7 Of The Greatest Short And Sweet Hiking Trails In Greater Cleveland For Beginners
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 17, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Craving a bit of time in the great outdoors? You deserve a dose of fresh air. Fortunately, our local landscape has trails of varying sizes to accommodate hikers of all levels of experience. Short and sweet trails in Cleveland are prevalent, which is a dream come true for short-distance hikers and parents looking to introduce their children to the wonders of nature. You can start exploring the best short and sweet trails in Cleveland at the following seven landmarks, all of which rank among the most beautiful places in Greater Cleveland.
Brookside Reservation abounds with history -- it was among the first parks to be acquired by the City of Cleveland! It was 99 years old when it was finally acquired by the Cleveland Metroparks in 1993, but it's as youthful and vibrant as the springtime greenery. At 132 acres, there's plenty of hiking to go around... but the Brookside Reservation Loop is just short and sweet enough.
Garfield Park is also overflowing with history. It officially opened to the public in 1895, and it would remain under municipal operation until its management was undertaken by the Cleveland Metroparks in 1986. On this trail, you can admire the park's iconic historic stonework.
If you've lived in Cleveland for any amount of time, you've probably heard mention of John D. Rockefeller's donations to the city. Back in the day, a number of industrialists would donate land to the city, which resulted in the creation of Wade Park and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Rockefeller donated several pieces of land to Cleveland, but Forest Hill Park is particularly interesting. As it has land in both in East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights, this pretty landscape was donated to both cities.
Pete's Pond Preserve in Wickliffe is a modest community park, but boy is it beautiful. This pretty place was established through a partnership between Wickliffe City Schools and Lake Metroparks, making it an ideal place to take the kids to learn about nature.
At 24 acres, the Mayfield Village Wetlands Park is a petite one. Nonetheless, it is overflowing with majesty. Its one-mile loop offers visitors a chance to interact with the local landscape, and it's particularly enchanting in the springtime when vernal pools fill it with life.
North Chagrin Reservation has entertained and delighted visitors since the 1920s. It includes many interesting landmarks, ranging from an iconic castle to a golf course. One of the most underappreciated things about this park is Lily Lagoon Loop, a super short, sweet, and scenic hike that will delight all ages.
Northeast Ohio is full of incredible gorges, and this is particularly true when it comes to the Lake Metroparks landscape. If you've never visited Penitentiary Glen Reservation, you'll be delighted to learn that it is full of surprises. Gorge Rim Trail will lead you right to Stoneybrook Falls, a modest but beautiful local waterfall.
These pretty places rank among the very best short and sweet trails in Cleveland. Would you add any places to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Craving more beauty? Take a staircase down to a waterfall at Brandywine Falls.
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