Hiking is an incredible escape from the hustle and bustle of life, but it can be hard work. Rocks and roots can be a challenge as you traverse the trail, and rough terrain can complicate travel for strollers and wheelchairs. Boardwalks, however, provide a smooth path through the Northeastern Ohio wilderness and almost always lead to incredible end results. From the Cleveland Metroparks to our nearby national park, check out these best hikes in Cleveland along boardwalk trails that provide effortless immersion in nature.

1. Brandywine Boardwalk (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
This gorgeous 65-foot waterfall is one of the most spectacular sites in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and its boardwalk is truly splendid. The boardwalk and staircase bring visitors up close to fern-encrusted Berea Sandstone and provides romantic views of the falls that entrance visitors.
2. Downy Loop Trail (Wood Hollow Metro Park)
Downy Loop Trail, 2121 Barlow Rd, Hudson, OH 44236, USA
Summit Metro Parks/Facebook
If you're searching for "hiking trails near me" in Ohio, you'll encounter enchanting beech-maple woods surrounding a beautiful trail conjoined by boardwalks and bridges. Vernal pools form along these boardwalks in the spring, but the elevated pathways allow hikers to explore without getting their boots muddy. This trail is enchanting in every season and is a spectacular addition to the Summit Metro Parks.
3. Sanctuary Marsh Loop (North Chagrin Nature Center)
Sanctuary Marsh Loop Trail, Mayfield, OH 44143, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Every excursion through North Chagrin Reservation is breathtaking, but the loop trail and boardwalk at Sanctuary Marsh Loop is always a treat. It's often overshadowed by nearby Squire's Castle, but this pretty site is one of the most magical in the entire park.
4. Cherry Lane Trail (F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm)
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd, Akron, OH 44313, USA
Summit Metro Parks/Facebook
Located within the picturesque F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, this loop trail is just barely over a half-mile in length, but it's one of the most beautiful hikes you can add to your bucket list. Its boardwalk comes in the form of a 110-foot-long suspension bridge that stretches across a 45-foot-deep ravine. If you're looking for the best scenic hikes in Ohio, this one should definitely be on your list!

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5. Boardwalk Trail (Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve)
Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, 8701 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44108, USA
Tim Evanson/Flickr
The Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve includes 88 acres of the Cleveland shoreline that are largely unaffected by the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle, even though it’s a mere stone's throw from the city. This diverse area hosts several habitats and boasts a large population of native critters and migrating birds. The preserve is a beautiful destination that’s close to home and overflowing with short and sweet hikes, making it perfect for a quick escape from city life.
6. Beaver Marsh Boardwalk (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
Beaver Marsh Boardwalk View, 3801 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
No matter the season, a trip through Beaver Marsh is a breathtaking experience. This lively little wetland is teeming with wildlife throughout the year, and its incredible marshland boardwalk leads visitors up close to the environment.
7. Beach Boardwalk (Headlands Beach State Park)
Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
You'll adore walking through the beach dunes on this petite 0.15-mile boardwalk trail. It's located in the heart of the scenery at Headlands Beach State Park and it hides a variety of vegetation that's typically only found on the Atlantic Coast. This is also one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Ohio.
8. Boardwalk Bird Trail (Magee Marsh)
Magee Marsh, Carroll Township, OH 43449, USA
Friends of Magee Marsh/Facebook
Open in every season from dawn to dusk is a trail that nature lovers simply can't resist. The Boardwalk Bird Trail is just a small chunk of the 2,202-acre Magee Marsh, and it just so happens to be a famous destination coveted by birdwatchers.
9. Woodland Swamp Trail (Quail Hollow State Park)
Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave NE, Hartville, OH 44632, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
With 701 acres of gorgeous greenery to explore, Quail Hollow State Park offers seemingly endless opportunity for adventure. It's located in the scenic community of Hartville, and this incredible park is well worth the hour-long drive from Cleveland. It's a natural and cultural hub managed by the Ohio Stark Park system, offering visitors a slice of absolute serenity in the most magical setting.

Boardwalk hikes allow you to get close to nature without facing the complications of traversing rough terrain. Which of these Northeast Ohio destinations is your favorite? Are there other awesome boardwalk trails in the area? Share your suggestions in the comments below!

If you can’t get enough of natural beauty, you must immerse yourself in the wonders of this wildflower trail near Cleveland.

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Best hikes in Cleveland

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 08, 2022

Where are some of the best nature parks in Ohio?

Glad you asked, and you’ll be pleased to know that they are dotted all over the state. One of the most popular nature parks in Ohio is Hocking Hills State Park, located in Hocking County. This nature getaway is a wonderful respite away from the big city hustle and bustle. There’s also Mohican State Park in Ashland County. The park is situated within the absolutely spectacular Mohican-Memorial State Forest, 4,525 acres or natural beauty sure to delight and inspire. 

How do I get to Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

From Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is only a 22-minute drive. Go south on Interstate 490 until you get to Interstate 77 then follow the signs once you get to the Boston Mills Ski Area. A wildly popular destination, the park is sandwiched between Cleveland to the north and Akron to the south along the Cuyahoga River. 

Are there any easy hikes in Ohio?

You can definitely easy hikes in Ohio, each offering its own unique features, landscape, and natural beauty. One of them is called the White Trail. Located within Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park it extends for only a mile, yet this trail offers scenic vistas from its perch at the top of the cliffs here. The White Trail often pops up when people search “hiking trails near me.”

I’m searching for Ohio road trips. Can you suggest one?

Great road trips can be found all over the Buckeye State. Whether for a day trip or a weekend adventure, you’re sure to find something to suit your fancy, and within only a couple of hours in any direction, depending on where you start. For the former, I might suggest going to Loveland to experience The Chateau Laroche. This magnificent medieval structure features a wealth of history, which is shared by the modern-day knight docents that work here.

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