Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is now open visit FutureForWildlife.org/reopen for details.
For Outdoor Education programs, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/knowbeforeyougo - Nature Centers remain closed.
For updated closures visit clevelandmetroparks.com/COVID-19.

Trail Challenge presented by Cigna

Thank you for taking part in the 2021 Trail Challenge!
To start earning your prizes, follow these easy steps for a successful journey:

1^st– Select which reservation you want to go to.
2^nd– Pick which trail you want to complete by reading the trail descriptions.
3^rd–Click on the hyperlink in the trail description – that link will take you to the website for that specific area. From that page, you can get the address of the starting location or driving directions.
4^th– Before you leave, click on the reservation link below, and download and/or print the reservation map to help guide you on the trail once you get to the starting location. You can also go to the Parks and Trails Map section of the website for a complete list of all the reservation maps in one location.
5^th– Hike, bike, run, skate, ski or paddle your way on the trail following the trail description below while using the reservation map you downloaded and/or printed to help you on your way.
6^th– Log your trails as you complete them throughout the year, and collect your prizes!
*Trail Challenge trail markers are placed at the beginning of all routes. All trail mileage reflects round trips.

Acacia Reservation

1.85 miles: Acacia Cart Path – APT – Start at the kiosk behind the Clubhouse parking lot off Cedar Road. From the kiosk, go right on the paved loop making sure to stay right at each turn while ignoring the three access trails that come in on the right in the first ¼ mile. Enjoy the old golf cart paths as you imagine what this multi-year natural restoration project will look like in 100 years.

Bedford Reservation

0.4 mile: Viaduct Park Loop – APT – This short walk is worth the special trip to Viaduct Park, a small park within Bedford Reservation close to downtown Bedford. Enjoy the Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek as well as the viaduct, tunnel, and more at this park that is full of industrial history. Pay attention when looking for the park entrance as it is a small parking lot over a curb.
1.8 miles: Forbes Crossing – natural surface – Start at the Forbes Woods Picnic Area, and follow the paved APT to the left where it will meet the natural surface Forbes Crossing Trail. This is an out-and-back trail, so turn around when you reach Hawthorne Parkway. Enjoy this wooded oasis that was once a dairy farm as you pass over several boardwalks and wetlands in this beautiful ravine setting.
2 miles: Touchstone Loop - natural surface – Start at the Touchstone Loop Trailhead and start moving in the correct direction based on how you are traveling. If on a bike, head into the woods by crossing the wooden bridge you can see from the parking lot (travel clockwise), and if you are hiking, enter the woods near the single picnic table (travel counterclockwise). Regardless of your travel method, you’ll love this trail! For a more detailed map of this shared use mountain bike trail, click here. Please visit clevelandmetroparks.com or Twitter (@CMPmtb) to confirm the trail is open as this trail closes to all trail users depending on conditions.

Big Creek Reservation

4.8 miles: Lake to Lake Trail – APT – Start at the Lake Abram access at the Eastland Road Trailhead, and enjoy this out-and-back trail as you traverse boardwalks, marshes, and a short commercial area when you cross Bagley Road. Turn around when you get to Lake Isaac, and enjoy reading the educational signage as you learn more about the rich history of this glaciated region along the way.

Bradley Woods Reservation

0.8 mile: Cahoon Creek Loop – natural surface – Park at Codrington Picnic Area, and hike to the end of White Oak Lane (heading east on the road you came in on) to complete the Cahoon Creek Loop trail. Enjoy this swamp oak forest during cooler temperatures to avoid the many insects and mosquitos found in this area.

Brecksville Reservation

3.9 miles: Valley Parkway – APT – Head to Aukerman Park for your starting location. Enjoy watching dogs in this park’s agility course before hiking the short spur APT to join the Valley Parkway APT as you head west (right) on the APT towards Strongsville. Turn around when you get to the Paw Paw Picnic Area in Mill Stream Run Reservation for this out-and-back trip that parallels Valley Parkway.

