Ten Best Winter Hikes in Cleveland Metroparks
Lake-to-Lake Trail, Big Creek Reservation
This paved, 2.5-mile trail offers an incredible glimpse of Big Creek Reservation in wintertime. Hikers will traverse through forests, across roads, under train tracks and over wetlands. The Lake-to-Lake Trail isn't a loop, so it’s best to plan your route in advance.
Look About Lodge Loop, South Chagrin Reservation
Hike this 1-mile loop trail after a fresh snowfall to fully immerse yourself in a real-life winter wonderland. Hear the trickle of the stream, birds singing in the trees and enjoy the solitude of this small pocket of South Chagrin Reservation.
Center Loop Trail, West Creek Reservation
This shared-use mountain bike trail winds through the woods of West Creek. As you traverse the natural surface path, you can hear the calls of red-tailed hawks, the chitter of red-bellied woodpeckers, and enjoy the scenery of greenshield lichen against the snow. This short 1.2 mile trail will make you feel immersed in the forest without the long trek to get there.
Quarry Loop Trail, Bradley Woods Reservation
Winter is the best time to hike this quiet trail where you can view the remnants of old sandstone quarries in Cleveland Metroparks only swamp forest.
Woodpecker Way Trail, Acacia Reservation
Once a golf course with fairways, greens and roughs, now – ten years into its ecological restoration – this open oasis now showcases a diverse winter landscape encompassing fields, forest edges and ponds. Woodpecker Way Trail offers 1.7 miles of rolling all purpose trail through the former golf course, allowing guests to appreciate diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes.
White Pine Loop Trail, North Chagrin Reservation
White Pine Loop Trail, located in the heart of North Chagrin Reservation, offers a scenic 1-mile path and boardwalk beneath towering white pine trees. The trail culminates at a charming overlook, providing a tranquil escape with views of the surrounding valley. It's an ideal destination for those in search of a peaceful retreat in nature.
Overlook Trail, North Chagrin Reservation
Enter via Museum Trail from North Chagrin Nature Center or the A.B. Williams Memorial Woods Trailhead. The route concludes at a wooden 1930s overlook shelter, offering a vantage point over the Chagrin River Valley that hosts friendly chickadees, nuthatches and titmice. This is a rewarding winter trek into an old growth forest and National Natural Landmark.
Squirrel Run Trail, Euclid Creek Reservation
Hidden among the hustle of South Euclid, this 3-mile hike takes guests along natural surface trails that traverse the hills and gorge of the Euclid Creek corridor. Pick up Squirrel Run Trail from either Welsh Woods or Highland Picnic Areas. For added difficulty, take the optional Glenridge Loop route.
White Oak Trail, Brecksville Reservation
Explore this new trail for a great view of the Chippewa Creek Valley in the winter as it meanders to its peak at the My Mountain Overlook. Start near the entrance of Oak Grove Picnic Area and follow the trail signs in. Be sure to add the My Mountain Overlook spur which makes this 2.1-mile trail route.
Gorge Loop, Brecksville Reservation
Experience the beauty of winter on this short hike into the Chippewa Creek Gorge. The trail cuts its way through hemlock trees and sandstone boulders. Stairs take you down to the creek and back up.
