Ledges to Pine Grove Loop

This route combines the Ledges Trail with the Pine Grove Trail, to create a longer outing than just one trail, though both are similar in characteristic. The Ledges Trail is a moderate excursion through sandstone cliffs, known as Ritchie Ledges, and there are plenty of places on this trail where confident footing will come in handy. There are some very cool petroglyphs that date back to the 1900s along the, though it's not known who carved them. Note that Ice Box Cave is closed to all visitors to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, which is dangerous for local bats. Please respect all closures for the safety of CVNP's wildlife.Whether or not you plan on exploring the deep caves during your visit, you can count on one of the best views of autumn from the cliffs and the best CVNP sunset, period. Note: the trail and cliffs are open year-round, but winter navigation should come with a bit of caution because the formations can be slippery. But even then, if timed right, this is one of the best views of the Cuyahoga Valley. Near the Ritchie Ledges, the Pine Grove Trail mirrors the Ledges Loop at a moderate 2.2 miles in length. This is a beautiful trail is filled with deciduous greenery as well as hemlock, oak, wildflowers, switchgrass, and other foliage. While Pine Grove is moderately strenuous, it's not steep or so perilous as to separate friends and family based on skill set. With the right footwear, everyone in your group can enjoy a hike or run here and still have plenty of time and energy to explore other sections of the park. For a full-day adventure, bring along a picnic and spend some time enjoying a meal together. What makes this trail great beyond that is versatility: the grounds are quite nice and make a great landscape to escape to, no matter what route you choose. If you like learning from your field guide, there's plenty of undisturbed prairie vegetation to look up here. People who want to build in more family time by hiking and picnicking can include this route into a day-long outing in the CVNP. Outdoorsy families looking for a rental location for a family reunion spot are going to love it, too.