Brookside Reservation

0.6 mile: Brookside Overlook – APT – Start at Meadow Ridge Picnic Area, and follow the paved APT east (right) to complete the loop to Brookside Overlook. Enjoy the wetlands and woods during this short but scenic loop. With the loop complete, head back to Meadow Ridge Picnic Area on the same trail you started on.
2.2 miles: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – APT – Buy your ticket (admission is free for Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township guests on most Mondays) to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and then turn right at every paved section of trail within the zoo once inside the main gate. Hiking the outer perimeter counter-clockwise will take you pass the new Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve, up to Wilderness Trek, around Waterfowl Lake, up the long boardwalk to the Primate, Cat, and Aquatic Building, back down around the Australian Adventure, and finally past the African Elephant Crossing to complete this loop where you should block at least ½ day to enjoy all the zoo has to offer.

Euclid Creek Reservation

2.6 miles: Welsh Woods – natural surface – Start at the southernly parking lot near the playground at Welsh Woods Picnic Area, and cross the road at the pedestrian crosswalk to start on the Squirrel Run Trail. It will soon intersect with the Glenridge Loop. Go south (left) on the Glenridge loop and follow the Glendridge Loop along the road for 1.2 miles until it meets back up with Squirrel Run Trail. Head south (right) and follow this beautiful trail back to Welsh Woods Picnic Area.

Garfield Park Reservation

2.0 miles: Garfield Loop – APT – Park at Garfield Park Center near the Old Boating Pond Bridge, and cross the park road to get on the APT. Go left and get your bearings at the kiosk near the stone bridge. Stay on the paved path the entire time to complete this loop trail. After a steep hill enjoy this nice stroll through the park on an empty old park road and APT.

Hinckley Reservation

3.3 miles: Hinckley Loop – APT – Complete the APT that circles around Hinckley Lake, starting at the Spillway Picnic Area. Go east (right) out of the parking lot, and stay on the APT as you enjoy the scenery and the variety of terrain, which includes ups, downs and twisty turns that are fun to enjoy any time of the year. Total elevation gain on this loop is around 200 feet.
3.1 miles: Hinckley Lake Loop – natural surface – Start at Hinckley Lake Boathouse, and hike clockwise, starting on the short, paved section behind the boathouse. Continue on the light blue Hinckley Lake Loop trail as you enjoy the beautiful views along Hinckley Lake. Spot wildlife and birds along the way, and stop at the Spillway Picnic Area (open seasonally) for a snack or ice cream that is sure to keep you fueled up for the rest of your journey.
1.5 miles: Paddling Loop – Water Trail – Launch from the ramp at Hinckley Lake Boathouse, and take a lap skirting the edge of this inland, flatwater lake. You can even rent a kayak or SUP, making this a great opportunity if you are new to paddling.

Huntington Reservation

1.0 mile: Paddle Lake Erie – Water Trail – Set off from the Kayak Drop Off Area, and paddle west alongside but outside the swimming area and back to enjoy the views of Cleveland. Be prepared for wind and waves during this advanced open water paddle on Lake Erie.

Lakefront Reservation

1.6 miles: Edgewater – APT – Start at Edgewater Beach in the lower parking area, and look for the paved APT behind the Beach House. Follow the trail closest to the beach up the steep hill, so Upper Edgewater Shelter is on your left. Stay right toward the woods edge, and look for the Cleveland script sign to your right to enjoy a breathtaking overlook of the city. Turn around and head back to the Beach House and reward yourself with a drink or ice cream (open seasonally).
2.0 miles: Paddle Lake Erie – Water Trail – Launch on the beach at Wendy Park, and paddle towards the Historic Coast Guard Station as you loop around the inner harbor paddling counter-clockwise staying close to the breakwall, before heading back to the beach. Don’t cross the Cuyahoga River to complete this route.

Mill Stream Run Reservation

10 miles: Bonnie Park – APT – Start at Bonnie Park Picnic Area. Follow the APT that parallels the park road entrance, and head north (left) at the intersection. Follow the APT north along Valley Parkway the whole way. You’ll cross Bagley Road right before you reach Berea Falls Scenic Overlook in Rocky River Reservation. Enjoy the waterfalls before turning around and heading back. During the summer, stop by Wallace Lake Café for a snack before returning to Bonnie Park where you started.
5.5 miles: Royalview Red Loop, natural surface – Start at the Royalview Reserved Shelter parking lot. Run, hike, or bike the Red Loop through young forests, and enjoy interacting with other trail users. Pay special attention to trail direction as it varies from day to day on this shared use mountain bike trail. Please visit clevelandmetroparks.com or Twitter (@CMPmtb) to confirm the trail is open as this trail closes to all trail users depending on conditions.
1.0 mile: Wallace Lake – Water Trail – Start at Wallace Lake and paddle the perimeter of the lake in either direction for a fun way to enjoy the water and get a little exercise.

