The Ultimate Hiking Gear List

March 9, 2025hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

One of the things that I love about hiking is that you don’t have to have a ton of gear to get outside! Shoes and a water bottle and you’re on your way! However, there is a lot of gear that makes hiking more safe and more enjoyable. While you can always shop at your local outdoor store or places like REI, also think about thrift stores, consignments, or even local Buy Nothing groups. Being safe outdoors doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something. I have only shared links for items I have personally tested and would recommend. All income I may receive goes back into hosting and running this site!

Hiking Clothes

When it comes to hiking clothes, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is your own comfort! A few general rules for clothing are to avoid cotton (it holds moisture so it can leave you very sweaty or cold), layer up, wear sturdy shoes, and protect from the elements (sun, rain, cold, etc).

If you’re looking to upgrade or invest in your hiking wardrobe, consider replacing key items with fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or nylon, which all are naturally moisture-wicking and will keep you more comfortable. Consider layers that have additional UV protection if you hike in sunny regions! Also, invest in good outer layers like a raincoat and winter coat to protect you from the elements. Remember to always check weather conditions before heading out and plan your gear accordingly.

Shoes

What you wear on your feet can really make or break a hike. While you definitely can get a lot of miles in tennis shoes, investing in trail shoes offers more traction and support. I’ve been a Merrell supporter since my first pair of hiking boots and I’ll probably never look back! I have weak ankles so I really like the higher fit of the Merrell Moabs which helps stabilize my ankle on uneven trails. The downside to hiking boots is that they can get heavy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider trail runners. I love my Hoka Speedgoats and have never fallen wearing them! If I’m doing an easy hike in the summer or I know there’s going to be stream crossing or a chance to go swimming, I’ll pack my Teva sandals. These are also great for leaving in the car to change into after a hike.

Socks

Anyone who has ever suffered from blisters knows that shoes are only as good as the socks you wear under them. The best socks for hiking are made of merino wool, which is quick-drying and warm. Seriously do not go with cotton socks! I love my Darntough crew socks not just because they come in cute designs but also because they keep my feet cozy in the winter and dry in the summer. They also last for ages. My first pair has lasted over 6 years! My second favorite brand is Smartwool, which I really like for my trail runners. These Smartwool ankle socks are lightweight but fast-drying and never slip down while I’m jogging.

Clothing

You definitely don’t need specialized clothing to get into hiking. For years, I just wore regular gym clothes or comfy leggings or sweats. But if you’re starting to do a lot more hiking, it’s worth investing in a couple key pieces

Shirts – I love my REI Sahara shirt, it’s my go-to for warmer weather. I also use the REI Active Pursuits long sleeve shirt as a base layer year round. Both of these shirts have held up through major hikes and runs and I would definitely buy them again.
Pants – For years, Prana has been my go-to brand for hiking pants and shorts. They are pricey but the quality is so good and I really like that they dry very quickly and the pants are roomy enough to allow for leggings underneath on super cold days. The short never ride up and even on long hikes, I haven’t had chafing.
Leggings – Sometimes I prefer to hike in leggings or wear them under my other pants in winter. You don’t need specialized hiking leggings, but if you can, try to invest in non-cotton exercise leggings. I found these Swiftland Running Tights on clearance at REI and they’ve been my favorite hiking leggings.

Outer Layers—No matter where you’re hiking, having the right layers is important. They keep you warm, protect you from the sun, and shield you from rain. I always pack extra layers when I’m out in the woods, as you never know how the weather might fluctuate.

Light jacket/Sun shade – During the summer, I always pack a lightweight fleece, sweatshirt, or windbreaker. I also almost always have my REI rain jacket, which I sized up so I can wear a fleece underneath it. I also picked up a Marmot rain jacket which I love for running or intense hikes because it has armpit zippers to help let out some of your body heat!
Fleece/Mid-weight jacket – You can’t go wrong with the Trailmade Fleece from REI. It’s perfect for layering and it packs away very easily. Just remember that fleece doesn’t offer any wind protection! I also have a number of quarter-zip sweatshirts that I got from Marshalls or clothing swaps that are great for adding an extra layer.
Puffy Jacket
Heavy Duty Winter Jacket – I dragged my feet for years about getting a good winter coat. I just couldn’t get over the price! But I finally got this Stormhenge Jacket from REI and I haven’t been cold on a winter hike yet!

