Northeast Ohio has an abundance of great hikes! Cool rock formations, caves, nature preserves, and even waterfalls are some of the highlights of hiking in Ohio. These popular hikes in Northeast Ohio have all been tried and tested by our family! Bring your kids and get to the woods!
Map of hiking trails in Northeast Ohio
Dundee Falls – Dundee, Ohio
Dundee Falls is one of the few places to take a hike near Amish Country, Ohio. Parking for Dundee Falls is located about 10 miles north of Sugarcreek, Ohio at the Beach City Wildlife Reserve.
Dundee Falls would be an easy waterfall hike for families that have some experience on trails. This hike does involve a rim trail, and is not stroller friendly, so families should have proper shoes and consider a baby/toddler carrier.
This waterfall is likely to be flowing more fully during the spring, but the warmer summer temperatures will allow for water play! Make sure to dress in waterproof clothing and bring a towel.
Malabar Farm – Lucas, Ohio
Malabar Farm offers numerous hiking trails for families. Our children’s favorite hike is The Butternut Trail because it includes a cave! My favorite hike is actually part of the bridle trail and it includes a stop at Ferguson Falls. (You don’t need to hike the entire bridle trail to visit the falls) Visit in springtime to enjoy a heavier water volume.
Malabar Farm hikes are not suitable for a stroller. The easiest trail is the Junglebrook Trail. Here is a printable map of Malabar Farm.
The cool thing about Malabar Farm is that it’s more than just a place to hike! The Farm was once the home of Louis Bromfield, author of numerous novels, and Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart’s wedding stage! There’s also a working farm and an educational visitors’ center. Make sure you check out my guide to all the things to do at Malabar Farm.
Mohican State Park – Perrysville, Ohio
Mohican State Park has over 10 miles of hiking trails (Map of Mohican State Park). Hikers are also permitted on the mountain bike and bridle trails.
Mohican has many great spots for families. One of the coolest spots for kids is looking at the Pleasant Hill Dam. This commanding structure is 113 ft. high and 775 feet long.
Across the road from the dam, you’ll find the trailhead for Little Lyons and Big Lyons Falls. The hike to Little Lyons Falls is fairly easy for kids. Our 11, 9, and 7-year-old children had no problems, but we did have our toddler in a hiking carrier. From the same area, you can hike the Pleasant Hill Trail which takes you to the popular covered bridge.
One of the newly opened trails at Mohican is the Gorge Overlook Trail. This trail’s centerpiece is the suspension bridge over the Mohican River. The Gorge Overlook Trail is rated difficult and may not be suitable for young kids.
Places to stay near Mohican State Park or Malabar Farm: a castle, a treehouse, or a cabin.
For more waterfall inspiration, check out this list of 15 waterfalls in Ohio
Hinckley Reservation- Whipp’s Ledges & Worden’s Ledges
Both Whipp’s Ledges and Worden’s Ledges are part of the Cleveland Metroparks system in Northeast Ohio and they may just be two of my favorite hikes!
The ledges at Whipp’s Ledges are really spectacular. It’s hard to believe that this type of place is just minutes from shopping malls and restaurants.
However, the trails at Whipp’s Ledges are rough. I wouldn’t recommend these trails for any younger than 3. While the trail is only 1.25 miles in length, it does involve an uphill climb and a lot of steep cliff faces that one could fall down. Plan accordingly with little ones – you may consider a hiking backpack.
Read more about Whipp’s Ledges HERE: Hiking at Whipp’s Ledges with kids
On the other hand, Worden’s Ledges is much easier with kids and doesn’t include as many large drop-offs as Whipp’s Ledges. Worden’s Ledges also includes many interesting carvings done by Nobel Stuart in the 1940s. Kids will really enjoy seeing carvings of historical and religious icons. Here’s my full post about hiking at Worden’s Ledges.
Cascade Valley Metropark – Overlook Trail
The Overlook Trail in Cascade Valley Metropark is a spectacular Northeast Ohio trail for those who are short on time or need a handicap-accessible or stroller-accessible trail (our favorite stroller). This .5-mile paved trail offers an overlook deck with gorgeous views of the Cuyahoga River! Plan your visit during peak fall foliage to enhance the magic of your visit.
Cascade Valley Metropark is a part of the Summit Metro Park system in Summit County. Here is my blog post where you can learn about the additional trails in the Summit Metro Park system.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Brandywine Falls
**Update – as of 6/22, the parking lot for Brandywine Falls is closed **
Brandywine Falls is the most popular spot within Cuyahoga Valley National Park – and for good reason. This 65-foot waterfall and attached gorge are reached by upper and lower boardwalks. We love how the boardwalk is built against the rock, it makes this feel like a truly exotic location.
Brandywine Falls is very busy, especially on weekends. The parking lot can quickly get full. If possible, visit early on a weekday.
This is a small picnic area at Brandywine Falls at the end of the parking lot.
Read more of my tips for visiting beautiful Brandywine Falls.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Virginia Kendall Ledges Trail
One of my absolute favorite hiking trails in Northeast Ohio is the Ledges Trail! This loop trail offers amazing rock formations, a bat cave (!!) and an overlook. My favorite feature is the rock stairs which were built by the Civilian Corps during the Great Depression.
Check out my post on visiting The Ledges Trail with children. I include a trail map to help you navigate the best route with kids. Click below:
Where to stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Bedford Reservation – Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is accessed by a boardwalk and numerous stairs. This scenic area is surrounded by hardwoods and hemlock trees and makes for a beautiful place to take photos.
This hiking trail is part of the Cleveland Metroparks and is easy to include with your trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
You’ll find more additional information here: 5 best spots in CVNP.
Gorge Metro Park – Gorge Trail
The Gorge Trail includes the Mary Campbell Cave – an easy .5-mile hike from the parking lot. The Gorge Trail also offers a “primitive section” through the rocks, but we didn’t do this with our young children. Gorge Metro Park also has a manmade waterfall and a vibrant history.
Gorge Metro Park is a part of the Summit Metro Parks system and could fill a full day of hiking in Northeast Ohio. Find out my tips for finding great history and scenery in Summit Metro Parks.
What are your favorite hiking trails in Northeast Ohio? What do you think is the best place to hike in this region of Ohio?
Interested in more hiking posts? Check out my guides to Hocking Hills State Park – a day in Hocking Hills with kids, Best Hocking Hills hiking trails for families, and a 3-day itinerary for Hocking Hills, and Hidden Gems of Hocking Hills.
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Can’t wait to go here!!
I wish you would include Youngstown’s
“Mill Creek Metro Park.”
It is absolutely marvelous!!
Hello! Thanks for the comment. I would love to include it, but unfortunately, I haven’t been on that hike. Unlike many other bloggers, I only blog about things that I’ve been to and experienced. If I’m able to check it out for myself, I will absolutely add it to the list. Thanks!