Ten Hikes for Hot Days in Cleveland Metroparks
Hemlock Trail, Brecksville Reservation
Stay cool walking along the shady eastern hemlocks on this 1.4-mile trail. Catch great views of Chippewa Creek on your adventure.
Mount Pleasant Loop Trail, Rocky River Reservation
Walk among century-old pine trees and beautiful wood ferns while getting your exercise climbing the steps up and around Mount Pleasant. This wooded walk takes you up above the tree line for views of the floodplain forest below.
Waterfall to Overlook Hike, Bedford Reservation
Start at the Bridal Veil Falls parking lot and head down to the scenic Bridal Veil Falls. Take the path through the shaded, dense woods of Bedford Reservation to the Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook, a Natural National Landmark since the late 1960s.
Cahoon Creek Loop, Bradley Woods Reservation
This peaceful trail is a welcome respite from the heat of the day. At slightly more than a half mile, it's the right length for a quick hike.
Hickory Fox Loop, North Chagrin Reservation
There is no better time to explore this trail than a dry spell in August after it's dried up from spring rains. This hike follows a hemlock gorge overlooking Buttermilk Creek and the trees are known to harbor barred owls! The other half of the trail dips deeper into the forest for a quiet and serene hike in the shade, perfect for a respite from the summer heat.
Worden's Ledges Trail, Hinckley Reservation
Walk under the forest canopy to shady sandstone ledges on this 0.7-mile loop trail. Look for historic carvings in the rock as you enjoy the many shades of green provided by the ferns, mosses and lichens that cover the cool, moist sandstone.
Ridgetop Trail, Garfield Park Reservation
This short, nearly half-mile hiking trail is surrounded by mature trees in uplands along Wolf Creek, and it offers a deep forest experience in an urban area.
Sulphur Springs Loop, South Chagrin Reservation
Get out of the summer heat by enjoying this 1-mile hike through the shaded hills and ravines of South Chagrin Reservation.
Skinner's Run Trail, West Creek Reservation
Enjoy a gorgeous hike along the forested banks of West Creek. Walk under trees, over bridges, and up hills as you explore the southernmost trail of West Creek Reservation. This natural surface trail is 1.2-miles one way.
Snow Road Trail, Big Creek Reservation
Listen to the babbling sounds of Big Creek as you take a shaded stroll along the 0.6-mile Snow Road Trail in Big Creek Reservation.