from a grand observation deck to the tiny critters that thrive in the gorge's habitat.
Though a bit of a strenuous hike, Gorge Trail offers spectacular views and unexpected encounters with local wildlife that will take you to another world. Bring binoculars and water for this journey, because you will definitely want to have both handy!
The trail is open between 6 a.m. and sunset, so while we still have long summer days, you must visit this superb spot!
Gorge Trail offers a blissful escape from the busy streets of Northeast Ohio. Its lush greenery and cool sandstone ledges provide a sort of therapy that melts away stress and takes you to a paradise far from the real world. What are you waiting for? Let's go for a hike!
For other epic Cleveland area trails, check out these local trails that are under three miles.
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