Posted in Cleveland
March 24, 2020
8 Most Beautiful Short And Sweet Hikes In The Cleveland Metroparks
Craving a bit of time in the great outdoors but on a limited schedule? That’s no problem at all if you’re a Greater Clevelander! All throughout the area, the Cleveland Metroparks has oodles of trails in varying lengths that beckon to nature enthusiasts. To make hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks even sweeter, they actually have park maps online that empower visitors to plan their trip in advance. Many hikes in the area are super short and effortlessly walkable, perfect for someone enjoying their lunch break at a local park or a parent looking to introduce a young child to local culture. Put on your comfiest shoes and grab some bug spray, because we’re about to venture deep into the Northeast Ohio woods.
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The All-Purpose Trail through Garfield Park is a bit on the longer side at 4 miles, but it's well worth it at this beautiful historic park. The park predates the turn of the twentieth century, and many of its most impressive features are also historic but not quite as old as the park itself. During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration funded the gorgeous stonework you see throughout the park today.
Bedford, Ohio isn't quite a small town. This community is home to just under 15,000 residents, but don't let its size fool you. Across its 5.4 square miles of landscape, locals assert that there are up to 70 waterfalls hiding. One that's publicly accessible (and so worth a visit) is the Great Falls of Tinker Creek, which can be visited via a 0.4-mile loop trail.
Don't let the ominous name fool you: this is one of the most underrated hikes in South Chagrin Reservation. At half a mile in length, it's short enough that you have to search for it on maps. It can be found hiding in the Shadow Lake Picnic Area, and it is especially eye-catching when the leaves are aflame in celebration of fall or when they are barren and covered in ice and snow.
Imagine stepping out of the forest and stumbling upon this gorgeous castle bathed in hues of gold. While it seems to be something out of a fairy tale, it's in North Chagrin Reservation and is nestled up against the 0.75-mile Squire's Lane Trail. The history of this site is one-of-a-kind... after all, how many other 1890s-era abandoned castles are there in Greater Cleveland?
At just under a mile in length, this trail at the Top O' The Ledges is a magnificent hike no matter the season. This beautiful little patch of land in Hinckley Reservation features sandstone cliffs that were formed millions of years ago when Ohio was an ancient ocean. As the glaciers that would eventually form Lake Erie moved across the land, they carved up these unusual patterns into the soft sandstone outcroppings.
Music Mound was established with the intention of hosting concerts, but at the time nobody imagined that it would one day be used for a miniature local Woodstock. Dubbed “Bereastock," this event brought together several youths... but, as nobody obtained the proper permits, it turned into a gathering of a few kids listening to rock music. Today, this history can be imagined and explored as you hike Music Mound Loop, a 0.3-mile trail along the East Branch of the Rocky River.
The Cleveland Metroparks are ever-evolving, and one of the most remarkable ways that they change is in the creation of new hiking trails. There's nothing like getting to know a new portion of an already familiar park! West Creek Reservation is stunning, and although it is surrounded by densely populated areas, you'd never guess it. Lookout Ridge Trail was finished and dedicated in very recent years, but it is still worth getting to know. It leads to a lookout (hence the name) perched 1,050 feet above sea level.
At a mere 0.75 miles in length, this trail is so short and sweet that you might just decide to keep going and explore other trails in Brecksville Reservation. It's recommended, actually, as these trails will lead you to Deerlick Cave, Chippewa Creek Falls, and other incredible natural landmarks.
There’s much to see when it comes to hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks. Which of these short and sweet trails is your favorite? Are there any other hikes you’d recommend to locals? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you enjoyed this, you might also want to take a waterfall hike in Northeast Ohio.
Address: 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, OH 44125, USA
Address: Willis St, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
Address: Cleveland Metro Park Dr, Mayfield, OH, USA
Address: 2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA
Address: 1 Metropolitan Park W, Hinckley, OH 44233, USA
Address: Baldwin Picnic Area Dr, Berea, OH 44017, USA
Address: 2277 W Ridgewood Dr, Parma, OH 44134, USA
Address: 9000 Chippewa Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
