Spring weather in Cleveland is always a treat. The sun finally breaks through the gloom that leaves our sky roughly the same shade as our sidewalks, bathing the local landscape in life-giving light. Soon, spring flowers follow, and they're a welcome reprieve from the bleakness of winter. They also make hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks a treat like no other! At Bedford Reservation, there's one trail that's a bit of a hidden gem, but it's one of the loveliest wildflower hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks. You can check out the path on AllTrails, but I've gathered some info on the types of flowers you might encounter to get your adventure started on this spring hike in Cleveland. Check it out:
Tucked away in Bedford Reservation, the Alexander Road Trailhead at Sagamore Creek is full of surprises.
With some 2,200 acres to explore, there's no shortage of beauty in Bedford Reservation. This part of the park houses Sagamore Creek Loop, which intersects with the Buckeye Trail and Summit Metroparks territory.
Some portions of the 3.5-mile Sagamore Creek Loop are easy, but if you can manage venturing deeper past forested slopes, waterfalls await.
Of course, waterfalls are dependent on rainfall, so there aren't always cascades, and they're not always big. Nevertheless, a number of small waterfalls beckon to hikers with their dreamy song.
This portion of the park is also known for its wildflowers, which bloom throughout the warmer months.
From early spring to late summer, there's always something gorgeous growing at Bedford Reservation. Queen Anne's Lace, pictured here, usually pops up around June and lingers until the fall. This plant is actually part of the wild carrot family, and it's similar in appearance to poison hemlock. You should never pluck plants growing in public parks, but definitely read up on poison hemlock to ensure you avoid it while you're out hiking.
Of course, springtime is arguably the most magical season at the park, as all sorts of beautiful blooms start popping up.
Beginning in April, gorgeous spring flowers break through the dirt to greet the lengthening day. These gorgeous little azure bluets often pop up around the same time sought-after plants like trillium and squirrel corn appear, so sharp-eyed hikers can expect a visual treat during their visit.
Sometimes, surprising plants like ghost pipe pop up, too.
This flowered plant is, believe it or not, a plant, not a fungus. The plant isn't necessarily rare, but it's not the most common sight, and finding it is always a surprise. Hikers have reported seeing it at Sagamore Creek Loop, so keep your eyes peeled!
To visit this beautiful park, you'll want to park at the trailhead off of Alexander Road (west of Dunham Road).
The parking lot isn't huge, but fortunately, this isn't the busiest little park in the Cleveland Metroparks. However, the entrance is a bit of a challenge to find. There's no sign (or if there is, I missed it) to mark the park, so I recommend navigating to this spot with a GPS or keeping your eyes peeled for a tiny parking lot.
Bring some water for this hike, as the slopes may leave you needing fuel, but be prepared to take frequent stops for pictures.
The flowers growing at Sagamore Creek Loop are plentiful and stunning, so be prepared to take lots of photos. You never know what colors and patterns await you!
You're going to love this stunning spring Cleveland Metroparks hike.
Look for the parking lot in Walton Hills, OH 44146.
Sagamore Creek Loop, rich with trillium blooms and ghost pipes, is perhaps the loveliest spring wildflower hike in the Cleveland Metroparks. Are there any other Cleveland Metroparks hikes you love in the spring? Let us know your recommendations in the comments!
Want to embark on more spring hikes? Check out some of my favorite wildflower hikes near Cleveland to start building your own bucket list.
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!