North Chagrin Reservation

4.2 miles: Challenge Hike – natural surface – Start at Squire’s Castle, and prepare for this challenging hike as this route requires you to pay attention to the map and trail junctions that are well marked. Start by hiking from Squire’s Castle on the Castle Valley Trail. Pass the River Grove Picnic Area, and continue on the Castle Valley Trail. When you get to the equestrian trail marked NC2, turn right onto the equestrian trail until you get to the Hemlock Trail. Turn right onto the Hemlock Trail, and follow it to the end. Turn right on the Squire’s Lane Trail, which will take you back to Squire’s Castle.

Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation

8.0 miles: Towpath Trail - APT – Start at CanalWay Center. Make your way down the hill on the APT, and turn left to head south towards Rockside Road. Enjoy the views of the canals, various bridges and aqueducts as you ride to Rockside Road. Turn around and make your way back to Canalway Center when the paved path turns to gravel at the Lock 39 kiosk and trailhead.
2.0 miles: Mountain Bike Trail – natural surface – Start at the Mountain Bike Trailhead that is to the right of the nature center building. Enjoy the hilly mountain bike loop by bike or by boot, but be careful if hiking as this is primarily used as a mountain bike trail and is riddled with rocks and roots. Stay alert if hiking as mountain bikers might be coming up behind you. Please visit clevelandmetroparks.com or Twitter (@CMPmtb) to confirm the trail is open as this trail closes to all trail users depending on conditions.

Rocky River Reservation

11.8 miles: Tyler Field – APT – Park off Valley Parkway across the street from the red Tyler Barn, and ride south along the Parkway away from Lake Erie. Jump on the APT at the bridge, and ride the APT until you come to Rocky River Nature Center, which is your turnaround point. Make sure to have the Rocky River South and the Rocky River North maps as you’ll need them both.
0.3 mile: River Overlook – natural surface – Start at the Stinchcomb-Groth Memorial. While this trail is short, you can enjoy the 30-foot memorial, the views, and read about the first two visionary park directors of Cleveland Metroparks.
1.8 miles: Paddling – Water Trail – Launch from Emerald Necklace Marina, and paddle towards Lake Erie paying special attention to boat traffic, folks fishing, and others out enjoying the water. Once the river turns into the openness of Lake Erie turn around.

South Chagrin Reservation

1.5 miles: Sledding Hills – APT – Start at Chagrin River Road/Miles Road Sledding Hill, and follow the paved APT loop clockwise or counterclockwise. It’s your choice! Just be sure to stay on the loop where Sulpher Springs and Hawthorne Parkway meet. If you come to Arbor Lane, you missed your turn! For wintertime fun, bring your sled, and enjoy the snow!

Washington Reservation

4.5 miles: Arborview – APT – Start at Arborview Shelter. From the north side of the parking lot, cross over Washington Park Boulevard, and enjoy the APT as you head south (right). Cross Harvard Road, and continue south to Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation. Enter that park and ride down to Canalway Center before turning around and heading back. *Tip – Continue south on the APT route listed in the Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation to complete two trails at once!

West Creek Reservation

1.75 miles: Center Loop Trail - natural surface – Start at the Watershed Stewardship Center. Take the paved APT from Monarch Bluff Picnic Area, and stay right at any junction until you cross a bridge to ride up the Gateway Trail. Continue up the Gateway Trail pass the Gorge Loop, over a concrete access road, and pass the Little Loop entrance trail until you get to Center Loop. Enjoy this new natural surface trail, but stay alert for all trail users on this shared use mountain bike trail. Center Loop Trail ends at the small wooden bridge right where you started, so when you finish Center Loop, take the Gateway Trail back down the hill to the paved APT and back towards the Watershed Stewardship Center. Please visit clevelandmetroparks.com or Twitter (@CMPmtb) to confirm the trail is open as this trail closes to all trail users depending on conditions.

Guest Choice!

In addition to the trails listed above, you have the ability to count an additional activity by choosing one of your favorite trails and record it for one of your activities.

Upcoming Trail Challenge Events

Trail Challenge: Brisk Hike and First Aid March 2, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Explore sections of this year’s Trail Challenge under the guidance of Cleveland Metroparks staff.
- Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store
- View More