Natural Ohio Adventures

Park Map

Hemlock Loop Trail

My personal favorite trail in the Brecksville Reservation! This trail begins at Chippewa Creek Falls and runs along the rim of the Chippewa Creek gorge for about half of the hike and later travels through low-lying woodlands. The Chippewa Creek Gorge is one of the most impressive geologic features in all of Northeast Ohio, and by descending into the gorge you can view the impressive and relatively unknown Lower Chippewa Creek Falls. 

Chippewa Creek Falls, located at the trailhead. Photo by Patrick Harvey

2.5 miles, Moderate

Trailhead: Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville Reservation, Ohio

Sources:

http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Reservations-Partners/Brecksville-Reservation-4.aspx

Trail description: The trail begins at the Chippewa Creek Falls Trailhead, which is located on Chippewa Creek Drive right next to the road's intersection with SR-82. The trail starts by following a dirt trail out of the lot and closely hugs the rim of the gorge. Almost immediatley you'll pass by the Chippewa Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook, a rustic shelter to view the gorge and waterfall from. Continue following the rim of the gorge for about .6 miles until the gorge begins to dissapate, here you will descend to creek level. You will now share the trail with the Chippewa Creek Trail and will stay close to the road until you reach the intersection of Valley Parkway and Chippewa Creek Drive, where you will turn right and go over the road and in to the woods between Valley Parkway and Chippewa Creek Drive. This trail will cross over a few stream valleys and finish at the park's nature center. From here you can take the Brecksville All-Purpose Trail back to where you started