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Ira Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 316 Google reviews · Running trail in Peninsula, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Ira Trailhead'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.
Path along an old canal that's now a marsh featuring a beaver pond, wildlife, and a boardwalk.
What runners say about Ira Trailhead
“Nice trailhead to get on the Towpath, going North is much more scenic than going South.”
“So it wasn't the most peaceful place for a walk!”
Great endurance walk. On the way stop at Beaver Marsh, Szalays Farm, Everett Covered Bridge and Deep Lock Quarry. On the way back take a minute and take a picture of Indago Lake.
Ira Trailhead of the Cuyohoga Valley National Park is the gateway to Beaver Marsh , an extensive wetland popular for seeing and photographing wildlife. Also ira tarilhead gives easy and quick access to the towpath trail where you can bike/run/walk.
We visited on a late Saturday afternoon in mid-April 2025. There were many cars in the parking lot when we arrived but there were still a couple of spots. There are 2 pit toilets next to the parking lot. There are also some info boards as you start on the trail about the wildlife here.
Nice trailhead to get on the Towpath, going North is much more scenic than going South. Points of interest include: Beaver Marsh, Hale Farms, S'zlays Farm Market and other historic sites. Beware: the fake gunshot/cannons may be going off in the fields to scare away predators from the crop.
Trail conditions & character
“Ira Trailhead of the Cuyohoga Valley National Park is the gateway to Beaver Marsh , an extensive wetland popular for seeing and photographing wildlife.”
“Nice trailhead to get on the Towpath, going North is much more scenic than going South.”
“it's a very short walk North to get to the boardwalk and beaver marsh.”
“This is a great walk, it's flat and has beautiful views.”
“So it wasn't the most peaceful place for a walk!”
“The trailhead has restrooms, picnic tables, and an information kiosk with more exhibits beyond.”
“May not be the most interesting place for younger kids/teens aside from the marsh, but it's very accessible.”
Plan your run at Ira Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 330-657-2752
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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