There are few better ways to ring in the beautiful spring season than to explore a few of the spectacularly scenic hikes in Cleveland. And what better way to cap off one of the best hikes in Cleveland than with a good old-fashioned picnic?! If you agree, you’re sure to love the trails below, which include everything from kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland to easy hikes in Cleveland.
- Scenic Loop Trail, Rocky River Reservation
Flickr/Tim One of the easiest and best hikes in Cleveland, the Scenic Loop Trail at the Rocky River Reservation shows you a little bit of everything the Cleveland Metroparks has to offer, along with ample space to set up your perfect picnic spread. Valley Parkway, Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA
- Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Flickr/Tom Bower The mammoth Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail winds its way through most of northeast Ohio and into Pennsylvania, but the stretch of trail that runs through Cleveland is especially stunning. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Akron, OH, USA
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail, Bedford Reservation
Flickr/Tim Evanson Nestled within the Bedford Reservation, this underrated gem of the Emerald Necklace takes you on a quick trek through thick woods and into the wake of a gorgeous waterfall, making it an ideal spot to while away an afternoon. Bedford Reservation, 18753 Egbert Rd, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
- Cleveland Lakefront Trail
Flickr/Tim Evanson This expansive, partially-paved hike and bike trail connects some of Cleveland’s best Lake Erie beaches such as Edgewater Park, and other North Coast landmarks, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lakefront Avenue, Lakefront Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Brandywine Gorge Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Flickr/Todd Petrie One of Cleveland’s most breathtaking natural marvels, the amazing Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the perfect backdrop for your picnic experience, provided you’re willing to journey through the rocky Brandywine Gorge Trail to see its breathtaking rushes from a perspective few people ever experience. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA
- Wake Robin Trail, Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
Ohio Division of Natural Areas & Preserves The Cleveland Museum of Natural History owns and maintains the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, and its breezy trail is the perfect spot to see the marsh in bloom for the springtime. 5185 Corduroy Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
- Lucky Stone Loop Trail, Chapin Forest Reservation
Flickr/Ken Lund Though not the easiest hike on this list with its steep climbs and rocky pathways, the 1.5-mile Lucky Stone Loop Trail in Kirtland’s Chapin Forest Reservation will be worth the trek once you surround yourself in the natural beauty of this rich, old-growth forest. 9938 Chillicothe Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094, USA
So, what do you think? Are these the best hikes in Cleveland? Ever embarked on any of these trails? Know of any other scenic hikes in Cleveland? Tell us!
Flickr/Tim
One of the easiest and best hikes in Cleveland, the Scenic Loop Trail at the Rocky River Reservation shows you a little bit of everything the Cleveland Metroparks has to offer, along with ample space to set up your perfect picnic spread.
Valley Parkway, Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA
Flickr/Tom Bower
The mammoth Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail winds its way through most of northeast Ohio and into Pennsylvania, but the stretch of trail that runs through Cleveland is especially stunning.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Akron, OH, USA
Flickr/Tim Evanson
Nestled within the Bedford Reservation, this underrated gem of the Emerald Necklace takes you on a quick trek through thick woods and into the wake of a gorgeous waterfall, making it an ideal spot to while away an afternoon.
Bedford Reservation, 18753 Egbert Rd, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
This expansive, partially-paved hike and bike trail connects some of Cleveland’s best Lake Erie beaches such as Edgewater Park, and other North Coast landmarks, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Lakefront Avenue, Lakefront Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA
Flickr/Todd Petrie
One of Cleveland’s most breathtaking natural marvels, the amazing Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the perfect backdrop for your picnic experience, provided you’re willing to journey through the rocky Brandywine Gorge Trail to see its breathtaking rushes from a perspective few people ever experience.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA
Ohio Division of Natural Areas & Preserves
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History owns and maintains the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, and its breezy trail is the perfect spot to see the marsh in bloom for the springtime.
5185 Corduroy Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
Flickr/Ken Lund
Though not the easiest hike on this list with its steep climbs and rocky pathways, the 1.5-mile Lucky Stone Loop Trail in Kirtland’s Chapin Forest Reservation will be worth the trek once you surround yourself in the natural beauty of this rich, old-growth forest.
