Northeast Ohio may be prone to bouts of unpredictable weather, but Clevelanders don’t allow that hurdle to keep us cooped up indoors! All year long, we brave the elements to take in the beauty of the Greater Cleveland landscape. Even when winter seems most unrelenting, there are a plethora of gorgeous escapes that we can retreat to. If you’re looking to get out of the house and enjoy the best that our wintertime landscape has to offer, you must visit these 11 trails in Cleveland:

1. Squire’s Lane Trail at North Chagrin Reservation
North Chagrin Reservation, 3037 Som Center Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH
Tim Evanson/Flickr
This dreamy walk-through wonderland is less than a mile in length and it will lead you straight to the spectacular site of Squire’s Castle. The castle, which was built in the 1890s, is truly splendid in the icier months.
2. Indian Spring Trail at Munroe Falls Metro Park
Summit Metro Parks/Facebook
Munroe Falls Metro Park, 521 S River Rd, Munroe Falls, OH 44262, USA
Summit Metro Parks/Facebook
On this enchanting 2.2-mile hike, you will be treated to views of a diversity of habitats. Gaze upon the wondrous Indian Spring, make fresh footprints along forested trails, and watch for signs of wildlife as you pass wetlands, ponds, and a stream. This park doubles as an excellent sledding site if you're looking for a particularly adventurous experience!
3. All Purpose Trail at Rocky River Reservation
Rocky River Reservation, Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA
Jeff Burcher/Flickr
The entirety of the Rocky River Reservation is splendid and no part of the park is without beauty, but Berea Falls Scenic Overlook is perhaps the most breathtaking attraction here, especially in the winter. Park near the intersection of Falls Lane and Valley Parkway and follow the paved trail up to the scenic overlook.
4. Glenridge Loop at Euclid Creek Reservation
Glenridge Loop Trail, Cleveland, OH 44117, USA
infowidget/Flickr
Take a scenic stroll through the woods of this gently rolling reservation. The landscape, which has been carved and shaped by waters since the Pleistocene era, will take your breath away. And, since this loop is just slightly over a mile, you'll enjoy a short and sweet hike that makes the cold feel more tolerable.
5. Upper Edgewater Park Loop at Edgewater Park
Upper Edgewater Drive, Upper Edgewater Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
A TripAdvisor Member/TripAdvisor
Upper Edgewater Park Loop, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
Explore the shore of Lake Erie with the scenic Cleveland skyline as a backdrop! At this park, you'll encounter one of the enchanting Cleveland script signs, so be sure to bring a camera. Oh, and if you're feeling especially adventurous, hike down toward the Marina to get a better view of the icy lighthouse.

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6. The Ledges Trail at Liberty Park
The Ledges Trail, 9999 Liberty Rd, Twinsburg, OH 44087
Summit Metro Parks/Facebook
As you make your way deeper into a natural wonderland, you will be treated to views of ice gardens everywhere your eye lands. This stunning walk only stretches slightly over a mile, so it's a quick and gorgeous hike to take on a pleasant winter day.
7. Blue Hen Falls Trail at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Blue Hen Falls, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
Robby G C/TripAdvisor
This national park is overflowing with natural splendor, and its surprises come in the form of sandstone ledges, gorgeous waterways, and an epic view of the stars at night. Park at 2001 Boston Mills Road and take the loop trail - you'll find yourself gazing at this gorgeously frigid waterfall.
8. Church Rock Trail at South Chagrin Reservation
marcopolo111/TripAdvisor
Henry Church Rock Parking, Bridle Trail and Loops, Bentleyville, OH 44022, USA
Meaghan R/TripAdvisor
This tiny hiking trail loop branches off of the main All Purpose Trail at this stunning park. As you walk, you'll be treated to gorgeous views of the mysterious Henry Church Rock and the lovely natural spaces that the park hides.
9. Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park
Kirsten Reinking/AllTrails
Quarry Trail, 5779 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
Summit Metro Parks/Facebook
Some of the best hiking trails near Cleveland aren't traditional hiking trails. Take for example this unusual but interesting trek through a relic of Cleveland's industrial past. Sandstone was mined from this quarry to fuel community expansions and remnants of this park's previous life can be seen all across its campus. It also houses the historic Lock 28, the deepest lock on what was the Ohio & Erie Canal.
10. Metro Parks Bike & Hike Trail
Munroe Falls, OH 44262, USA
Summit Metro Parks/Facebook
The Akron, Bedford & Cleveland Railroad has been defunct since 1932, but its former course is still worth exploring. Located east of Route 91 in Munroe Falls, this hike and bike trail hides gorgeous views of the river and some incredible sandstone ledges along the way. Portions of this trail use neighborhood streets, so this is certainly the most suburban hike on our list.
11. Seneca Trail at F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Suspension Footbridge, Seneca Trail, Akron, OH 44313, USA
Summit Metro Parks/Facebook
Portions of this walk may be strenuous, as the landscape is rather hilly. However, a stroll through a wintery pine forest that leads to a stunning open prairie, and a suspension footbridge... sign me up! This gorgeous hike is only about a mile and a half in length, so it's short enough to enjoy before the cold chases you out of the park.

 

Wintertime can make everything feel gray, but only if you let it. Embarking on an adventure at these winter hikes near Cleveland will keep cabin fever away, but you might just catch an addiction to gorgeous wintery scenes. What park do you always hike to in the wintertime? Tell us in the comments!

Looking for more to do this winter in Cleveland? Check out this gorgeous small town that looks like a snow globe.

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Chris Muras | November 22, 2022

What are the most popular things to do in Cleveland with kids?

Cleveland is a lovely place to spend time with the family. From museums to zoos to natural areas to explore there are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Cleveland. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

 

What are the top attractions to visit in Cleveland?

Cleveland has some fantastic hot spots and attractions for your day and nighttime entertainment. Here are a handful of the top attractions in Cleveland:

Tower City Center: A 367,000-square-foot shopping mall in the historic 1920s Terminal Tower. Be sure to check out the stunning Skylight Park.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The Rock Hall contains some of the most iconic pieces of rock 'n roll memorabilia in the nation. Another fun fact is that the term "rock 'n roll" was first used by a local DJ by the name of Alan Freed in 1951.

Jack Casino: This massive casino full of glitz and glamor is open 24 hours for your entrainment and gambling pleasure. At 100,000 square feet, there is plenty of room for gaming tables and devices to keep you busy all night long.

East 4th Street: Cars are not allowed on this section of road between Huron and Prospect so it's perfect for a nighttime stroll among the lights and ambiance of local shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs.

House of Blues: Speaking of clubs, the House of Blues is a wonderful combination of food and music. Catch a concert then stay for some gumbo or spice chicken wings in one of Cleveland's best venues.

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