Rhododendron Cove is a 2.3 mile out and back trail located near Sugar Grove, Ohio that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking.
January 17, 2021Top of the world scenery. Please stay on the trail.
January 16, 2021
January 10, 2021January 9, 2021Great hike. Quick elevation gains. Note that if you are hiking with Littles, this isn’t the best trail to start them on - lots of drops, steep cliffs. The pump station is literally a gas plant of some kind but don’t let that scare you off!
January 8, 2021Beautiful, easy trail. Only saw one other person the entire hike. Only downside is you can hear highway traffic from the trail
January 3, 2021The parking seems a bit suspect because it’s next to some pump station, but the trail entrance is clearly marked. The trail start with a big uphill walk, but very doable even when wet. Very nice news at the top and overall very enjoyable. The only thing is you can hear three Highway traffic the entire time, but if you can get over it, this one is super nice.
January 2, 2021January 2, 2021December 23, 2020Such a beautiful hike! I wasn't expecting all of the elevation change in the beginning and overall it wasn't too much. I was literally in awe of the view from the top of the cove. It took me aback. I will keep this on my list to visit in the early summer, as I imagine the flora is spectacular.
November 28, 2020Great trail. Lots of beautiful rock formations and would be lovely to see when all the rhododendron are in bloom. Use walking sticks if you have them, the fallen leaves makes it a little slick this time of year. Enjoy!!
November 26, 2020November 26, 2020November 21, 2020Really pretty! Missed the fall bloom and the spring bloom is probably even better but it’s still cool to see! For sure coming back in spring/earlier fall next year. Random parking lot though lol
November 14, 2020Be aware that you can indeed park. We at first were confused as the lot is a gravel lot that appears to be owned by the natural gas company across the street and there is road construction right next to the lot. Look for the Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve sign and park in the gravel lot right in front of it. On the left is a fence fencing in some of the gas pipes. There might be company trucks in the lot, but if you are in the gravel lot right in front of the Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve sign, then you are good. You start out the hike by going along the fence line and then into the woods. Then you quickly ascend until you reach a dolomite slot canyon. You go through the slot canyon. This section reminded me of Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park. Fantastic section of the trail. Then you come out of the slot canyon. You do see more slot canyons from above, but unfortunately there are habitat restoration signs and you are not supposed to go into them. Some of them you would need rappelling equipment to get down into anyway. But, even though you can only see those slot canyons from above, they are still really neat to look down into. Also lots of rhododendron all around. After the little loop, you reach a dolomite formation on the right with a little finger or pyramid. No need to do any of the trail past this point. There are no further rock formations or slot canyons past that point. The final loop is totally unnecessary. I guess the final loop is supposed to give you views, but even in November with all the leaves off, the views were mostly blocked by trees. So, like I said, I would recommend to do the first slot canyon you go through, see the other slot canyons from above, do the first loop, and then get to the rock formation with the little finger and then turn around and not do the final loop.
October 31, 2020October 25, 2020a bit slippery on the hills after the rain—would rate as moderate. Very pretty!
October 17, 2020Great trail. Switch backs were a bit fun. Tough to see trail with a bunch of leaves down. Had to encourage some folks to get back on the trail by the first large Rhododendron. Parking lot is tough to find. Small gravel lot. It is exactly where the app says it is
October 16, 2020Beautiful trail through amazing sandstone formations. Will come back when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
October 9, 2020Neat little trail. Will come back when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
October 4, 2020September 30, 2020Great morning hike. Natural trails. Rock formations. Different plants. Rhododendrons forever. Will be back.
September 20, 2020September 20, 2020August 28, 2020Beautiful! Steep climb leads a nice view down into the rhododendrons. Trail is very narrow at points and difficult to pass others while maintaining distance.
August 21, 2020It is a beautiful workout of a trail. I’m not sure how it got classified as “easy” but it is definitely not. It’s winding back and forth up a hill and in some places steep. I would not take little kids either! The beginning is uneven on a dirt path so it does a number on your ankles trying to walk. But the scenery is beautiful!
August 10, 2020July 25, 2020Nice hike. Post regarding parking is accurate. Look on the right hand side of the road for a gravel parking lot....in between gas pipes. Probably some good view from up on top when leaves are off. Neat rock features. First part of trail after entry is uphill and somewhat steep.
July 24, 2020Beautiful landscape and nicely marked trail. Easy to pass the parking lot, so keep an eye out!
July 13, 2020Great trail! Not as isolated as I thought for a Monday afternoon, but I’d still bring pepper spray. Still gorgeous even though the rhododendrons aren’t blooming currently
July 4, 2020Tried this out for the first time today since hawking hills was too crowded for me, had the trail all to myself in the middle of the day. Really good workout going up in the beginning but not the most breathtaking hike there’s a few nice views. Definitely don’t recommend for young kids the first hill is steep and pretty narrow very sandy as well make sure you bring plenty of water and good shoes the sandy soil makes it slippery in some spots.
