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Cascade Valley Metro Park - Overlook Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 451 Google reviews · Running trail in Akron, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 0.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cascade Valley Metro Park - Overlook Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved and scenic loop trail featuring a river overlook.
What runners say about Cascade Valley Metro Park - Overlook Area
“It connects to the Oxbow area by way of well kept natural trails which branch off from the paved trail.”
“The park leads into two trails with a beautiful overlook and a nice escape from the buildings and streets around.”
“Almost entirely shaded, so a great trail on hot some days.”
This Path is a paved, short, easy walk or roll to get here. It's lovely for a little stroll to relax my Dogs and Myself. It's All wheelchair Friendly, because it is paved and well kept. It's not too Hilly either if Your chair isn't powered. It's about a half mile trail, with Beautiful Views of the Valley.
Breathtaking view from the overlook! Nice trail. Level land with lots of shady spots from foliage.
Very nice short trail with a fantastic view overlooking the Cuyahoga River (which is where the name comes from ;-). Very easy and flat trail that is paved. There is a connector trail heading into the valley that will loop back as well. Almost entirely shaded, so a great trail on hot some days.
Cascade Valley Metro Park is an urban sanctuary where industrial history meets raw natural drama. Steep bluffs rise 130 feet above the winding Cuyahoga River, offering dramatic overlooks and trails through pre-glacial canyons.
Trail conditions & character
“Steep bluffs rise 130 feet above the winding Cuyahoga River, offering dramatic overlooks and trails through pre-glacial canyons.”
“Overlook Trail is an easy 1/2 mile paved trail with a very high overlook deck at about the half-way point.”
“The paved trail is nice when you want a shorter walk or when it's rained and you don't want to get you or your dog muddy.”
“Great little boardwalk trail from the parking lot that loops around and is probably 0.”
“The Overlook is beautiful with a nice observation deck you can access by way of a paved loop trail.”
“Almost entirely shaded, so a great trail on hot some days.”
“A multi-access trail meaning it is paved and flat so all types of people can walk the trail.”
“Bathroom at trailhead was well maintained, included a changing table and drinking fountains.”
“There are stairs if you take this route or an option to take the winding natural trail down a sloped hill following a blue trail marker.”
“I would recommend for folks with limited mobility or wheelchairs as well.”
“The paved trail is nice when you want a shorter walk or when it's rained and you don't want to get you or your dog muddy.”
“Great little boardwalk trail from the parking lot that loops around and is probably 0.”
“Bathroom at trailhead was well maintained, included a changing table and drinking fountains.”
Plan your run at Cascade Valley Metro Park - Overlook Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance0.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesummitmetroparks.org
- Phone+1 330-867-5511
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Akron
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Overlook Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
A flat hiking trail alongside the Cuyahoga River that leads to overlooks.
Cascade Valley Metro Park-Valley View Area
4.9 ★★★★★ 83 reviews
Riverside park featuring trails, a playground and kayaking access.
CASCADE VALLEY METRO PARK Celebration Trail Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 58 reviews
Sand Run Metro Park-Big Bend Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 284 reviews
Easy-to-moderate trails (some paved) and towpaths, plus bridges, for hikers, runners and bikers.
Summit Metro Parks
4.6 ★★★★★ 134 reviews
City park featuring kid-friendly hiking trails and picnicking opportunities.
Mary Campbell Cave
4.7 ★★★★★ 577 reviews
Sandstone & shale cave in a river gorge once inhabited by a captive young woman.