5 great hiking trails in Cleveland Metroparks

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

[NickandRachel]

Really beautiful place! Nice trails 👣 thanks for sharing

[eversunnyguy]

Thanks for these recommendations. I live in Cleveland, I can add variety all the time. I have been to Tinkers...great spot. I was debating between Columbus and CLE and I am glad I choose CLE for the metroparks and the lake front.

[boyohio]

I recently went to Hinkley reversation and found a cliffs trail thta was awesome. Its called Whipps ledges and its no joke but when you get to the top its awesome..

[OntarioHikingTrails]

Really nice hiking trails I enjoyed watching your video

[karlthemel]

I was in the area only once while doing a B.S. in zoology at Ohio State. A few years ago, it was amazing to run into an over 90 min-long Hunger Games fan video (title: The 47th Hunger Games) done in the area. I believe a local TV station helped and it was very well done. The park system is a good location for day hikes, and the trail net seems to have expanded, too. It is good that Cleveland thought to preserve the river shores. Recommended.

[pinkfreud]

Beautiful places, just carry protection especially if you're a lone woman hiker.

[ubedac]

Do you have links to these trails on Komoot?

[karlthemel]

If this were Suzanne Collin´s Panem, the forests would be back, the streams and Lake Erie clearer.