7 Spots In The Cleveland Metroparks Near Cleveland That Are Well Worth Exploring This Summer

Summer is meant to be a season of adventure, and there’s no better place to indulge in the wonders of the season than the Cleveland Metroparks. There are plenty of shady and refreshing summer hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks, and they vary in terms of their offerings. There truly is something for everyone in this park district of more than 23,000 acres. Pack up the water bottles and prepare to embrace the season, because these pretty places are calling your name.

Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA

Will Hrusovsky/AllTrails

There are few hikes in the Cleveland area as breathtaking as Fort Hill. Here, you'll find historic earthworks from a pre-Columbian culture that date back some 2,000 years. Of course, you'll also find a shale cliff that towers 90 feet over the might Rocky River... and all sorts of magnificent nature along the way. This is a more vigorous hike, stretching over 4 miles and climbing up 155 steps. You can find this hike near Rocky River Nature Center.

Acacia Reservation, Cedar Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124, USA

Eric McKee/AllTrails

Acacia Reservation is a more petite destination, but it's oh so lovely. At 155 acres, this landscape isn't too overwhelming... but it also features a steady two-mile loop that's paved and easy to traverse. Acacia Reservation, located in Lyndhurst, was once a country club but has since started to undergo the process of being reclaimed by nature.

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2277 W Ridgewood Dr, Parma, OH 44134, USA

Richard Brentar/AllTrails

Recently improved with an observation deck, Lookout Ridge is one of the most underrated hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks. This hike in Parma is about eight miles outside of Cleveland, but 326-acre West Creek Reservation is well worth the trip. Rocky gorges, streams, and more add interest to this stellar summer hike in the Cleveland Metroparks.

North Chagrin Reservation, 3037 Som Center Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA

Matthew Cuba/AllTrails

How inviting are those fluffy clouds?! There's something for everyone at this dreamy spot, which is made even more dreamy via this easy hike that's just under one mile in length. As the name suggests, this spot features a lovely little waterfall and overlook, and you will absolutely want to bring your camera to the Scenic Overlook. This North Chagrin Reservation hike is a summertime treat.

Big Creek Reservation, Brooklyn, OH 44144

Aaron Noon/AllTrails

This path is a little bit on the longer side at five miles in length, but boy, if it isn't worth it. This beautiful path connects Lake Abram to Lake Isaac is wheelchair accessible (and perfect for strollers if little hikers are tagging along) and crosses through verdant wetlands that are downright lush. Big Creek Reservation features 175 acres of wetlands, and it's one of the best hidden gems in the Middleburg Heights area.

Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, OH 44125, USA

Alec Stultz/AllTrails

While it may look like a Monet painting, this park is actually located in the midst of a bustling city... and it's one of the oldest parks in Cleveland. At roughly two miles, this easy paved trail will take you past Depression-era stonework and even a man-made waterfall... and that's just the beginning. You can find this park in Garfield Heights.

Edgewater Beach, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA

Lexi Rohrbach/AllTrails

There's nothing like spending the day at the beach on a warm summer day, and no beach in Cleveland is quite as coveted as Edgewater. This mile and a half-long trail is a magnificent way to enjoy Lake Erie's southern shoreline, and it features breathtaking views of the Cleveland skyline as well as all sorts of nature... particularly when it comes to birds, as this park is truly a haven to migrating species. There's something for everyone at this Cleveland park.

There are many amazing spots for summer hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks, especially if you have a natural sense of adventure. Which of these hikes is your favorite? Are there any other spots you would recommend? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Planning your seasonal bucket list? We have a list of the best attractions to visit each month ready to go for your Cleveland adventures.