9938 Chillicothe Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094, USA
The best hikes in Cleveland don’t end with the trails above. There are so many others including these epic trails in Cleveland.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Cleveland April 13, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo Aside from the best hikes in Cleveland, what are some other ways to enjoy the outdoors? Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the great outdoors in Cleveland. There are lots of great parks in Cleveland and the surrounding areas including the Hinckley Reservation. The centerpiece of the reservation is the 90-acre Hinckley Lake, which is a favorite of fishermen and kayakers. The reservation also boasts some impressive rock formations, including Whipp’s Ledges, a 350-foot rock formation that dates back millions of years, as well as Worden’s Ledges, which is known for the unique carvings it bears. What are the most scenic hikes in Cleveland? A popular urban oasis, the Euclid Creek Reservation boasts interesting geology, lots of history, and one of the most scenic hikes in Cleveland. The 2.5-mile trail follows the Euclid Creek Valley and features several historic points of interest including former quarries, a CCC camp, and Euclid Beach Park. Make sure to pack a lunch; the trail is sandwiched by two picnic areas – the Quarry Picnic Area and Highland Picnic Area. Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland? If hiking with children, you’ll be happy to know there are quite a few kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland including the Garfield Park All-Purpose Trail. A great choice for a family adventure, the paved trail is just two miles with minimal elevation gain. And remember, it’s an “all-purpose trail,” which means bikes are permitted. The park’s perks don’t end with the trail, though. Park-goers can also enjoy picnic areas and waterfalls.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Cleveland
April 13, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
Aside from the best hikes in Cleveland, what are some other ways to enjoy the outdoors? Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the great outdoors in Cleveland. There are lots of great parks in Cleveland and the surrounding areas including the Hinckley Reservation. The centerpiece of the reservation is the 90-acre Hinckley Lake, which is a favorite of fishermen and kayakers. The reservation also boasts some impressive rock formations, including Whipp’s Ledges, a 350-foot rock formation that dates back millions of years, as well as Worden’s Ledges, which is known for the unique carvings it bears. What are the most scenic hikes in Cleveland? A popular urban oasis, the Euclid Creek Reservation boasts interesting geology, lots of history, and one of the most scenic hikes in Cleveland. The 2.5-mile trail follows the Euclid Creek Valley and features several historic points of interest including former quarries, a CCC camp, and Euclid Beach Park. Make sure to pack a lunch; the trail is sandwiched by two picnic areas – the Quarry Picnic Area and Highland Picnic Area. Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland? If hiking with children, you’ll be happy to know there are quite a few kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland including the Garfield Park All-Purpose Trail. A great choice for a family adventure, the paved trail is just two miles with minimal elevation gain. And remember, it’s an “all-purpose trail,” which means bikes are permitted. The park’s perks don’t end with the trail, though. Park-goers can also enjoy picnic areas and waterfalls.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the great outdoors in Cleveland. There are lots of great parks in Cleveland and the surrounding areas including the Hinckley Reservation. The centerpiece of the reservation is the 90-acre Hinckley Lake, which is a favorite of fishermen and kayakers. The reservation also boasts some impressive rock formations, including Whipp’s Ledges, a 350-foot rock formation that dates back millions of years, as well as Worden’s Ledges, which is known for the unique carvings it bears.
What are the most scenic hikes in Cleveland?
A popular urban oasis, the Euclid Creek Reservation boasts interesting geology, lots of history, and one of the most scenic hikes in Cleveland. The 2.5-mile trail follows the Euclid Creek Valley and features several historic points of interest including former quarries, a CCC camp, and Euclid Beach Park. Make sure to pack a lunch; the trail is sandwiched by two picnic areas – the Quarry Picnic Area and Highland Picnic Area.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland?
If hiking with children, you’ll be happy to know there are quite a few kid-friendly hikes around Cleveland including the Garfield Park All-Purpose Trail. A great choice for a family adventure, the paved trail is just two miles with minimal elevation gain. And remember, it’s an “all-purpose trail,” which means bikes are permitted. The park’s perks don’t end with the trail, though. Park-goers can also enjoy picnic areas and waterfalls.
