Spring is in the air, which means it’s a great time for your feet to hit the trail — and the Cleveland Metroparks is making that easier than ever with its 2022 Trail Challenge. The rules are simple: Hike 10 different trails to win a Trail Challenge sticker and 20 trails to receive a special prize yet to be announced.
Keep in mind that this isn’t just about hiking. Kayaking, biking and, for the first time ever, horseback riding, are all on the table. Guided hikes led by naturalists are also a great way to gain insight into Cleveland’s ecosystem and meet other nature lovers in the community.
“The trail challenge can be their guide to creating adventure in their backyard,” says Metroparks outdoor recreation manager Rachel Nagle. “If you have a stressful day, just go out there and take a deep breath.”
Sometimes the hardest part of a new challenge is knowing where to start. These four routes range from leisurely stroll to
day-long trek.
0.4-mile Viaduct Park Loop in Bedford Reservation.
This trail is the shortest paved option and ends with the
beautiful Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek.
0.7-mile Worden’s Ledges Loop Trail in Hinckley Reservation.Rocky and unpaved but scenic. You’ll find historic wood carvings by Noble Stuart along the way.
2-mile Paddle Lake Erie at Wendy Park.
Splash your way to Cleveland's historic Coast Guard Station, looping around the inner harbor to head back to the beach.
11.7-mile Lower Fern Hill hike to scenic Lake Isaac in Big Creek Reservation.This trail's paved surface makes for a manageable trek that starts and ends in Parma.
