Land-lovers, rejoice: You don’t have to put on a bathing suit to appreciate Cleveland’s excellent water features. Grab your favorite hiking shoes and hit the trail, staying dry while you enjoy near-constant views of our beloved Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River.
There’s more to Edgewater than the beach
You might think you know Edgewater Park — from the sandy 1,000-foot-long beach with its city skyline backdrop to the fabulous Lindsey Family Play Space. Maybe you’ve perched here to catch the Cleveland National Air Show. But if you never considered Edgewater as a hiking destination, it’s time to rethink that.
More than 250 different bird species have been spotted here, and over 2 miles of paved and natural-surface trails meander past scenery that just doesn’t stop. Hidden-but-hardly-secret Perkins Beach is so peaceful, you might forget you came here to hike.
Smile for a selfie at the Cleveland script sign, soak up a wide-angle view of the lake and then nod to Richard Wagner — all 18 feet of him! A towering statue of the prolific 19th-century composer was a gift to the city from some of Cleveland’s German immigrants. (Although Wagner never visited here, the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Opera have often performed his music.)
Take either the natural surface trail or the paved path to find Cleveland’s favorite swim beach. You’ll get Lake Erie views from the path as you move toward the shimmering skyline, but for that walk-on-water feeling, wander way out onto the 200-foot-long fishing pier. Want to abandon your hike and make a splash? Wade in for a swim or rent a stand-up paddleboard from the seasonal vendor kiosk.
Peaceful Preserves whether East or West
Twenty-five years ago, Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve wasn’t much to look at, but like many locations around town, it’s undergone a beautiful transformation. Speaking of which, the Monarch Trail is a favorite of local hikers in the mood for spotting stunning butterflies. These butterflies pick the preserve (or nearby Wendy Park) for a brief layover before continuing their southern migration.
Need to get more steps? Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens are just south of the preserve and are easily traversed via city sidewalks. Keep walking, and you’ll soon reach Wade Oval, the beating heart of University Circle and ground zero for arts and culture in The Land.
Lakewood Park: Promenade & Solstice Steps
Is “promenade” just a fancy word for “walk?” Maybe, but all is forgiven when you step onto Lakewood Park’s shady, slightly sloping lakeside path. Prance, promenade or otherwise perambulate your way to the park's western edge to the stunning Solstice Steps, which are definitely a contender in the best-place-to-watch-a-sunset contest. (If there was one. And there isn’t. But maybe there should be?)
If it sounds like this spot was made for a date night, you’re right - even a solo date with yourself. Also, the promenade has a handicap-accessible ramp, making this a fully-inclusive waterfront wonder.
History Called: It said follow the Towpath
From Hart Crane Park to the Columbus Road Bridge to Sokolowski’s Overlook to Camp Cleveland, this 1.1-mile stretch of the Towpath celebrates several sides (and centuries) of the city’s history. And that’s before you reach the Towpath Mounds, an outdoor art installation celebrating the city’s industrial heritage. There are dozens of trailheads along the 101-mile-long Towpath Trail, the very same route mules and horses once traveled as they pulled boats along the Ohio & Erie Canal in the early 1800s.
We know that hiking through history can make a person hungry. Adjacent to the Towpath, Merwin’s Wharf serves an American menu courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks, follow Columbus Road to Sainato’s for Italian cuisine or find Irish pub fare at the Flat Iron Cafe.
Chase Waterfalls at Viaduct Park in Bedford
Eighty feet wide and 20 feet high, the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek is only one of several surprises you’ll find at Viaduct Park. Located in the middle of historic downtown Bedford, with the entrance tucked behind a handful of light industrial businesses, this is one of those big-bang-for-the-buck hikes.
Walk just about a half mile to reach the end of the trail, and you’ll have ample time to appreciate the falls — both visually and for their contribution to Greater Cleveland’s industrial beginnings. Stay to skip stones into the shallow waters of Tinkers Creek, an important tributary to the Cuyahoga River, or trek back to Bedford to shop or eat before returning to Cleveland.