Hiking Gear

Hats

Headgear is essential for sun protection, warmth, or both! It’s pretty rare that I hike without a baseball cap to keep my hair back and sweat off my face. I almost always just wear whatever basic ballcap I have on hand, but recently, I also invested in a UV protection and moisture-wicking hat for running and it’s pretty sweet. For the winter, I just wear whatever knit beanie I have on hand. Usually repping a local brewery! If you want to upgrade, thermal reflective beanies are always nice to have.

Sunblocking and moisture-wicking ball cap

Gloves

If you’re hiking in the winter, invest in a good pair of gloves. Get a pair that is moisture-wicking, waterproof, and has a touchscreen fingertip. Some of my hiking and running friends like to pair a Merino wool glove liner with mittens or heavier gloves!

Sunglasses

If you’re like me, you loose sunglasses all the time. That’s why I really like the Goodr sunglasses. They’re relatively cheap so I don’t feel bad about replacing them nearly every season (why am I like this). Plus there’s so many fun colors! Just make sure to store them in the cloth bag they come in as the polarized coating easily scratches off.

Packs

Packs are a great way to carry all you might need for a day of hiking. Even if I’m not going out for too long, I usually have some sort of small bag to carry water, snacks, and first aid supplies. Patagonia makes a series of really fun colorful hip packs that are perfect for stashing a snack and a phone. For a slightly longer hike, I use an old Camelbak slouch bag. This is a similar newer version! I really like having a water bottle sleeve so I don’t have to carry it around. A small pack is perfect for shoving extra layers too. For an all day adventure, I love my Osprey daypack. I got the Skimmer 20 with a hydration pack on consignment, but I’ve also heard great things about the Daylite packs. I actually use my pack as a carry-on for travels because I’m always shocked at how much I can fit into it.

If you’re looking to get more into overnight backpacking, check out Tory’s Must-Have Backpacking Gear over at My Trails are Many.

Hydration

Staying hydrated while hiking is essential, no matter the time of year or the length of hike. Make sure to carry a water bottle or water reservoir with you whenever you hit the trails. It’s funny how many water brands have exploded over the years. I’m not loyal to any one brand, but I prefer a sealable, metal bottle. I’ll take the extra weight if it means having cool water on a hike! An easy, hands-free way to carry water is in a water reservoir in a hydration pack. These reservoir (sometimes called bladders) come in a variety of sizes. I have both a 1.5 liter and 2.5 liter. Just remember that water is heavy so plan accordingly based on the length of your hike and the weather. I’ve also gotten in the habit of bringing my 2.5-liter on vacation trips which means I never have to buy plastic water bottles!

Poles & Traction

Let’s talk hiking poles. For a long time, I thought poles were only for really difficult mountain hikes. But I finally invested in a pair and I don’t think I’d ever go back. They are so useful for extra stability and absorb pressure on your knees going up or downhill. I invested in a pair or collapsible Black Diamond poles that come with snow attachments. They come in a pair and usually my partner and I each use one. I like how lightweight they are and that they easily can slide into my daypack if I don’t need them.

If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, you’ll want to invest in traction devices for your shoes. While some people hammer nails right into their hiking boots (yes, seriously), I’d recommend getting microspikes that stretch over your shoes and can easily be removed. I have a knock-off branch of Yaktraks like these that I got from a previous job and they really get the job done. If you’re going to be doing a lot of icy hiking, these Kahtoola microspikes can’t be beaten. Remember to always check weather conditions before heading out and know when to turn around if conditions are unsafe!

Remember, there’s a lot of gear out there but you don’t need everything to enjoy a day in the woods! These are just some suggestions if you want to get more serious about your hiking ~~addiction~~ hobby. Have a favorite brand or notice a key thing I’m missing? Reach out and let me know!

