These 8 Hikes Near Cleveland Are The Most Beautiful In The Area

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Buckeye State are always looking for great places to explore. From parks to reservations, natural areas, and more, you’ll find within them some of the best hikes in Cleveland. Who needs a five-star hotel when you can enjoy Mother Nature's finest attractions? Your Instagram account will love it just as much as you do. Pack some trail mix, water, your AllTrails map, and your sense of adventure because you'll want to spend all day exploring these eight pretty sites.

1. Lake View Cemetery Loop

The Lake View Cemetery Loop is by far one of the best hikes in Cleveland. Lake View Cemetery is a Victorian-era garden-style cemetery, meaning it was laid out to be beautiful and park-like from the very beginning. It is overflowing with exquisite and unique architecture, some of which dates back to 1869. At nearly 300 acres in size, there's much to see and do here, including visiting the resting place of Alan Freed, the man that coined the term "rock and roll," and the resting place of the second president to be assassinated - James A. Garfield. Who says that a burial ground can't also be a wonderful hiking spot? Visit this one-of-a-kind Cleveland gem at 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106.

2. Fort Hill Earthworks Trail

Tucked away in Rocky River Reservation is Fort Hill Earthworks Trail, an enchanting four-mile hike that takes you to the most magnificent views in the entire park. This park is full of local history, housing the first plot of land purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks, as well as an archaeological site that one could easily overlook if they weren't prepared to search for it. Here, authentic earthworks in the forms of walls and ditches are hidden along the length of this trail, hinting at local human activity some 2,000 years ago. Visit Rocky River Reservation off of Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070.

3. Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve

Nestled against Lake Erie's shore is a gorgeous little habitat that's full of birdsong and verdant wonder. Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve doesn't come from the best of circumstances, as there are two sunken ships offshore (they were intentionally sunk to create a break wall to protect the beach) and there's a history of waste dumping at the site. However, Mother Nature has reclaimed this spot, and you'll love what she's done with the place. Hike the park's three trails (all of which total under three miles) and admire the circa 280 species of birds that frequent this pretty spot which is among the most scenic hikes in Ohio. Find the preserve at 8701 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44108.

4. Bridle, Castle Valley, and Hemlock Trail Loop

If you're looking for "hiking trails near me" in the Cleveland area, these three trails in North Chagrin Reservation combine to make a roughly 5.5-mile trek, but boy, is it beautiful. There's an old-growth forest in this park with trees that are hundreds of years old, and, as you can see, there's also a historic castle protruding proudly from the local landscape. Enjoy the majesty of this lovely park along the Bridle, Castle Valley, and Hemlock Trail Loop. Visit North Chagrin Reservation at 3037 Som Center Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094.

5. CanalWay Center Loop

CanalWay Center Loop is a coveted trail that's a mere 1.5 miles, but it is chock-full of beauty and history alike. Inside of CanalWay Center is a canal boat play area and displays highlighting local wildlife. Outside, you'll find a portion of the Towpath Trail and the park's namesake canal. The historic Ohio and Erie Canal began operations in the 1820s and it helped the industry grow in the area. James Garfield, the second president ever to be assassinated is buried over in Lake View Cemetery. On days where barges needed some assistance moving, mules would pull them via a trail running parallel to the canal system. Today, you can hike the historic mule route on the famous Towpath Trail. Cool, right? Visit CanalWay Center at 4524 E 49th St, Cleveland, OH 44125.

6. Mcintosh Loop Trail

This pretty loop trail is a particular treat in the autumn months. Mcintosh Loop Trail will immerse you in the beauty of Orchard Hills Park, a 237-acre expanse in the Geauga Park District that's downright dreamy. The park enjoyed a former life as a well-manicured golf course, but the landscape has increasingly been returned to a more pristine natural state. It's going well, as you can see, and today is one of the most scenic hikes in Ohio! It seems that this stunning local landscape transforms with every visit. Swing by Orchard Hills Park at 11340 Caves Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026.

7. West Ridgewood Wetland Boardwalk and West Creek Loop

If you've never been to West Creek Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks, you might enjoy a trek along the West Ridgewood Wetland Boardwalk and West Creek Loop. This two-mile hike, one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland, takes you through some of the most breathtaking portions of the park, which spans an impressive 326 acres of gorges, waterways, wetlands, and more. Explore West Creek Reservation at 2277 W Ridgewood Dr, Parma, OH 44134.

8. Edgewater Beach Trail

The Edgewater Beach Trail is a magnificent 1.5-mile hike along one of the loveliest beaches, Edgewater Beach, on Lake Erie. As part of Lakefront Reservation, this pretty area is managed by the Cleveland Metroparks and is an absolute haven in the summer months. Besides being one of the best hikes in Cleveland, it's an excellent place for fun in the sun and summertime concerts. But it's arguably more enchanting once things cool down and the tourists all but abandon the area. Enjoy lakefront splendor and killer views of the Cleveland skyline at Lakefront Reservation. Find the beach near 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44102.

Visitors agree that these scenic spots are among the best hikes in Cleveland. Do you agree? Is there anything else you'd add to this list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Looking to beef up your nature bucket list with more hiking trails? Check out this list of kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland.