Valley Link is a 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Akron, Ohio that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The Valley Link Trail connects Cascade Valley Metro Park/North to Sand Run Metro Park.
Metro Parks, Serving Summit County 330-867-5511 marketing@summitmetroparks.org
February 27, 2021February 6, 2021Nice and snowy today. A few slick spots but a very nice hike with some pretty views.
January 9, 2021January 9, 2021January 9, 2021January 9, 2021December 8, 2020November 28, 2020November 20, 2020I’ve hiked at Cascade Valley and Sand Run dozens of times but this trail is an overlooked link between the two parks. We started at the Schumacher trailhead and stopped for a snack break at Sand Run before heading back. You can also connect the other trails in Sand Run for a longer hike.
October 13, 2020September 22, 2020cool
September 14, 2020September 10, 2020September 6, 2020September 6, 2020Not sure if it’s because I was tired or because I’ve been hiking more recently and have higher standards. Keeping in mind this is only a Metro Park, I decided to give it 4 instead of my original intended 3 stars. Could have been because it’s a holiday weekend but the parts of the trail that connected with others were quite crowded. As someone who hikes to get away from people, it wasn’t super relaxing. However, people were pretty considerate when passing and the trail was wide enough to simply move out of the way. If starting in Sand Run, the first mile or so (and therefore the last mile) smells like straight sewage. Not sure if there’s a water treatment facility nearby or what but, it was awful. The rest of the trail was quite nice. There was a decent amount of elevation change making the moderate ranking seem accurate. Don’t get me wrong, there was some very easy, flat parts but as a whole, it was enough to get the heart rate up. Apparently, not in great shape cause there were people running it as I was huffing and puffing along side them. So, just be aware of people approaching fast behind you without warning. There was nothing very scenic to look at especially since it just ended at another parking area where you turn around. Luckily wasn’t super buggy though. It was a 72 degree morning with no breeze and the bugs were few and far between. Overall, good if you’re just looking to get out of the house but there’s definitely more scenic and enjoyable hikes in the area.
September 5, 2020Great hiking trail. Well marked and a nice mix of inclines and declines.
August 31, 2020Hot
August 30, 2020August 29, 2020Very pretty and hilly
August 19, 2020Great trail and challenging.
August 17, 2020Pretty challenging and a lot of fun. Some of the areas need to be a little better marked but it's not that big of a deal. Can't wait to hike it again
August 13, 2020June 22, 2020Highlights: 1. Great elevation changes. 2. Good view down into small valleys (by Northampton road) 3. Nice entry point on the towpath. Lowlights: 1. Can get muddy and a bit slick.
June 18, 2020I love this trail! Nicely shaded in the woods & takes you along a variety of hills & valleys. The Cascade side is definitely prettier than the Sand Run side, so if you can’t do the whole trail start from that end.
January 4, 2020very well marked clear trail. very muddy after all the rain we had.
July 5, 2019Nice trail and plenty of shade, great for long runs. Two fountains just off the path
March 17, 2019Very good trail nice views and good distance. Downside is that you have to crash the street a couple of times. But great 5 mile hike
March 16, 2019Not as difficult as a previous reviewer said but it was a bit muddy on the day I went. For a better challenge at the same Trailhead, try the Mingo Trail.
January 9, 2021January 9, 2021