Tips for Saving on Gear

Gear is expensive. I’ve been building up my collection slowly and started out by only investing in a few key items. I’ve been able to save money by sourcing gear a few different ways:

Gear Swaps – my trail running group has seasonal gear swaps where we trade clothing and other gear that we no longer need. I’ve been able to get lots of clothes this way!
Consignment or Resale – Check your local outdoor shop for a consignment or resale section. REI locations have the Resupply used gear section where you can sometimes find great deals.
Sales – Shop strategically throughout the year to sale steep discounts! I always make sure to buy new running shoes or boots on Labor Day or Memorial Day when REI has the biggest discounts
Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing – It takes a bit more work, but I’ve seen some really good deals on gently used gear on Facebook! Just make sure to set up a time to check out the item and don’t go alone if you can help it.
Borrow first – For some major purchases, think about borrowing from a friend or renting from an outdoor store first. For my first backpacking trip, a friend lent me gear so that I could test things out

Ready to start planning your next adventure? Check out my recent hikes for inspiration! Happy hiking!

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

10 Waterfalls Within an Hour of Pittsburgh

February 10, 2025March 9, 2025hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

While the western side of the state isn’t exactly known for its waterfalls, there are actually a few you can visit within an hour of Pittsburgh! Ranging from a few feet to almost 50 feet high, these waterfalls are definitely worth a visit. Some can even be seen from the roadside without a long hike! Remember to always stay on trails and don’t venture beyond safety barriers. If visiting in the winter, spikes and trekking poles are a good idea. Now get out there and chase some waterfalls!

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Fall Run Park (Glenshaw)

Did you know there’s a waterfall only 15 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh? Check out Fall Run Park, a community park in Shaler Township. The 25-ft waterfall is only 0.5 miles from the parking lot along a wide path dotted with bridges over a creek. The narrow falls are best seen after rain and are particularly impressive during the winter when the water completely freezes. This is a popular spot, so you’re likely to meet other spectators along the way.

Settlers Cabin Waterfall (Robinson Township)

Settlers Cabin Park is one of the 9 county parks managed by Allegheny County. At only 17 minutes away from Downtown Pittsburgh, it’s perfect for an afternoon or even afterword visit. Among the miles of color-coded trails is this quaint waterfall. The quickest way to see it is to park at the dog park and get on the Green/Waterfall trail. Follow for only 0.5 miles to reach these 4-ft falls. While not the most impressive cascade, this is a charming trail and the falls are lovely after some rain. There are plenty of other trails to add if you want a longer route!

Montour Woods Falls (Moon Township)

Montour Woods is one of my favorite local hiking spots! There are miles of trails and opportunities to connect to Moon Park and the Montour Trail for even longer loops. But thankfully you don’t have to hike miles to see this cascade on Meeks Run. From the parking lot on Hassam Road, follow Meeks Run Trail for only 0.3 miles and you’ll encounter this delightful trickle. Unlike other local falls, this one flows strongly throughout the year.

Buttermilk Falls (Beaver Falls)

There are multiple Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania (and beyond) but here I’m talking about Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls. Also called Homewood Falls, this roadside feature is only 35 minutes away from Pittsburgh (with tolls). There’s a small parking lot for about 5 cars at the trailhead, then its only a 0.2 mile walk to the falls. The impressive 30 foot drop spills out strongly over a rock edge, making for a waterfall that you can actually walk behind. In the winter, the falls can even freeze, for a truly incredible experience. The falls can also be viewed from a small parking lot on 1st Avenue, across the street from the Homewood Methodist Church. The view area is right beside the church, but for your safety, please don’t venture beyond the fence.

Frankfort Mineral Springs Waterfall (Burgettstown)

A trip to Raccoon Creek State Park is wonderful any time of year. There are many trails to explore and the wildflower preserve is beautiful in the spring and fall. And it can reached within 40 minutes from Downtown! But one of the most popular spots in the park is Frankfurt Mineral Springs. Right beside the mineral springs is a beautiful 10-foot waterfall. My absolute favorite time to visit is in late April when a field of white trilliums line the top of the waterfall. To get to the falls, park at the main park office and follow the Mineral Springs Trail. The round trip is only 1.2 miles and is an easy walk, although some of the rocks near the falls can get slippery when wet.

