10 hiking destinations to explore near Wayne County

Hikers looking for somewhere to hone their craft never have to go on a very long hike to do so in Ohio. With more than 900 trails in Ohio — more than 1,800, according to AllTrails.com — nobody’s ever far from a place to explore.

The Buckeye State’s 76 state parks alone have nearly 8,000 miles of marked trails including 1,444 miles on the Buckeye Trail, which stretches throughout the four corners of the state. Rich in parks, nature and a national park with more than 125 miles of trails, there’s something for everybody, whether close to home or a healthy drive away.

One of the beautiful things about Ohio is you’re never too far from anything. In the northeast quadrant of the state, parks and hiking are in abundance for anyone wanting to spend some time outdoors.

The following — in alphabetical order — are 10 popular hiking destinations, all within an hour or so of Wayne County and each with its unique flavor and reasons why thousands of people end up there year after year.

Brandywine Gorge Trail

Located in Sagamore Hills/Northfield in Northern Summit County, the Brandywine Gorge Trail is part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and features spectacular views, a 160-foot elevation change, and a 1.5-mile loop that includes a creek crossing and about 43 steps to climb. Highlighted by the uber-scenic Brandywine Falls, the Gorge Loop includes sections of several trails, so there are options of where to go and many more choices than just the loop itself.

Gorge Metro Park Glens Trail

Part of the Summit Metro Parks and situated on the border of Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, the Gorge Metro Park Glens Trail offers hikers views of the Cuyahoga River throughout its 1.8-mile length. Accessible from Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls, the Glens Trail is situated among 155 acres of natural beauty tucked inside the otherwise mostly urban portions of Summit County. Check for availability, as portions of the trail may be closed due to the removal of the Gorge Dam.

Honey Run Highlands Park

Part of the Knox County Parks District, Honey Run Highlands Park features hiking trails, waterfalls, creek exploration, rock formations and more. Accessible in three locations (10865 Hazel Dell Road in Howard and two lots at 10816 Millersburg Road in Howard), the park offers endless wildlife viewing opportunities among 15 miles spread over 11 trails that cover 350 acres of natural landscape.

Lake Erie Bluffs

If the most spectacular views are a must-have, Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry is where you’re going to want to go at least once. A bit of a haul from the Wayne County area, the Bluffs was named by Outside Magazine as one of the 25 best hikes to beaches in the United States. With roughly 1.7 miles of hikeable Lake Erie shoreline including 40-foot-high bluffs, you will never get tired of the view.

Ledges Trail

Also in Summit County and also part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Ledges Trail is highlighted by a 2.2-mile loop accessible from the Pine Grove Trailhead in Virginia Kendall Park. See river views, waterfalls and rocky ledges on an unpaved trail through nature, none of it too far from the city. Make sure you don’t leave your phone/camera in the car at this stop; there will be plenty you will want to be able to look at later.

Mohican State Park

While perhaps known more for its canoeing opportunities, Mohican State Park in Ashland County offers 13 miles of hiking trails, highlighted by the covered bridge and Lyons Falls Loop, a 2.5-mile hike that will take you to the Pleasant Hill Covered Bridge and Big and Little Lyons Falls as you make your way over trails that vary in difficulty.

Spangler, Outer and Trillium Trail Loop

Those not wanting too much of a hike to get to the hike will appreciate the Spangler, Outer and Trillium Trail Loop, a 4.2-mile loop accessible at 5197 Silver Road in Wooster. Located at Wooster Memorial Park (formerly Spangler Memorial Park), just a few miles west of the city on U.S. Route 250, this hike is somewhat challenging, which also includes running trails. While not blessed with the scenic opportunities of some of the others on the list, the convenience factor makes this one a must-visit.

North Chagrin Reservation

Just one option among hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the Cleveland Metro Parks, the North Chagrin Reservation, in particular the Squire’s Castle Trailhead, which will position you to see its namesake, an 1890s castle tucked away in the woods, has become one of the Cleveland area’s most popular attractions and provides a bit of a scenic departure from what you might see on many or most hikes in Northeast Ohio. The moderate hike, which totals 2.4 miles and has an elevation increase of 226 feet, is accessible at 2844 River Road in Willougby Hills.

The Towpath Trail

Among the best-known walking/hiking/biking trails in Ohio, The Towpath Trail, part of the Ohio and Erie Canalway, is visited by 2.5 million outdoors-loving people each year. The entire trail stretches for more than 93 miles and eventually will cover 101. It starts in downtown Cleveland with its southernmost point at Canal Lands Park in New Philadelphia. It is accessible from 55 trailheads, all but one of which provide parking. On the trail you can see a little bit of everything, from nature to neighborhoods.

Whipps Ledges

Billed as “one of the few places in Northeast Ohio with exposed sandstone ledges,” Whipps Ledges at Hinckley Lake in Medina County, northeast of Medina and east of Brunswick, offers hiking and climbing opportunities, along with more typical walking and exploring. The sandstone cliffs are suitable for face climbing while the trails are good for any foot-based activities. It's accessible from Metropolitan Park West off of Bellus Road, just east of Buzzard’s Cove.

Always check availability ahead of time, rules and regulations concerning running, bikes, dogs, et cetera, as well as availability of restrooms, shelter, et cetera. All trails are not created equal. Trail maps are available at most stops, with degrees of difficulty listed, along with busier times and other pertinent information.