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 Loop (1.3 miles)
Amanda Porcelli/AllTrails 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 All Purpose Trail (2 miles)
Paul Richardson/AllTrails 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.
- Forest Hill Park Loop (2.3 miles)
Bill Su/AllTrails 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.
- Carriage Lane Trail (1.9 miles)
David Dombrowski/AllTrails 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.
- Mayfield Village Wetlands Trail (0.9 miles)
Tim Harber/AllTrails 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.
- Lily Lagoon Loop (0.2 miles)
Gary Green/AllTrails 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.
- Gorge Rim Trail (1 mile)
TheTravelingRoss/TripAdvisor 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!
Amanda Porcelli/AllTrails
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.
Paul Richardson/AllTrails
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.
Bill Su/AllTrails
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.
David Dombrowski/AllTrails
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.
Tim Harber/AllTrails
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.
Gary Green/AllTrails
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.
TheTravelingRoss/TripAdvisor
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.
Craving more beauty? Take a staircase down to a waterfall at Brandywine Falls.
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Address: 3900 John Nagy Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44144, USAAddress: Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, OH 44125, USAAddress: 68139001, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, USAAddress: 2255 Rockefeller Rd, Wickliffe, OH 44092, USAAddress: 425 N Commons Blvd, Mayfield, OH 44143, USAAddress: 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094, USA