Hells Hollow (Portersville)

Take a trip north of the city to McConnells Mill State Park for another impressive falls. At about 50 minutes, this is a big further from town. But the beauty of McConnells Mill is well worth the drive! Hells Hollow is located on the west side of the park. Although its a popular spot, there is plenty of parking in the Schaffer Road lot. From the lot, its an easy 0.5 mile walk to the falls. The most difficult part is descending the stairs to visit the falls. They end in the waters of Hell Run and you have to step across some rocks to get the full effect of the falls. Beware that this can be dangerous when the water is high or icy.

Want more information about hiking at McConnells Mill? Check out my guide to Hells Hollow & Shubrew

Alpha Falls (Portersville)

You don’t even have to change parks to see this waterfall! Located on the other end of McConnells Mill, near the historic gristmill and covered bridge is the stunning Alpha Falls. To access the trailhead, park at the main park lot for the Kildoo picnic area on Kildoo Road. From there, follow the trail behind the bathrooms down along the hillside for 0.2 miles to reach the Mill. From the Mill, head to the right on Alpha Pass Trail. This rocky trail follows along Slippery Rock Creek through towering hemlock trees and little trickles of water runoff. After 0.5 miles, you’ll reach a 30-foot stream of water that cascades over a sheer rock face. The water flow is modest but makes for a peaceful sight and beautiful ice features in the fall.

There are several other seasonal waterfalls in the park, most of which can be seen along the Kildoo Trail Loop, a 2 mile loop around Slippery Rock Creek starting at the gristmill and heading to Eckert Road bridge and back.

Springfield Falls (Mercer)

Springfield Falls is the only waterfall I know of that you can enjoy a craft beer beside! That’s right, Cobblehaus at the Falls offers a truly stunning spot to view these falls in Mercer. At 55 minutes from town, it might seem like a long drive to visit a brewery, but the views here are definitely worth it. If you’re just looking to see the falls, you can access them from a small parking lot on Falls Road. The waterfall is technically located in State Game Lands 284, so be aware if visiting during hunting season. Its an easy 0.3 miles from the road to the falls, although the way down to the bottom can be a bit tricky.

Big Run Falls (New Castle)

Staying north of the city, we’re heading to New Castle for this next waterfall. Big Run Falls is tucked into the ruins of Cascade Park, a former amusement park, now turned local park. There’s a large parking lot on Highway 65. From there, follow along the park road, past the abandoned amusement park pavilions. On the left, there is a municipal garage. To the right is a gorge with a stream. The waterfall will be directly underneath you. Continue along the road to a picnic area with a better vantage point of the falls. Please enjoy the falls from here. Do not venture beyond the fence as the hillside is very steep and the landscape is delicate. You’ll also see the remaining track of a rollercoaster that once zoomed along the stream.

There are also several short trails in the park if you’d like to stay and explore!

Quaker Falls (Lawrence Co.)

The very last waterfall on my list and arguably one of the most impressive! Quaker Falls is tucked into the newly created Quaker Falls Recreation Area, located in Lawrence County just a few miles away from the Ohio border. There is a large parking lot and a newly built stairway down to a viewing platform for the falls. The impressive 50-foot cascade really took me by surprise when I visited! I didn’t even know that we had a fifty-foot waterfall on this side of the state. Back at the parking lot, there’s also a short walking trail along the top of the falls with interpretive signs about the history of the area that leads to a few other viewing platforms. Please be aware that any foraged trail down to the bottom of the falls is not recommended and hasn’t been cared for by the park organizers.

Beer Hiking Pennsylvania & New Jersey

February 2, 2025hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

A guide to the best hikes and microbreweries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Beer-lovers and hiking enthusiasts, these 35 hikes through Pennsylvania and New Jersey are for you! Each carefully selected hike leads you through a stunning natural landscape and ends near a brewery or a brewpub where a local craft beer awaits you. This full-color guidebook features the best one- to six-hour beer hikes around the mountains, waterfalls, battlefields, beaches, and forests of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It guides you from the watershed of the Delaware Valley to the grand expanse of the PA Wilds, and from the beaches of the Jersey Shore to the rocky hills of the Laurel Highlands.

