In the summer, nothing is as refreshing as a shady seat and a cool canteen. Northeast Ohio gets both hot and humid, making it a challenge to sometimes explore the region. The trick is to take to super shady places with a bit of bug repellent, places where golden chips of sunlight peeking through the trees are the only allusion to the hot weather. Fortunately for Clevelanders, the region is overflowing with gorgeous outdoor paradises that will fulfill your summer without exhausting your energy. For your summer exploration pleasure, here are 10 of the easiest and best hikes in Cleveland and the surrounding area.

1. Wildflower Loop (Route 82 and Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville)
Ohio 82 & Chippewa Creek Drive, OH-82 & Chippewa Creek Dr, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
As the largest of the 18 Cleveland Metroparks reservations, it is no wonder that the enchanting campus of Brecksville Reservation hides so much natural splendor. Chippewa Creek Gorge is one of its loveliest spots, hiding the rich history of the region in its sandstone-lined gorge. After admiring the might of the falls, a hike along the Wildflower Loop is a must. At just under a mile, this easy trail is perfect for young naturalists and their grown-up counterparts.
2. Lake Isaac Trail (Big Creek Pkwy., Middleburg Heights)
Big Creek Parkway, Big Creek Pkwy, Parma Heights, OH, USA
Cg Dedice/AllTrails
The dreamy Lake Isaac Trail in Big Creek Parkway is so simple, and yet it leads to overwhelming beauty. This glacial "pothole" is framed by forest and wildflowers, creating a haven for waterfowl and their human admirers alike. The trail is only about a mile, but its loveliness captures the spirit of Big Creek Reservation.
3. Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail (Mulberry Ave., West Bank of the Flats)
Centennial Lake Link Trail, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
On the diverse and ever-evolving banks of the Cleveland Flats is a trail that's truly an urban wonder. The trail was once a railroad right-of-way, but now it takes visitors on a journey through the revival of the Rustbelt region. With gorgeous views of the Cleveland skyline accompanied by a soundtrack of birdsong, this pretty hike takes visitors on an unrivaled adventure.
4. Forest Hill Park Loop (2370 Lee Blvd., Cleveland)
2370 Lee Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, USA
Kelly Moore Hyphen/AllTrails
Does this photo have you craving spooky autumn hikes with an oversized hoodie and cider? Me too! This dreamy destination was the site of the former hilltop home of John D. Rockefeller. If you're visiting on a clear day, you may be able to see all the way to Lake Erie. There are 235 acres to explore in this gorgeous park, and you'll doubtlessly fall in love with the landscape of the Appalachian Mountain foothills in Cleveland's east side.
5. Whipp’s Ledges Loop Trail (Hinckley Reservation)
Whipps Ledges, Hinckley Lake Loop Trail, Hinckley, OH 44233, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
The gorgeous Whipp’s Ledges Loop Trail captures the imagination of kids and grownups alike with its massive sandstone walls and a vast variety of flora. As the southernmost Cleveland Metropark, Hinckley Reservation may be a bit of a drive... but it is so worth it. At just one mile in length, this trail, which is one of the most scenic hikes in Ohio, is short, sweet, and overflowing with natural beauty.

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6. Horseshoe Lake Park Trail (Shaker Heights)
Horseshoe Lake Park, 2701 Park Dr, Shaker Heights, OH 44120, USA
Zaid Fadul/AllTrails
If you've never hiked through Shaker Heights, you certainly should! This gorgeous community is overflowing with lovely places to see, but this trail shines brighter than the others. With paved, gravel, and boardwalk paths awaiting footfall, this trail is anything but monotonous. And, at just over a mile, this trail is perfect for visitors of all ages.
7. All Purpose Trail (Alexander and Egbert Rds., Cleveland)
Egbert Road, Egbert Rd, Walton Hills, OH 44146, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Congratulations, you've just found paradise hiding in Cleveland! From the Touchstone Parking Area, you'll travel about 3.5 miles to the enchanting landscape of the Tinker’s Creek Overlook which will allow you to peer down at a watery wonderland. If this trail feels a bit rigorous, consider the nearby Touchstone Loop Trail.
8. Brandywine Gorge Trail (8176 Brandywine Rd., Sagamore Hills Township)
Brandywine Falls, 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
If you haven't yet visited the magnificence that is Brandywine Gorge Trail, then you are truly missing out! This enchanting 65-foot-tall waterfall enchants visitors with its splendor and the colors of its shale surroundings, and it can be reached via a short mile and a half trail. There's also a charming staircase portion of the hike, which is gorgeous, but a bit of a trek for those with mobility challenges.
9. Gorge Trail (1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls)
Gorge Metro Park, 1160 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, USA
Elinor Johnson/AllTrails
If you've never been to the Summit Metro Parks, you are in for a treat. Like Cleveland's own collection of parks, these neighboring reservations and metro parks hide many urban wonders awaiting exploration. The Gorge Trail was carved thousands of years ago when the former riverbed of the Cuyahoga River interrupted by the presence of glacial debris, exposing Sharon Conglomerate ledges and caves.
10. Sulphur Springs Loop (South Chagrin Reservation)
Sulphur Springs Picnic Area, Sulphur Springs Dr, Bentleyville, OH 44022, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Sulphur Springs sing in every season, but late summer and early fall are locals' favorite time to visit. The mighty waters of the Chagrin River fuel the hemlock-lined streams of this gorgeous park, adding a simultaneous sense of power and tranquility to your adventure. After a visit here we think you'll agree that it is one of the best hikes in Ohio.

Greater Cleveland is full of surprises, and summertime is the loveliest season to discover them. Did we miss any awesome trails that locals must check out? Tell us in the comments!

If you’re looking for more cool summer fun, check out these Cleveland area swimming spots.

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Best hikes in Cleveland

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 01, 2022

Where can I find hiking trails near me in Ohio?

Well, that depends on where you live. If you live near Columbus, we might suggest the Sycamore Plains Trail.  A short 20-minute drive from town, it not only is a wonderful trail, but the area also offers over 500 acres of woods, prairies, and other natural elements to explore. If coming from the Cincinnati metropolitan area, the Badlands Trail in Harrison is only about a 25-minute drive away. Located inside of the spectacular Miami Whitewater Forest, the trail has a few ups and downs but overall it’s not too strenuous or long of a hike.

I’m looking for a kid-friendly hike near Cleveland.

There are lots of good ones, some short, others a bit longer, but the ability level really depends upon the age and energy of your kiddo! One of the most popular and most scenic hiking trails in the state near Cleveland is the Wake Robin Boardwalk Trail. It winds its way through the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, offering some really stunning views across the marshland teeming with wildlife. You’ll also appreciate the conservation efforts here that have set aside approximately 25 acres of natural sand dunes to be preserved for enjoyment for generations to follow.

What is a good place to visit for a day trip in Ohio? 

Instead of narrowing it down to just one place, which would be hard to do anyway since there are so many wonderful day trip options in Ohio, how about a list of 15!? On it, you will find places like the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, one of Ohio’s most historic buildings, an unforgettable international market in Fairfield called Jungle Jim’s (trust us, it really is unforgettable!), and in Troy there’s the Idle-Hour Ranch. “Ranch” takes on a new meaning here because you might find elephants, camels, and other animals not typically on a farm-type property, or in Ohio outside of a zoo, just to name a few.

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