Ten Spots to Explore Wildflowers in Cleveland Metroparks
North Chagrin Nature Center, North Chagrin Reservation
The sprawling native plant collections at North Chagrin Nature Center are a great example of how to incorporate native plants into the home landscape. Dozens of species are available to view within a short walk, and include pollinator gardens, perennial edibles, a sensory garden, and spring wildflower garden.
Jackson Field, South Chagrin Reservation
The riverside trails at Jackson Field in South Chagrin Reservation are a gem for side-by-side comparisons of yellow trout lily and the lesser-known white fawn lily.
Hemlock Loop, Bedford Reservation
Hemlock Loop features some one of the best showings of wildflowers in Bedford Reservation. The trailside is highlighted by a sea of Virginia bluebells, wild geranium, and scenic views of the Tinker's Creek Valley.
Sagamore Creek Loop, Bedford Reservation
The rich floodplains of Sagamore Creek support an abundance of wildflowers ranging from twin leaf to trillium, including crowd favorites like dutchman's breeches and squirrel corn. Every bend of the trail offers the chance at discovering a new species in bloom, making this loop one of the most engaging spring wildflower hikes to do April through May.
Squirrel Run Trail, Euclid Creek Reservation
The slopes lining Squirrel Run Trail have sheltered over a dozen species of spring wildflowers from trampling feet and grazing wildlife for decades. Arguably the best location for spring wildflowers in Euclid Creek's watershed, Squirrel Run Trail is worth a visit each spring week for spotting new blooms.
Sulphur Springs Loop, South Chagrin Reservation
Sulphur Springs Loop traverses a rich floodplain brimming with trout lily, red trillium, and dutchman's breeches, just to name a few. This hidden piece of paradise is not to be missed on your wildflower checklist.
Johnson's Picnic Area, Hinckley Reservation
On this stretch of the Buckeye trail in Hinckley Reservation, there is great diversity in spring wildflowers including trout lily, spring beauty and others. Park at Johnson's Picnic Area, and then head south towards the Buckeye Trail.
Mountain Bike Primitive Loop Trail, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
This trail is part of Ohio & Erie Canal’s single-track mountain bike trail. You enter near the bike park sign and travel along a gravel path, under power line, and into a forested hillside. Once in the woods, you will find small patches of different wildflowers such as skunk cabbage, spring beauty, cut-leaved toothwort, may apples, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. At the top of the ridgeline look for a ravine full of skunk cabbage.
West Channel Pond Loop Trail, Rocky River Reservation
This lovely half-mile trail showcases many different habitats and thus a wide variety of wildflowers in spring and beyond. In spring, species such as spring beauties, several types of trilliums, and many more can be found. As the year continues Joe pyeweed, iron weed and swamp rose mallow emerge and colorfully paint the tranquil landscape.
Scenic Loop, North Chagrin Reservation
This pretty loop trail begins at the trailhead across the street from Strawberry Picnic Area parking lot. The rolling hills and winding trail hosts a wide variety of ephemeral spring wildflowers.