Each trail description includes details on access, difficulty, duration, points of interest, and, at trail’s end, a recommended beer, with notes on its appearance, aroma, and taste. You’ll also get an inside look at the creative and passionate craftspeople behind the brewing process.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something. All income I may receive goes back into hosting and running this site!

Publisher’s website: Helvetiq

Purchase from Bookshop.org

Purchase from White Whale Bookstore

Purchase from Barnes & Noble

Hiking Highlights of 2024: My Favorite Adventures

January 6, 2025March 9, 2025hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

For me, my year in hiking has had a lot of ups and downs! At the beginning of the year, I was hiking and traveling a lot. Then, I was training for an ultramarathon so hiking took a backseat. I also tackled a lot of house projects and finished a major writing project (more details soon!) so was out on the trails a bit less. Despite all of that, I’m still pleased that I hiked over 200 miles this year! With all of that time on trails, here is my round-up of my favorite trails I hiked in 2024 (preference to new-to-me hikes).

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Minister Creek Loop – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

This stunning loop in Allegheny National Forest was by far a highlight of my year. Although it was cold and the creek waters were very high, I could not have asked for a better introduction to ANF. This 7-mile loop includes deep woods, clambering through rocky crevices, and stunning overlooks. Not exactly a trail for the faint of heart, this hike was a true challenge with a huge payoff at the end.

Hector Falls – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

When the locals give you a hiking tip, you better take it! That’s exactly what happened on a weekend trip to Allegheny National Forest region. The owners of a brewery we were visited highly recommended this lesser known waterfall and I’m so glad we checked it out. Although the hike to the trail itself isn’t very interesting, the stunning double-sided waterfall at the end made it so worth it! The unique water feature flows over a rectangular rock jutting off a cliffside so when water flow is high enough, it creates two separate streams plunging off the rock. This was one of the coolest waterfalls I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, although I would recommend visiting in the spring when the water runoff is highest. Although the falls have low foot traffic, the parking area is quite small, so try to plan to visit outside of peak times.

Hearts Content Natural Area – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

If you’ve been following our hikes for a while, you know that Justin loves a big tree. So we always make a point to visit old growth forest areas when we can. Hearts Content is a relatively small hemlock and white pine old growth forest nestled in Allegheny National Forest. The trails are easy and it is a great hike for all ages. We were lucky to visit at golden hour and had the trails completely to ourselves. Prepare to be amazed by towering trees that are between 300-400 years old along the 1-mile scenic interpretive trail.

Ledges Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH)

On our very first trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park we tackled the much-anticipated Ledges Trail and it did not disappoint. We loved meandering through the impressive cliffsides and peering through narrow crevices. We did a big loop from Kendall Lake to Ledges, which combined the geological beauty of Ledges with the scenic Kendall Lake. This loop can easily be shorten to accommodate little legs and would be a great trail for all ages.

Make it a Hike & Hop – Check out Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing!

Rock City & Rattlesnake to Overlook – Coopers Rock State Forest (WV)

Despite being just over an hour away from Pittsburgh, it took me until 2024 to finally visit Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia. There’s so much to see at this park, but if you only have time for one hike, definitely make it the Rock City & Rattlesnake trails. This incredible path leads from dense woods into sudden corridors surrounded by rock face. Finally the Rattlesnake Trail ends at the impressive Coopers Rock overlook, the crown jewel of the park.

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Coopers Rock & Screech Owl!

