Cascade Valley Metro Park: Scenic Overlook, Hike & Picnic by the Water

Cascade Valley Metro Park is a 526-acre park located in central Summit County between Akron and Cuyahoga Falls. It is part of the Summit County Metro Parks and includes more than 8 miles of hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the Cuyahoga River and a stunning overlook that is arguably one of the best in Northeast Ohio.

Things to do at Cascade Valley Metro Park

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy hiking on one of the four trails inside the park. Make sure to visit the scenic overlook to take in the beautiful views 125 feet above the Cuyahoga River.

Tip: The park has a north and a south section and different parking lots and trails in each section. Make sure you enter the address to the section you wish to go to instead of simply entering Cascade Valley Metro Park on your map.

The south side of the park contains the Chuckery Trail, Oxbow Trail, and the Overlook Trail with scenic Overlook.

Tip: If you plan to do all three trails, start with the Chuckery Trail, then head to the Oxbow Trail and take the path to the Overlook from the Oxbow Trail.

Hiking Trail at Cascade Valley Metro Park

Both the Chuckey Tail and the Oxbow Trail have beautiful views of the Cuyahoga River. There are sections where you can get down to the river’s edge and people often creek stomp and look for crayfish.

Tip: Even though there are places where the water is shallow enough to wade it, use caution if you plan to do this as the current can be strong.

Hiking Trails at Cascade Valley Metro Park South

Chuckery Trail – 837 Cuyahoga Street Akron, OH 44313
Loop trail through the woods that starts near the popular Indian Signal Tree. Beautiful views of the Cuyahoga River and opportunities to get close to (or in) the water.
Distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty (per trail owner): Difficult
Points of Interest: Signal Tree, Cuyahoga River

Oxbow Trail – 1061 Cuyahoga Street Akron, OH 44313
Nice loop trail through the woods. Parts are along the Cuyahoga River.
Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty (per trail owner): Moderate
Points of Interest: Connects to Overlook Trail and Overlook Deck, Cuyahoga River

Overlook Trail – 354 Sackett Avenue Akron, OH 44313
Half-mile flat, paved, and ADA-accessible loop trail that has an Overlook Deck with stunning views of the Cuyahoga River 125 feet below.
Distance: .5 miles
Difficulty (per trail owner): Easy
Points of Interest: Overlook Deck

Hiking Trails at Cascade Valley Metro Park North

Schumacher Trail – 1690 Cuyahoga Street Akron, OH 44313
Loop trail with a lot of hills uneven terrain and beautiful scenery. Meets up with Valley Link Trail that links Cascade Valley Metro Park to Sand Run Metro Park.
Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty (per trail owner): Difficult

Valley Link Trail – 1690 Cuyahoga Street Akron, OH 44313
The Valley Link Trail is an out-and-back trail that links Cascade Valley Metro Park to Sand Run Metro Park. It also intersects with the Ohio & Erie Canal Tow Path Trail.
Distance: 5.6 miles out and back (2.8 miles one way)
Difficulty (per trail owner): Moderate

Tips for Your Visit to Cascade Valley Metro Park

If you plan to do all three trails in the south portion of the park, start with the Chuckery Trail, then head to the Oxbow Trail and take the path to the Overlook from the Oxbow Trail.
There are several picnic tables with charcoal barbecue grills located throughout the park, including some right by the river.
If you are simply interested in the scenic overlook or need an accessible paved trail, park at the Overlook Trail. It’s a short 1/2-mile walk to the overlook. Perfect for families with young children, strollers, or wheelchairs.
All trails in both sections of the park (except for the Overlook Trail) have uneven rough terrain. If you have young children you won’t be able to use a stroller.
During the winter head to the Oxbow Area and enjoy sledding down the huge hill. It offers varying degrees of steepness making it great for all ages. On the steepest side, they have a rope railing to help you get back up to the top. There are also lights on the hill so you can sled after dark. And during certain hours there is a heated seating area where you can warm up.
When on the Schumacher Trail, right before the bridge there is a side trail on the left. Use that to get to the beach area by the Cuyahoga River.

Cascade Valley Metro Park
Akron Ohio
Website