Hiking is one of the most popular forms of outdoor leisure—surveys suggest that one in three Americans rate it as one of their three favorite forms of outdoor recreation. Hiking combines several pursuits—interests in scenery, wildlife, discovery and solitude—all in a low-impact form of healthy activity.
Lake Metroparks has more than 50 miles of trails spanning Lake County. These trails provide countless opportunities for walkers to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery. Get out and soak up the beauty while it lasts!
Chapin Forest Reservation
Lucky Stone Loop Trail to the scenic overlook at the historic Sperry Quarry
With a panoramic view of everything from Lake Erie to the Cleveland skyline, the view of fall colors may be the best in Lake Metroparks. Best accessed via the Rt. 306 entrance.
Indian Point Park
Lookout Ridge Trail
This trail takes you to a spectacular view over the Grand River. The forested hillside comes alive with colorful leaves. Best accessed via the upper parking lot.
Hell Hollow Wilderness Area
Beechridge Loop Trail
Standing on top of a 200-foot cliff, a breathtaking view of hills and valleys stretches out before you.
Hogback Ridge Park
Hemlock Ridge Loop Trail
From the start of the loop to the finish, fall colors will surround and envelop you. Access via the main entrance (south).
Hidden Valley Park
River Breeze Trail
This riverside trail has excellent views of the forested hillside and the display of colors never ends along the entire half-mile trail. Access via the south entrance.
Lake Metroparks has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Cleveland
Foundation for the construction of an impressive observation tower at the
agency’s newest park – Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township. The new park provides
visitors with access to almost two miles of undeveloped Lake Erie shoreline
through two access points off of Lane Road and Clark Road.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Cleveland Foundation, the addition of this
50-foot coastal observation tower will serve as a cornerstone of this amazing
600-acre Lake Erie Bluffs Park,” said Paul Palagyi, executive director of Lake
Metroparks. “This tower will give visitors an impressive panoramic view of Lake
Erie, the shoreline and the landscape of central Lake County.”
The 50-foot high observation tower will be situated overlooking the
lakeshore with multiple viewing platforms along a staircase that will culminate
in a deck featuring 360-degree views. The height and location of the tower will
provide visitors with a unique view of the lake and the surrounding woods,
fields and wetlands along with the associated wide-range of wildlife –
particularly the large number of bald eagles that are regularly seen at the
park. The south shore of Lake Erie is known worldwide as an important corridor
for bird migration. As songbirds migrate north in spring and south in fall,
large concentrations of birds can be witnessed migrating around the smallest of
the Great Lakes, sticking close to the shoreline.
“The view of the lake and this amazing park is about to be raised to new
heights,” said Frank Polivka, President of the Lake Metroparks’ Board of Park
Commissioners. “Thanks in large part to the grant from the Cleveland Foundation,
visitors to the park will have an amazing view our greatest natural resource –
Lake Erie.”
“The Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation values its long-standing
partnership with Lake Metroparks,” said Robert E. Eckardt, executive vice
president of the Cleveland Foundation. “This is the second centennial grant made
by the Lake-Geauga Fund in recognition of our upcoming 100-year milestone in
2014. We are pleased to support all efforts that celebrate and preserve the
unmatched natural resources and beauty of this region for future
generations.”
Construction of the tower is scheduled to begin next spring. Total cost of
the project is estimated to be approximately $200,000-$250,000.
This trail takes you to a spectacular view over the Grand River. The forested hillside comes alive with colorful leaves. Best accessed via the upper parking lot. 
This riverside trail has excellent views of the forested hillside and the display of colors never ends along the entire half-mile trail. Access via the south entrance.
