5 great hiking trails in Cleveland Metroparks

There are over 100 hiking trails in the Cleveland Metroparks and we’ve picked out 5 of the most scenic natural-surface trails to get you out of the house. Please remember the park’s social distancing guidelines at this time and maintain at least 6 feet between you and other visitors. You can find updated information about closures at the Cleveland Metroparks COVID-19 webpage: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/special-pages/cleveland-metroparks-covid-19-updates-closures-and

Here is a rundown of where we go in this video:

1) Deer Lick Loop in the Brecksville Reservation
See the Deer Lick Cave rock overhang, mossy boulders, a seasonal waterfall and a peaceful stream along this 4-mile loop trail through the interior of the Brecksville Reservation. Multiple books about Ohio hiking trails list this trail as one of the best in Northeast Ohio.

2) Henry Church, Jr. Rock Loop in the South Chagrin Reservation
There are some great surprises on this trail if you’ve never been here. A rock carving from 1885 stops you in your tracks. A seasonal waterfall drops over a rock wall high above you. There’s a wide waterfall on the Chagrin River on the north side of the loop. The trail is about 0.6 miles with a lot of elevation change and steps.

3) Tinker’s Creek Gorge Bridle Trail in the Bedford Reservation
This 6.8-mile loop circles Tinker’s Creek. Please give right-of-way to horseback riders and remember that there are water crossings if you do the whole loop. I’d recommend the trailhead at the end of Button Road on the north side of the loop. It takes you down to the edge of Tinker’s Creek where the scenery is beautiful! On the southern side of the loop, you can see the Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook and Bridal Veil Falls.

4) Mill Stream Run Bridle Trail
Starting at Wallace Lake, this is one of the longest unpaved trails in the Metroparks, 16 miles out-and-back. Make sure to stop at the Strongsville Wildlife Area.

5) Fort Hill Loop in the Rocky River Reservation
At the time of this video, the Fort Hill Stairs are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. There are two connector trails on the northern end of the Fort Hill Loop that should still give you access. Pass the Rocky River Nature Center, follow the West Channel Pond Loop and the Wildlife Management Loop. You will see 2 different trails leading up to the Fort Hill Loop. Please remember to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other guests.

I hope you get the chance to experience these trails soon. Enjoy your hike! – John