Cleveland is a stunning city, but its parks encompass next-level beauty. Don’t believe it? Just spend some time in the Cleveland Metroparks. I know, I know. With more than 25,000 acres and 325 miles of trails, that’s no small challenge. However, if you’re looking for a hike that sums up all that our area has to offer, you’ll want to check out Royalview Trail in Strongsville, Ohio. This gorgeous hike in the Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run Reservation is long, but there’s a milder in-and-out path you can take to make it short and sweet. Pack some trail mix and water-up that Stanley cup, because the gorgeous views in Mill Stream Run Reservation are beckoning.

I could just stare at the canopy over Royalview Trail in Strongsville for hours.

Kameron Robinson/AllTrails
Of course, I don't. This is an active cluster of trails near the Royalview Picnic Area in Mill Stream Run Reservation, so it's well traveled. Being coveted among the local mountain bike community, it's a trail full of frequent traffic, but stepping off the narrow walkway and sitting for a moment is a treat like no other.

Two loop trails make up the entirety of this hike — Royalview Red Loop and Royalview Yellow Loop.

Alex Muir/AllTrails
From young forests to mighty pine canopies, this trail will take you past various stunning sights. Together, these trails stretch around eight miles, but the Red Trail includes a short an optional “out and back “ section that is 1.2-miles round trip, making it an easy way to capitalize on the views offered in this area.

The Yellow Loop is known for its stunning views of the creek... including a little waterfall!

Mike Murray/Google Images
Here in Northeast Ohio, waterfalls are one of the most sought-after landmarks. We have many, thanks to our abundant waterways, but most hikers set out to see bigger displays of Mother Nature's power, like Brandywine Falls. What I like about Mill Stream Run Reservation is that it feels like a hidden gem. While it gets foot traffic, it's nothing like the crowds you might encounter at bigger and more well-known area parks.

The Yellow Loop is also known for its iconic ruins.

Roman Chaban/AllTrails
Something about finding ruins in the woods feels so Ohio. This spot was once a sugarhouse, a place where sap is collected from maple trees and boiled down into syrup. Looking around, it's plain to see why this stunning trail once hosted such a fixture!

If you want to keep the cozy feels going, you'll have to make your way over to the Red Loop. Here, gorgeous pines set the scene with stunning evergreen shades and tall trunks.

Steve Fetterman/AllTrails
This trail is a bit more challenging. Slopes and ravines lead to elevation changes along your hike, but they also eventually reveal stunning views of the river below.

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Given the abundance of water in Mill Stream Run Reservation, don't be surprised if you encounter a bit of local wildlife during your visit.

David Gilbert/AllTrails
A few years back, we had an aboveground pool in our backyard. Life happens, there was an incident with excess rainwater, and the pool was ultimately removed. The divot it left in the ground became a vernal pool, and I've been obsessed with them ever since we spent a spring surrounded by gorgeous frog song. Vernal pools typically pop up after winter snows melt, and they're an excellent draw for amphibians. In Mill Stream Run, the abundance of waterways and vernal pools make this spot highly energetic around the time of the annual salamander migration.

And if you're a mycophile, you're going to love the mushroom and fungi scene here.

Mike Murray/Google Images
When I was a teenager, I used to collect and carve images into artist's conk. (If you've never heard of this bracket fungus, google it! It's really cool.) Nowadays, I'm a tad bit too busy for this hobby, but I still love seeking out mushrooms and fungi to admire in local parks. The abundance of mushrooms in this park is incredible... from the brown umbrella-like caps of galerina mushrooms to the gorgeous reds of amanita caesarea mushrooms, there's much to see here!

Another draw? This hike is just off of Valley Parkway, one of the prettiest drives in Northeast Ohio.

Mark Wayner/Google Images
This stunning drive stretches nearly 25 miles, moving from Cleveland down into Brecksville, weaving through several gorgeous sections of the Cleveland Metroparks. No matter the season, this is a pretty route to sit back and enjoy the view.

From gorgeous vistas to serene forests, this hike in Strongsville has it all.

Mohammad Azam/Google Images
Waterfalls, ruins, pine canopies, and salamanders... what's not to love?

Lace up your hiking boots, because Royalview Trail in Strongsville is calling your name.

Hawk Kim/AllTrails
Look for the trailhead at Royalview Ln, Strongsville, OH, 44136.

There’s so much to love about the hike along Royalview Trail in Strongsville. The canopy views, the local wildlife, the mushroom scene… it’s thoroughly stunning! Please keep in mind that this is a mixed-use path that’s loved by local mountain bikers, so stay on alert and be prepared to step off the path to allow them to pass.

While you’re in the area, check out the Strongsville Historical Society! It’s right around the corner. You won’t believe such historic structures and such gorgeous trails exist in close proximity to Route 82 and a bustling mall!

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Featured Addresses
Royalview Trailhead, Royalview Ln, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA