Holden Arboretum Loop

This hike is a combination of three different trails at the Holden Arboretum, a hidden gem in northeast Ohio. There is a small entrance fee for non-members but an annual pass is very reasonable, and the trails here are never crowded. Start at the trailhead, and veer right on the Woodland Trail. The trail continues near the cabin; take the stairs down at its left. This will wind past Foster Pond. Stay on this until you get to the deer gate and enter. Once through the gate, follow the trail briefly then turn right onto the Old Valley Trail (OVT). This is a gorgeous stretch through old growth woods. You can stay on this trail, but just before the set of stairs to go down into the valley I added on the Pierson Creek Loop which adds about a mile or so to the hike. If you take this loop stay on it until it rejoins the Old Valley Trail on the other side of the creek. If you skip it, simply stay on the OVT. This part of the trail gets a little mud but is really quiet and has some challenging hiking. Stay on the OVT until you cross back over the creek and take the stairway back up; this is where it reconnects with the Woodland Trail. The Woodland Trail gets you almost back to where you started; just continue past the Buttonbush Bog and Blueberry Pond, and then turn right just after the pond and you are back. There are maps at the trailhead, and the trails are well marked. Enjoy this escape into the forest.