5 Leaf Peeping Hikes to Check out Near Cleveland
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Leaf peeping season is one of my favorite times of the year! I love hiking pretty much anytime of the year, but there is something extra special about seeing all the vivid colors of the forest and crunching on fallen leaves. I was so excited to recently move back to the Midwest from Florida and experience a true fall season again.
Since relocating to the Cleveland metro, I have been checking out many of the gorgeous parks within the Metroparks system as well as the gorgeous national park. It’s crazy that a wonderful national park is so easily accessible from a major city. The national park aside, this city is home to so many beautiful parks – I am not surprised that Metroparks was rated as one of the best urban park systems.
Fall is when all the parks come alive with the beautiful colors of the season. Any hike will do, but my guide will focus on a few of my favorite trails to get you started.
Squires castle scenic loop
Where: North Chagrin Reservation
Distance: ~2 miles
North Chagrin is one of my favorite parks within the Metroparks system. Last year, I timed my hike just past peak, but fortunately this year I was able to capture a bit more color. There’s a lot to see here including a small waterfall and an old gatekeeper’s house that looks like a castle (Squire’s). Of course, many haunted legends abound and taking a quick glance inside, I could easily imagine it being an investigation site on Ghost Adventures. I love the fall backdrop with the golden leaves casting an eerie scene; I saw many locals out taking family photos.
I really like the Scenic Loop trail which begins just behind the castle. It’s got enough inclines to give you a small workout. The trees are so tall and dense and there is a lot of color to enjoy. It’s super quiet compared to other trails in the region, so I feel I can get back to nature after all that computer time. I also love the short trek of just 1/2 mile which begins just next to the Buttermilk waterfall overlook.
The sanctuary marsh loop trail near the nature trail is another great short trail to check out. This one leads you to a wooden boardwalk over the marsh. You can do a lot of great birdwatching here, plus the colors are gorgeous. Sunset Pond behind the nature center is also a great place to leaf peep.
Sadly, Buttermilk Falls is always really weak whenever I visit this park. Both last year and this year I saw nothing more than a trickle. The waterfall can be just a drizzle or pretty strong depending on how much rain has fallen recently.
Hemlock trail
Where: Brecksville Reservation
Distance: 1.7 miles
The Metropark’s largest reservation also happens to be my favorite. I come here often to enjoy the rustic surroundings. I feel like I am always alone on the trails here despite the popularity. There are several gorgeous options here including the 1.7 mile Hemlock trail which is a bit more of a challenge with a bit of a steep incline.
It’s so gorgeous and quiet during the fall: one of my favorite leaf peeping hikes. I also love the Gorges trail where you can take in some pretty cool views of Chippewa Creek. After a hike, I like to kick back on a rocking chair at the nature center (they have hummingbird feeders set up). They have tons of books and a few nature exhibits on display. You can read more about my experience hiking at Brecksville for full details and more pics.
Brandywine Gorge Loop
Distance: 1.5 miles
Where: Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Park at 8176 Brandywine Rd. in Sagamore Hills)
This incredible 60 foot waterfall surrounded by pretty greenery has made Cuyahoga one of the most visited national parks. The park is so easy to access from multiple big cities in Ohio and surrounding states. As one of the Midwest’s prettiest waterfalls, I highly recommend a visit out here this autumn. The trail is even more incredible when lined with beautiful golden hues. Lots of trees surrounded the fall themselves for a picture-perfect fall photo opp. While it’s crowded by the boardwalk, the trail itself remains attractive low-key.
There are several routes to hike; I recommend the 1.5 mile loop which begins at the Brandywine Falls trailhead. You can also opt for a longer and quieter 6 mile hike from the Boston Mill Visitor Center. For those unable to complete a hike, you can opt to see the waterfall after a quick trek along a boardwalk (also located at the Brandywine Falls trailhead). Check out my full guide to visiting Cuyahoga for more details.
Connector Trail, All Purpose Trail, & Lake Isaac Loop
Where: Big Creek Reservation
Distance: Varies
The connector trail at Big Creek Reservation in Parma Heights is an amazing place to take a stroll or jog. This is where I go when I don’t want to see any tourists. It’s a lovely trek through the woods which stays quiet all week. I see so much wildlife here including deers, rare black squirrels, and even owls.
This trail is located in suburban Parma Heights and is a gorgeous escape from surrounding strip malls. Out of all the Metroparks, this is the one where I have seen the most fall color. I love the that the trees change color at all different times, so I basically get several weeks of leaf peeping. It’s so low-key so the perfect place to get lost in nature for a bit.
The 10 mile All Purpose Trail is a paved trail which can be used by bikers, runners, walkers, and even those using a wheelchair. I consider it a serene place to exercise away from the suburban clutter. This is my favorite place for long distance running and cycling in the region.
As the case for most trails in this area, it shines bet during the colorful fall season. Nothing really beats an invigorating workout when the temps are cool, the leaves are golden.
The Lake Isaac Loop is another great option. This trail is just over a mile but there is a lot of opportunity for bird and wildlife watching. You’ll pass a number of ecosystems including wetlands, woodlands, and an orchard.
Pine Grove Trail
Where: Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Park at 499 Truxell Road in Peninsula)
Distance: 2.2 miles
This is an underrated trail which is relatively quiet and features a nice mix of pine and deciduous trees. I love exploring this trail in the fall as it is much less crowded than Brandywine. It’s a 2 mile trek which is relatively easy with no major steep sections.
I like birdwatching and simply enjoying the color here as this trail is not overly taxing or long. However, if you are up for it, you can opt to connect to the 1.8 mile Ledges trail for a longer outing. This trail is a bit more rocky but rewards with fantastic views of rock formations.
Additional Notes
- Parking is free at each of these parks. Even the national park has no entrance fee! It’s one of my favorite free parks.
- Parking fills up fast at both the Brandywine Falls trailhead and the Boston Mill Visitor Center at the national park. I recommend getting out here early or risk circling around forever.
- Check for special events. Brecksville Nature Center offers a number of guided walks throughout the year. Also, North Chagrin offer a free spooky event at Squire’s Castle each year. Check their website for details.
- Treat yourself to a fall pumpkin treat after your workout. Nothing says fall like a PSL. You can check out my guide to the best seasonal treats in the metro for more details.
