If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Greater Cleveland, Make Them These
The landscape of Northeast Ohio is enchanting, a constant display of splendor that changes seasonally but never falters in its beauty. The region is crisscrossed with lovely trails, which will enchant and delight in spring, summer, fall, or winter. However, many locals find it hard to find the time to explore our many miles of trails, and that’s perfectly okay. If you can only ever do five trails, you simply must travel along these routes, which we think are the best hikes in Cleveland!
1. Gorge Trail
Summit Metro Parks, 975 Treaty Line Rd, Akron, OH 44313, USA
The trail and its home, Gorge Metro Park, get their names from a gorge that was carved thousands of years ago when the former riverbed of the Cuyahoga River was blocked by glacial debris. The river found a new route, and the gorge it left nearby became a spectacular sight that is well worth the walk. Along this trail is also the Mary Campbell Cave, which purportedly housed the first white child in the Western Reserve. You will adore the splendid majesty of this natural space, but the trail is somewhat primitive, so be prepared for a mildly intense journey. Here's why we think this parks system in Cleveland is one of the best!
This breathtaking trail spans an 85-mile journey through Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas counties. Its route is lined with trailheads that lead to plenty of natural and manmade wonders, including the impressive remains of locks that once made the canal so valuable. Along the way, cultural points of interest offer a glimpse into the region's history. For more information, check out this article.
3. Quarry Trail
Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
The Summit Metro Parks provide a charming contrast to the Cleveland Metroparks, providing spectacular trails in an enchanting setting. Deep Lock Quarry is its most impressive park, featuring Lock 28, the deepest lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal. The Quarry Trail is only 1.4 miles, and it is truly the best way to take in this park's splendor. We think this park is one of the coolest hidden gems in Cleveland!
4. Hemlock Creek Trail
Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy, 6837 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
Anyone up for a waterfall hike? This quaint 0.8-mile trail is as perfect for a springtime stroll as it is for a wintertime waterfall-chasing adventure. You will be treated to incredible views of the trail's namesake creek, as well as its enchanting waterfall, too! If you try this hike in the winter, you may even catch a glimpse of a frozen waterfall!
5. North Chagrin Reservation Loop Trail
North Chagrin Reservation, 3037 Som Center Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA
In the heart of the Cleveland Metroparks' North Chagrin Reservation is a spectacular castle. The architecture is nothing short of majestic, and you will be left in awe as you explore the grounds. Fortunately, this 2.2-mile loop trail will take you right to the castellated ruins. For the full story, be sure to read this article.
Northeast Ohio offers a stellar landscape all year long, and each season is magical in its own way. If you could only explore five trails in the region, these hikes would still leave you in awe. What would be your picks for the five best hikes in Cleveland? Share them with us in the comments below!
Still on the hunt for some epic hikes in our little corner of the Buckeye State? This lovely loop trail is beautiful any time of the year, and it’s truly one of the best waterfall hikes in Cleveland!
Address: Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Akron, OH, USA
Address: Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy, 6837 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
Address: North Chagrin Reservation, 3037 Som Center Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA
Address: Summit Metro Parks, 975 Treaty Line Rd, Akron, OH 44313, USA
Address: Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Cleveland
March 20, 2022
Sarah M.
Where are some of the best places to hike in Cleveland?
Here in Cleveland, we are blessed with a multitude of riches in terms of natural beauty. And Cuyahoga Valley National Park epitomizes the spectacular scenery found in our little corner of Ohio. The only true national park in Ohio, the park lies along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, and it’s a wildly popular destination for all sorts of outdoor recreation — hiking included. While there are numerous superlative trails within this incredible place, we’re partial to one in particular that takes “waterfall chasing” to a whole other level. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek: the eponymous and extraordinary Brandywine Falls. The tallest waterfall in the state, this natural wonder is also easily accessible. At just 1.4 miles long, it’s an accessible loop trail that everyone can enjoy!
Of course, Brandywine Falls isn’t the only waterfall you can hike to in Cuyahoga Valley National Park; Blue Hen Falls is a peaceful cascade also found in the park that’s worthy of the spotlight, too. The overhang of rock gives the falls some extra dimension, as the white water stands out starkly against the shadow, creating a wholly unique and unexpected scene.
What are some parks in Cleveland that are good for camping?
Oh boy — do we have a treat for you! If you’re into camping, the American Wilderness Campground is a dream. It offers tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and so much more. Operating April through October, this campsite offers a brilliant way to appreciate Northeast Ohio’s warmest months. At this beautiful campsite, you’ll find an 11-acre fishing lake, swimming beach, gem mining, and other exciting features to ensure your Cleveland camping experience is one for the books!
Address: Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Akron, OH, USA
Address: Hemlock Creek Trail - West Creek Conservancy, 6837 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA
Address: North Chagrin Reservation, 3037 Som Center Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA
Address: Summit Metro Parks, 975 Treaty Line Rd, Akron, OH 44313, USA
Address: Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
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Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is - she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
