Park Service temporarily closes Buckeye Trail, Blue Hen Falls

The Buckeye Trail between Riverview Road in Boston Township and Snowville Road in Brecksville is temporarily closed as the National Park Service completes a major trail improvement project.

A detour using the Towpath Trail is in place for hikers passing through the area on the Buckeye Trail. Access to Blue Hen Falls will be closed for the duration of the 120-day project, which began May 24. 

The trail construction is expected to address severe damage to the trail and surrounding natural resources due to increased trail use. Because the trail has been extremely eroded and muddy, off-trail hiking in the area has caused damage to sensitive habitats.

“Blue Hen Falls has become a popular destination and the Buckeye Trail was not designed for heavy foot traffic”, said Lisa Petit, Cuyahoga Valley National Park acting superintendent. “This construction project is necessary for public safety and to protect natural resources. We are grateful for the partnership of the Buckeye Trail Association in this effort.” 

Once the road and trail projects are complete, visitors will be able to safely hike the Buckeye Trail section, Petit said.

The project coincides with road construction on Boston Mills Road that is being managed by the Summit County Engineer. The trail crosses Boston Mills Road, which will not be possible during the road construction.

Visitors to the park are asked to respect all closures.  ∞