The Little Known Hiking Path in Ohio is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

One of my favorite ways to find things off the beaten path is to pull up a map of the area I plan to visit. Green spaces are always the first to catch my eye, and I'm instantly enamored of small, private parks that are less likely to have heavy hiking traffic. Don't get me wrong: I love the Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but nothing compares to having an entire symphony of birdsong all to yourself. Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to Princess Ledges Nature Preserve in Brunswick, Ohio, where you can soak up all the gorgeous natural vibes without a crowd. Lace up your hiking boots, because this pretty park is calling your name.

Brunswick, Ohio, is a bustling community on the edge of the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area. While it is perhaps best known for autumnal adventure at Mapleside Farms and year-round fun at Scene 75, this community hides a historic secret. Once upon a time, the shores of Lake Erie stretched down to this community. When its waters retreated north, they left behind the stunning Princess Ledges Nature Preserve.

Sandstone, a remnant of Ohio's days as an ancient ocean, is both a remarkable feature in the park and the very reason it was saved from development. While dreams of summer cottages and home ownership might have initially spurred up some interest, the sandstone hiding just beneath the soil made the property difficult to build upon. As a result, the landscape has remained untouched, with only trails and footprints hinting at human activity in the park.

In the warmer months, the forest is a lush haven full of trees, wildflowers, and underbrush. Despite the bustling traffic of Pearl Road and State Route 303, this little slice of paradise hosts a surprising array of wildlife. Snails, salamanders, and insects creep across the sandy soil, and bigger critters like deer and coyotes come out as dusk approaches. The landscape provides a vision of what early settlers (like the family that initially founded Mapleside Farms) saw when they initially came to the area, preserving a piece of local history in addition to the historic shores of Lake Erie.

The sandstone cliffs at Princess Ledges Nature Preserve are more than 1,100 feet in length, and they're absolutely the crown jewel of the 45-acre park. If you peer closely at the sandstone formation, you might even spot aquatic fossils like shells hiding in its striation. I especially love to visit this park in autumn, as its stunning oaks and tulip poplars erupt into vibrant shades that you just simply have to stop and take in.

While every season is magical in this Brunswick park, winter brings a certain sparkle to the landscape. Ice transforms the sandstone outcrop into a wintry palace, framing moss and lichen with a dash of sparkle. To reach the cliff, you'll take the 1.1-mile Princess Ledges Loop Trail from the parking lot. I think winter is the best time to see the ledges, and when you visit, you'll instantly see why.

Beyond the ledges, a snow-encrusted landscape plunges the world into a sepia photo. There's just something about the way snow settles on tree branches that feels like a fairy tale, and since this loop trail takes only about half an hour to complete, this hike is a quick way to brave the cold of a Greater Cleveland winter. The trail is a bit rugged, so although it's an easy hike, make sure you have your waterproof hiking boots ready to go. And bundle up, too... The trees may look like they'll break the wind, but you'll be surprised by how breezy this hike can get.

As the park's topography is influenced by sandstone structures and rocks left by Ice Age glacial formations, this area is not fully accessible for those with mobility issues, so bring a buddy just in case. Keep an eye on your footing as you move through the park.

You'll be amazed by what hides back in Princess Ledges Nature Preserve. It's a bit hard to find, as its entrance is not well-marked on Pearl Road, so don't be afraid to use your GPS to get there. It's tucked away on a bustling part of the street just south of Mapleside Farms, but don't let the development fool you. There's so much awaiting discovery just off the beaten path. Want to meet the early settlers of Brunswick, Ohio, and the surrounding communities? Take a trip out to Myrtle Hill Cemetery. It's the oldest cemetery in Medina County and steeped in legend.

Do you have a go-to trail for your first hike of the year in Ohio? We'd love to hear about your favorites over on our Nomination page. When you're ready for your next winter adventure in the Buckeye State, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner for some extra inspiration.