Endless Wall Trail – New River Gorge National Park (WV)

Okay, I’ll admit, this wasn’t a new hike for me in 2024. But its so great that I had to include it as one of my favorites of the year and is one of the few repeat trails on this list. We visited New River Gorge NP at the beginning of October right as the leaves began to change. We did a LOT of hiking but the Endless Wall Trail remains my favorite of the park. The stunning views throughout the short loop just get more beautiful each time I visit. However, this is a very popular spot, so try to visit at off-times or during the week. Parking is a challenge here so please leave no trace and only park in designated areas!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Endless Wall & FreeFolk Brewery

Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail – Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve (OH)

Another easy hike to take my end of the year round up! I’ve done the Conkles Hollow Rim hike a few times now (also highly recommend) but this time around, we wanted to do the Gorge trail. This 1-mile out and back flat trail leads you deep into the gorge with towering trees and cliff wall climbing up on either side. During wet seasons and after rain, there are various waterfalls spilling down the sides of the gorge. On a hot, sunny September day, it was amazing the temperature difference in the deepest reaches of the gorge. This is a must-hike during a visit to the Hocking Hills Area!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Conkles Hollow & Double Edge Brewing

Want to explore more of Hocking Hills, OH? See my guide to visiting the state park and more.

Red, Yellow, and Blue Loop – Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (PA)

This was by far my hardest hike of the year, but the challenge made it that much more fun! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a non-profit wild raptor preserve with an educational facility and miles of hiking trails. It’s the only hike on this list with a fee to visit (Adults $10, Seniors $7, Children between 6-12 $5, Under 5 FREE), but its supporting a fantastic cause so don’t let that hold you back. There’s a number of trails with varying difficulty, but we did a heart-pumping loop that began on the River of Rocks Trail (red) then climbs the steep Golden Eagle Trail (yellow). At the top, take the Skyline Trail (blue) along the ridge, ending with some of the most difficult and exhilarating rock climbs I’ve encountered on a trail. You’ll hoist yourself up onto the North Lookout and follow around the Lookout Trail (orange) for multiple vistas of the surrounding valley and soaring raptors. Be sure to check migration times for peak birdwatching months!

Maurice River Bluffs – (NJ)

A writing project took me to New Jersey this year and I’ll admit that I didn’t go in with high expectations. But I was quickly proven wrong with this incredible hike along the Maurice River in Millville, NJ. This 500-acre preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy and provides a key stopover for migrating birds and presents a uniquely hilly landscape in the lowlands of NJ. We completed a 5-6 mile loop of the entire preserve which included boardwalks along the water with spots to observe wildlife and sandy walks out along the bluffs for vistas of the surrounding wetlands. This hike was incredible but what made it one of my most memorable hikes this year was finally seeing a stunning lady slipper orchid in the wild. I cried.

Pochuck Valley & Stairway to Heaven – Appalachian Trail (NJ)

Another of my Jersey adventures took us along the Appalachian Trail in northern NJ. 72 miles of the famed trail run through the rugged northern region of New Jersey which boasts a markedly different landscape than the rest of the state. This 7-mile out-and-back trail includes boardwalks over wets and ends with a rocky climb to a stunning overlook. Along the way, you’ll encounter day- and thru-hikers all enjoying this unique path. Don’t let the easy path at the beginning fool you; the trek up the “stairway to heaven” is challenging but highly rewarding. From the soaring overlook on a clear day you can see all the way to the Catskill Mountains in New York!

Thanks for joining me on another year of hiking adventures! I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes me.

Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing

December 24, 2024hikesandhopsblog 1 Comment

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Did you know there’s a National Park in Ohio? Cuyahoga Valley NP is just outside of Cleveland; only a 2 hour day trip from Pittsburgh. Designated a national park in 2000, this area is unique from other major parks. It’s tucked just outside of a major metropolitan region. But even more interestingly, it is a success story of the rehabilitation of the natural world. For years, the Cuyahoga River was subject to waste and sewage dumping from the nearby industrial centers. The pollution was so bad that the river caught on fire multiple times. But over the next few decades, major strides were made to clean up the polluted waters. Now, the park welcomes over 2 million visitors a year to enjoy its trails and history!

There are over 125 miles of trail to enjoy at Cuyahoga Valley. The geologically unique Ledges Trail is the most popular spot in the park and for good reason! Despite being in a relatively flat state, these massive sandstone cliffs emerge from the woods in a stunning display. At only 2.2 miles, this is a great hike for all ages that offers beautiful views and some fun, rocky sections. Ledges Trail is a must when visiting Cuyahoga!

THE HIKE: Ledges Trail via Kendell Lake

Length: 5.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 488 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Trail use: Hiking, Leashed Pets
Parking: Ample parking at Kendall Lake, restroom facilities

Cuyahoga National Park is the only National Park in Ohio! While it might not have the mountains of the West, it offers stunning waterfalls, unique geological features, and a fascinating history.

Where to Park: Ledges Trail is one of the most popular trails in Cuyahoga National Park. Because of this, I recommend taking the longer route which starts at Kendall Lake but offers more parking. If you’re a newer hiker, have less time, or are hiking with little ones, I’d suggest tackling just the 2.2-mile Ledges Trail by parking here. Just be aware that this lot fills up quickly so try to aim for an off-peak time!

The Route: From the Kendall Lake Parking area, follow the Connector Trail across the road. Make sure to look both ways and cross carefully! Suddenly you’ll find yourself in thick woods. At the first trail junction, turn left to get on the Pine Grove Trail. While not the most interesting part of the trek, this is a pleasant loop through thick woods. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and fungi! After 1.6 miles, the trails meets back up with the Connector Trail. Continue along the Connector Trail passing over a road and then through a parking lot. At the edge of the parking is a trail kiosk with a map and information about the trails around Ledges. Continue forward after the kiosk, now on the Ledges Trail. You’ll notice almost immediately the rocky cliffside that rises up beside you along the trail. Keep an eye out for interesting rock features! At 2.6 miles, you’ll pass the Ice Box Cave, a unique spot where the temperature drops dramatically earning its fitting name. Continue along peering through rock crevices and tight squeezes. At about 3 miles, you’ll pass over the road to the main parking area. Just after this, you’ll reach the Ledges Overlook, a rocky outcropping perfect for a quick rest. The view isn’t super spectacular with the heavy foliage but might be better in the winter! Continue along the Ledges Trail to finish the loop and meet back at the trail kiosk and Connector Trail. Now you can retrace your steps along the Connector Trail, this time bearing to the left at the junction with Pine Grove Trail. This will lead you right back to the parking lot for Kendall Lake. But instead of heading to your car, take the tranquil Lake Trail for an easy loop around the lake. Make sure to end with a jaunt out onto the fishing pier!

This is just one of the many awesome trails to check out at Cuyahoga Valley! On the same day, we also visited Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls. Looking for a general guide to the park and the various trails? Check at the My Trails are Many guide here.

THE BEER: HiHo Brewing Co.

Address: 1707 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Distance from Trail Head: 9 miles, 16 mins
Website: http://www.hihobrewingco.com/
Food?: Full Menu
Details: Indoor and Outdoor seating, Leashed dogs on patio

HiHo Brewing began as the dream of Jon and Ali Hoven, a beer-loving husband and wife team. While living in Colorado, the couple discovered a passion for craft beer, even starting a homebrew club. They grew more serious about the industry and Jon eventually trained as a professional brewer. in 2015, they moved back to their hometown in Ohio and began the long process of building out their dream brewery. In January 2017, HiHo Brewing Co officially opened!

Formerly a car showroom, the 6,000 sq ft taproom offers amble seating, from high top bar spots to banquet style seating. In the warmer months, there’s a patio outside overlooking the Cuyahoga River where leashed dogs are welcome to hang out with you. With such a large space, you won’t be surprised to see a hefty taplist! Most drafts come in a variety of sizes (5 oz, 10 oz, 16 oz) for your tasting pleasure. HiHo doesn’t limit itself to specific styles so you’re sure to find something you love!

After all that hiking and exploring, you’re sure to be ready for a snack. The house menu features a perfect mix of bar food like pizza and sliders, with healthier salad options. I’m always a sucker for a pretzel with beer cheese, and these did not disappoint!

There’s several brewery options around Cuyahoga, but I highly recommend a stop at HiHo!

Our Beer: