HomeOhioIndependence › Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy

Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy

4.8 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Independence, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
1.7 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy'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.

Paved1.7 miScenicHilly

What runners say about Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (36 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Fully paved, with hills and flat areas, bridges and beautiful scenery.”

Loved this hike. You can take it as long as you want if you connect to the lock/canal trail system too. We saw tons of mushroom/fungus. Beautiful scenery and great wildlife viewing.

★★★★★ — Cherilyn , Jun 2025

Hemlock Creek trail is a 2 mile out and back trail that begins at Brecksville Road and Selig Drive in Independence. The asphalt trail runs through historic Independence and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It will eventually meet up with the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

★★★★★ — Dave , Aug 2024

I like this trail because it is very challenging. One hill after another. You see see a little waterfalls off a bridge and there is am old house on the path, that you can just look at and the path is paved. If you like hills, this is the place for you.

★★★★★ — Laura , Oct 2024

Great trail to walk or bike. There are many grades from 8 to 11 percent inclines. The beginning is near lock 39 and the end is by Cleveland Clinic Corp.

★★★★☆ — Mr. , May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“You see see a little waterfalls off a bridge and there is am old house on the path, that you can just look at and the path is paved.”

More trails like this →

🛣️ Paved surface 6 mentions

“You see see a little waterfalls off a bridge and there is am old house on the path, that you can just look at and the path is paved.”

More trails like this →

⛰️ Hills / elevation 5 mentions

“For a hike lots of nature but a bit challenging because of steep terrain”

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Plan your run at Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • Distance1.7 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitewestcreek.org
  • Phone(216) 749-3720
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–11 PM
Thursday 5 AM–11 PM
Friday 5 AM–11 PM
Saturday 5 AM–11 PM
Sunday 5 AM–11 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy

6837 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131

Get directions

Running trails near Independence

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Ohio to Erie Trail, Lock 39 Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

Independence, OH

1.2 miles away

Terra Vista Natural Study Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 57 reviews

Valley View, OH

Crushed gravelScenic

1.7 miles away

Valley View Woods Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 188 reviews

Valley View, OH

Scenic

Well-kept park featuring a playground, trails and clean bathrooms.

2.4 miles away

Aqueduct Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

Garfield Heights, OH

MixedScenic

2.9 miles away

Cleveland Metroparks

4.8 ★★★★★ 464 reviews

Cleveland, OH

Natural surfaceLitScenic

Public park with picnic facilities and a restroom, plus plenty of trails, and events for kids.

2.9 miles away

Bacci Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 390 reviews

Garfield Heights, OH

LitScenic

Neighborhood park with picnic tables and a playground plus a baseball diamond.

2.9 miles away

All running trails in Independence, OH →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.