These 10 Gorgeous Waterfront Trails In Cleveland Are Perfect For A Summer Day
By Nikki Rhoades|Updated on July 04, 2023(Originally published July 03, 2022)
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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.
Here in Northeast Ohio, summers are always full of fun in the sun. After a long winter, locals find it important to indulge in outdoor activities as frequently as we can. Fortunately, the Cleveland Metroparks provide endless opportunities for adventure, especially if you’re longing for a day on the waterfront. Lace up your hiking boots and pack some bug spray, because you won’t be able to resist these Lake Erie walking trails. Most of these trails will give you stunning views of Lake Erie, and we’ve also included a few beautiful waterfront trails just on the outskirts of the lake, just in case you want to mix things up a bit. We’re sure you’ll agree that these are some of the best places to walk in Cleveland!
The lakefront trail of Edgewater Park spans the dreamiest, westernmost portion of Lakefront Reservation. The 9,000 feet of shoreline offers swimming opportunities during the day and views of the city lights in the evening, and the nearby fishing pier will delight anglers everywhere. Not only is this one of the best places for a walk, but it's also one of the best places in Cleveland to catch the sunrise. Set your alarms! Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
You've just arrived at the most beautiful glacial pothole anywhere in Ohio! Lake Isaac is the crown jewel of Big Creek Reservation, and it is surrounded by an ecosystem that consists of a unique variety of animals. The on-site Waterfowl Sanctuary is adored by all who visit, and visitors are enamored by all of the critters that dwell in the nearby forest. Lake Isaac Loop offers the most scenic way to take it all in, and it's an easygoing 1.2-mile long waterfront hike. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
One of the most beautiful waterfront trails in Cleveland, the Cleveland Centennial Trail offers a unique hike right through the city. While the trail is being completed in sections, the initial phases are already completed and ready for footfall. You'll find yourself treated you stunning views the Cuyahoga River, and once completed, the Cleveland Centennial Trail will actually stretch all the way up to Wendy Park on Lake Erie's shore.
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4. Rocky River Nature Center, Rocky River Reservation
Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA
Rocky River Reservation abounds with history. This lovely park contains the first parcel of land purchase by the Cleveland Metroparks and it's named for the mighty river that carves through its expanse. History comes to life over at the Rocky River Nature Center, which is an educational facility that introduces visitors to local animals, both past and present. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
5. Henry Church Rock Loop, South Chagrin Reservation
Henry Church Rock Picnic Area, Hawthorn Pkwy, Bentleyville, OH 44022, USA
There's so much to love about this short and sweet 0.5-mile waterfront hike. You'll pass by the landmark
Church Rock, which is an unusual work of art worth stopping to see, and you'll travel alongside the magnificent Chagrin River. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
Acacia Reservation is a fairly petite park, but it is an incredible 155-acre urban oasis that's one of the best places for a walk. Its bright green expanse is carved by the presence of a paved trail, and the magnificence of this former country club is evident everywhere you look. The site was only acquired about six years ago, but it is well on its way to reverting back into a natural, forested state. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
7. All-Purpose Trail, Euclid Beach Park
Euclid Beach Boulevard, Euclid Beach Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44110, USA
If you've never visited Euclid Beach, you just may find its landscaping enchanting. While owned by the City of Cleveland, Euclid Beach Park (and the surrounding area, which includes Villa Angela and Wildwood Park) is managed and enhanced under the stewardship of the Cleveland Metroparks. Euclid Beach, home to the former Euclid Beach Amusement Park, now features a stunning 315-foot-long pier that is absolutely breathtaking at sunset. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
8. Huntington Beach, Huntington Reservation
Huntington Beach, 28492-28648 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
Not to be confused with California's iconic Huntington Beach, Cleveland's site of the same name is located in the lovely Huntington Reservation. This enchanting Lake Erie park is the perfect place to watch clouds form over the water, and it's also a breathtaking place to go for a waterfront hike. Stroll on Huntington Beach and dip your toes in the water, or head south of Lake Road and hike along Porter Creek Trail. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
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9. Hinckley Lake Loop, Hinckley Reservation
Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store, 1 Metropolitan Park W, Hinckley, OH 44233, USA
At the heart of Hinckley Reservation is a water feature that's downright breathtaking. Hinckley Lake, a pool of blue stretching across 90 acres, is an outdoorsman's dream. Not only does it feature incredible fishing, it also offers boating opportunities and is encircled by a lovely loop trail. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
10. Bridal Veil Falls Trail, Bedford Reservation
Bridal Veil Falls, Bridle Trail, Walton Hills, OH 44146, USA
There's something appropriately romantic about the name of Bridal Veil Falls. This waterfall is stunning in every season, but it makes for a particularly dreamy walk along Deerlick Creek when birdsong is abundant. This beautiful hike features a scenic overlook that is a particularly popular spot for photo-taking. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
These lovely waterfront trails are the perfect way to spend a summer day. If you were to do a search for “best lake walks near me” one of these would most certainly pop up at the top of the list! Which hike are you most excited to take?
What are the best outdoor adventures in the Cleveland area?
The Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park Course is an epic adventure park with all sorts of attractions like zip lining, rope swings, suspended bridges, and more. If the weather is cooperating, check out
White Star Quarry Beach is popular for swimming, beach play, and taking a waterfront hike.
The Cleveland Metroparks features over a half dozen golf courses that attract golfers from all around the region.
