Family-Friendly Hikes

Cleveland is called The Forest City for a reason: we have some great parks filled with acre after acre of trees, and they're just waiting to show off their sylvan charm. With the Cleveland Metroparks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park both easily accessible from the city, hiking fans don't have to travel far to see some amazing views. Depending on how much time you have, you might even fit several hikes into the same day.

Here are some great starting places where you can take the family to see The Land in all its magnificence.

Brandywine Falls
At 65 feet high, Brandywine Falls is a picture-perfect waterfall surrounded by a 1.5 mile hiking trail that leads you through the deep gorge cut by Brandywine Creek. Located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you've got wildlife, water, family-friendly climbs and the crisp, cool smell of the forest to accompany you on this hike. The boardwalk and upper observation platform along the top of the falls gives you amazing views of both the waterfall and the valley forest below in all its glory. The boardwalk is easily accessible, even with small children and strollers, while the full hike offers a little bit more of a challenge (but still manageable in jeans and tennis shoes) and takes about an hour to complete.

Location: 8176 Brandywine Rd., Sagamore Hills
Hours: Dawn to dusk

Virginia Kendall Ledges
With five trails along Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Ritchie Ledges area of Virginia Kendall, you can find views from the forest floor looking up at giant rock formations or from the top looking across a sea of trees. Don't miss the overlook on the main Ledges Trail, which makes you feel like you're on top of the world. The trails can be an easy stroll or more adventurous, depending on what you're up for: you can climb on boulders, squeeze through rock caves or just watch from the comfort of the path. Whichever path you choose, you'll be surrounded by a steady stream of natural beauty.

Location: Various locations along Truxell Rd. and Kendall Park Rd., Peninsula
Hours: Dawn to dusk

Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a Northeast Ohio icon. With more than 50 trailheads throughout Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Cleveland Metroparks and beyond -- as well as the opportunity to experience trains, scenic byways, canal towns and miles of forest-covered walks -- the Towpath Trail is a must-visit for anyone in the area. Its full length spans 85 miles from Cleveland to Zoar. Bike or hike your way through a variety of views. This path is a great option for the whole family, as it is mostly flat and almost the entire trail is ADA accessible.

Location: Many access points from Cleveland to Zoar
Hours: Varies by location. Areas within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park are open 24 hours per day.

Brecksville Reservation
The contrast of trees ranging from oak and hickory, to cottonwoods and willows, gives Brecksville Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks a unique look. Long ago, glaciers carved deep gorges in the area, fostering a huge variety of rare plants. Part of the famed Buckeye Trail runs through Brecksville Reservation, offering a bit of a challenge for seasoned hikers. For those looking for a relaxing stroll, there are plenty of paths to choose from.

Location: 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville (Nature Center)
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Rocky River Reservation
Rocky River Reservation is one of the most popular parks in the Cleveland Metroparks system thanks to its variety of activities. The Rocky River meanders through wooded scenery with views of giant cliffs along the Rocky River Marina. Try the Fort Hill Loop Trail, with breathtaking views of the river, an inspiring mixture of trees and even ancient Native American fortifications. Fair warning: the Fort Hill Loop Trail has more than 140 stairs to climb, so be sure to stretch first.

Location: 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted (Nature Center)
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Hinckley Reservation
While Hinckley Reservation is nationally known for the annual return of the buzzards in spring, there's no shortage of amusement year-round. There's nothing quite like the trees reflecting off 90-acre Hinckley Lake on a sunny day. Get the best view from a stand-up paddle board or canoe out on the lake, or walk the many surrounding Cleveland Metroparks public access trails. If you're into mixing activity with lush leisure, you can bike, fish, boat or hike around the area with relative ease.

Location: 1 West Dr., Hinckley
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

With about 56,000 acres of parkland between the Cleveland Metroparks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, your hiking options are endless in The Land.