Brecksville's Chippewa Creek Gorge and Tallgrass Prairie

Cleveland Metroparks runs 18 reservations spanning more than 24,000 acres. Its nickname, the Emerald Necklace, comes from the way those reservations ring the city of Cleveland. Because a local park district runs Brecksville rather than the National Park Service, it offers a separate set of trails inside the park boundary.

The Bridle Loop Trail covers 3.6 miles and follows a horse trail through deciduous forest. Rated moderate, it climbs about 460 feet in total and usually takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. Tree cover runs along the entire route, which keeps hikers shaded and cool during the warmer months. Few people are out on the loop, which makes for a peaceful walk. The scenery shifts little after the first stretch, so the back half can feel repetitive.

The main draw of the loop is Deer Lick Cave, a small cave tucked into a large cliff. For a shorter outing, park on Meadows Road and hike the Bridle Trail out and back to the cave. The cave trailhead sits on the opposite side of the road from that parking lot. The route crosses many junctions, so keep track of your position at each one.

Hiking options extend well beyond this loop. The wider park blends forests, rolling hills, and farmland, with the Cuyahoga River winding through it. Trails here are used by walkers, cyclists, riders on horseback, paddlers, and people on cross-country skis. The Towpath Trail traces part of the old Ohio and Erie Canal route, and a walk on it could be followed by a quieter stroll among the trees at Brecksville.