10 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Hiking comes with a different meaning depending on where you are. In some places, it means going off-trail and rock climbing. In others, it means adventuring through the mountains. Here in Cleveland, it means reconvening with nature. We may be strolling through a bog, admiring local carnivorous plants, or perhaps exploring the landscape of Gildersleeve Mountain. We wander through the Cleveland Metroparks and local green spaces. We hike through former farms and quarries… sometimes, it seems, we hike through space and time, as some of the greatest trails on the planet are right here in Greater Cleveland.
Rocky River Reservation is a local favorite, and it truly is breathtaking all year round. This pretty park encompasses the first land purchased for the Cleveland Metroparks. Just as this gorgeous landscape beckons to us, it once attracted the presence of an Early Woodland culture that built earthwork structures into the landscape. You'll walk alongside 2,000-year-old archaeological wonders on this gorgeous trail.
This hike is located west of Cleveland, but it feels worlds away. These two loop trails, tied together via a connector trail, total under a mile in length. If the enchanting landscape of the reservation doesn't quite satisfy your hunger for wonder, just head north to Huntington Beach.
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The landscape of Gorge Metro Park hides a legend. A young child kidnapped during the French and Indian War is said to have hunkered down in a cave off of Gorge Trail. She was taken by members of the Delaware tribe, and her capture and journey made her the first European child in the Western Reserve. She eventually returned home, but the cave she likely hid in still bears her name. Gorge Trail is worth the journey to see this site and Glens Trail will take you on a tour of the gorgeous ledges around the park.
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This gorgeous park is a refreshing contrast to the surrounding suburban life, which is endlessly abuzz with energy. The peaceful landscape of Big Creek Reservation features a 2.5-mile trail that's fully accessible for bikes, rollerblades, and wheelchairs. This hike will take you to see Lake Abram and Lake Isaac, both of which are a little slice of serenity.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the top attractions in Cleveland and this lovely 1.5-mile trail may be a big part of the reason why. This incredible landscape features remnants from our region's past as an ancient ocean, and you'll see centuries of history in shale cliffs. The highlight is the 65-foot-tall Brandywine Falls cascading over a shale ledge, and it is a treat to see all year round.
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Anyone up for a treetop trail? This gorgeous canopy walk is hidden high in the trees, 65 feet above the ground. This unique hike is offered seasonally through November 1. Admission to visit all of the structures on the Holden Arboretum campus is $14 for adults and $6 for children 6 to 18.
F.A. Seiberling chose to donate more than 400 acres to the Summit Metro Parks, and upon his passing, they went on to purchase more of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber co-founder's land. This area became the lovely Nature Realm, and one of its highlights is a 110-foot-long suspension bridge that hangs over a 45-foot ravine. This hike is colorfully captivating in the fall, but the visitor center is warm and welcoming all year long.
This gorgeous spot in the park is highly trafficked - and for good reason. It is a gorgeous tribute to the power of our landscape. The sandstone ledges were deposited by the ancient ocean that once existed here and carved by retreating glaciers. Their history is captivating and their beauty is striking.
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At just under a mile, this hike is perfectly short and sweet. The cliffs that cover the estate of the former Worden homestead are engraved with mysterious figures. Boats, faces, and religious iconography decorate the landscape. These creations are the work of an aspiring sculptor named Noble Stuart, and he worked tirelessly on these creations from the mid- to late-1940s.
This three-mile trail is a bit rough and rugged, but you should definitely traverse its expanse if you have the chance. This lovely portion of the forest is filled with beech, oak, and tulip trees. Nearby is the historic Towpath Trail, and this lovely walk is surrounded by charming waterways.
This beautiful and unusual landscape of ours hides many surprising features. Sometimes, it seems like our landscape is heaven on earth. Did we miss any of your favorite trails? Drop your suggestions for incredible local hikes in the comments.
If you enjoy these hikes, just wait until you check out these awesome outdoor activities in Cleveland.
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