Between the Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and everything in between, there are no shortage of trails surrounded by lush scenery in the heart of nature for hikers and bikers alike. But make no mistake, we’ve got some unparalleled urban trails that offer views of The Land like no other. Stretch it out, then lace up those hiking boots or tune up that bike because it’s time to hit up a few of our faves.
Towpath Trail
The history-rich Towpath Trail follows the route of the legendary Ohio & Erie Canal as it winds through scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Expect level surfaces along the roughly 90-mile path (eventually to reach 101 miles), available for exploration 24 hours a day.
East Rim Trail
Cuyahoga Valley National Park sets itself apart not only as Ohio’s only national park, but also as one of the few in the country with a mountain bike trail. Enter the East Rim Trail, which opened in 2016 and offers 8.5 miles of trails—with more in the works.
Cleveland Metroparks – Bedford Reservation Trails
These 10 miles of all-purpose trails are super beginner-friendly for those new to mountain biking. Pedal past the panoramas of Tinker Creek Gorge and through the wooded oasis of Forbes Woods, then dismount among the hardwoods and hemlocks to marvel at the cascading majesty of Bridal Veil Falls.
Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway
With stately homes, lapping waves and the iconic downtown skyline constantly over your shoulder, these 17 miles of asphalt along the Lake Erie shoreline packs every Cleveland sight imaginable. (Just please keep your hands on your bike as you air-guitar past the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.)
Morgana Run Trail
All aboard! Just a few miles in length, this trail runs along a former Lake Erie Railway corridor through historic Slavic Village. The paved route also serves as a connection to Garfield Park Reservation housing Mill Creek Falls, the largest waterfall in Cuyahoga County.
Red Line Greenway
The newest trail to open in Cleveland, the Greenway utilizes the former right-of-way running along RTA’s Red Line. Starting at Michael Zone Recreation Center Park at W. 53rd St., the trail winds through eight Cleveland neighborhoods – offering yet another remarkable view of the city – to the intersection of Franklin and Columbus near Rivergate Park.
In the last decade, we’ve seen more trail construction in Cleveland than ever before, giving you even more options to explore The Land by bike or on foot. Now, Destination Cleveland’s Trailhead + Parks Passport rewards you for doing just that. Check in to five trailheads and/or parks to earn a set of koozies for post-hike libations, or hit 20 check-ins to nab a stainless steel water bottle to keep you hydrated through those last five. All prizes are sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD).
Did we mention users can even redeem special discounts at nearby restaurants just by presenting their passport? Get out, explore The Land and start filling up your Trails Passport today.