Here in Northeast Ohio, we’re quite blessed to have an enormous amount of hiking. From Ohio’s only national park to small municipal parks and massive park districts, there’s so much to experience here. The Cleveland Metroparks are arguably the most familiar park district to Clevelanders, but the surrounding counties have their own park districts with distinct natural landscapes that are worth visiting. Trekking beyond the metropolitan area allows nature lovers to take in the most diversity, and it reveals landscapes that you wouldn’t believe exist in Ohio. Today, we’re going to take a virtual visit to one delightfully biodiverse landscape that’s just about 40 minutes from The Land. This park provides some of the most unique hiking near Cleveland, so it belongs on your local nature bucket list!

With 1,917 acres to explore, it's no wonder hiking enthusiasts in Cleveland don't mind the trek down to Carlisle Reservation.
David Harding/Google Images
Carlisle Reservation is a dream come true for nature lovers. It has four distinct wetlands and a number of ponds, plus forested trails, an equestrian area, and so much more.
This gorgeous park, which is the largest of the Lorain County Metro Parks, is striking in every season.
Lorain County Metro Parks Website
From experiencing blooming Trillium in the spring to the splendor of fall foliage, there's simply so much to discover here. There's an observatory for stargazing, a group of baseball diamonds for summer fun, fishing piers, overlooks, and a seemingly endless supply of natural beauty.
There are several miles of hiking trails in Carlisle Reservation waiting to be explored, from the short and sweet Nature Discovery Trail to the nearly two-mile-long Hale Road Trail.
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All in all, circa 11 miles of trails run through the park. Hiking surfaces range from wholly accessible asphalt to dirt or grass, providing varying levels of difficulty to satisfy hikers of every skill level.
There's no shortage of critters here, from Raptor Center residents like Calli here to wild creatures hidden in the forests.
Lorain County Metro Parks Website
Truly, Carlisle Reservation provides an excellent escape from the tedium of city life. You'll find yourself surrounded by birdsong, even in the winter months.
And the ever-rotating lineup of events at the park provides an interesting way to experience all Mother Nature has to offer.
Lorain County Metro Parks Website
Keep an eye on the Lorain County Metro Parks calendar, as there's always something going on, and the parks aren't too far from home! From free tram ride tours to special events like the Halloween Fair, there's something for every flavor of adventurer.
Certain events, like the annual Holiday Lights program, have become coveted annual traditions for visitors.
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The Holiday Lights experience is always a hoot, as there's both a drive-through and walk-through display for visitors to experience. From late November through late December, this event will also include free snacks like hot cocoa and cookies on select nights.
Other programs, like The Little Green Choo, have the potential to bring out your inner child.
Lorain County Metro Parks Website
This super cute train provides rides to kids and adults alike, but there's just something about its smiling face that promises to pique the interest of your inner child. It travels along a paved asphalt trail for a super smooth ride. Visitors can board it at the the Carlisle Visitor Center.

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Speaking of programs at the Carlisle Visitor Center... make sure you budget time to visit this cool spot!
Laura Cook/Google Images
I always love checking out Nature Centers, as they're truly a window into the inner workings of the local landscape. The Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center does not disappoint, as it has attractions for all ages to enjoy.
The observation garden at the Visitor Center is my favorite spot to stop and smell the flowers in the warmer months...
Lorain County Metro Parks Website
The beauty here is simply unrivaled, and local pollinators can't resist the strong, sweet aromas emanating throughout the garden. From bees to hummingbirds, you'll be surrounded by the sweet sound of fluttering wings.
...But there's plenty to see indoors, as well!
Daniel Williams/Google Images
The indoor play area is perfect for children to burn some energy, and they'll even have an opportunity to learn about dinosaurs while they play. (Who doesn't love dinosaurs?!) The Discovery Den offers expanded learning opportunities, introducing visitors to critters they might encounter in the landscape plus a few resident reptiles and amphibians.
Just around the corner from the Visitor Center, you'll find the Maple Sugar Shack.
Lorain County Metro Parks Website
The Sugar Shack is a cool place to learn about maple sugaring, a uniquely American art. Indigenous Americans were the first to harvest maple syrup, and early European settlers quickly caught on to its value. Over the years, it has been used as an alternative to sugar, and it was even once used by abolitionists as a tool to sidestep consuming products produced by slavery.
Each February and March, visitors can experience live maple sugaring demonstrations at the Sugar Shack.
Lorain County Metro Parks Website
There's nothing cooler than seeing a live art performed right in front of you! If you're lucky enough to visit during sugaring season, be sure to budget time to see a demonstration.
And ever since the park celebrated its 60th anniversary, dinosaurs aren't an unusual sight on the trails. So don't be alarmed if you spot a few!
Edith Gutierrez/Google Images
Over the years, dinosaur exhibits have popped up as a recurring theme throughout the Lorain County Metro Parks. Interestingly, we're not sure that dinosaurs lived in Ohio. Sure, they probably did, but we don't have any rocks young enough in the state to prove their existence here. Instead, our rocks are so much older than the dinosaurs, predating them by a few hundred million years.
All in all, this stunning park is well worth a visit, as there's much to see.
Megan Lake-Smith/Google Images
For a more Cleveland-centric frame of reference, this park is between South Chagrin Reservation and North Chagrin Reservation in size. There's no shortage of things to do in Carlisle Reservation, and it's worth the trek from Cleveland.
Adventure awaits in Carlisle Reservation.
Larry Bishop/Google Images
You'll find this massive park at 12882 Diagonal Rd, LaGrange, OH, 44050.

With some of the most unique hiking near Cleveland, this incredible park and its programs has amassed quite the following among nature lovers. It’s well worth a visit, no matter the season! Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails!

While you’re in the area, be sure to budget some extra time to swing by a replica of the largest eagle nest in the world.

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Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Rd, Lagrange, OH 44050, USA