All-Purpose Trail Overview
- Length: 4 Miles
- Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy (Beginner-Friendly) to Moderate (if hills are completed)
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Route: One-Way (two separate, 2-mile one-way sections)
- Best Season: Any Season. Plowed in the winter.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes. Flat, with two long inclines that can potentially be avoided
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Trailhead Location: Located at the parking lot at Chippewa Road and Royalton Road, or Valley Parkway and Brecksville Road.
All-Purpose Trail Guide
All-Purpose Trail (Brecksville Reservation)
The All-Purpose Trail is a 4-mile, one-way trail within the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). It is comprised of two sections (2 miles each) that can be completed separately or together. This makes it an easy hike or bike ride with two uphill sections on a paved trail that takes visitors through the entire park.
It should be noted that according to the Brecksville Reservation Trail Map, the trail is 12 miles. It is listed as eight more miles than this article because it counts the section of the trail that goes through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other sections of the Cleveland Metroparks. For this article, we will only focus on the section in the Brecksville Reservation.
There are two different trailheads you can start at:
Chippewa Gorge Parking Lot Trailhead:
If you park at the Chippewa Gorge parking lot (at the intersection of Chippewa Road and Royalton Road), you will start by leaving the parking lot and walking up a short (25-foot) incline on the all-paved trail.
You will continue to follow this path for another half-mile, passing the Harriet Keeler Memorial on your right (across the street) and the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area on your left. Take in the beautiful Oak Trees (perfect in the fall), wildflowers, and overall peacefulness of the park.
You will then walk down the only steep section of this trail for 1/3 of a mile. When you reach the bottom, you will continue for another 1/2 mile through a winding, flat portion of the park. You’ll pass by beautiful maple trees and several small creeks, and you will be able to see the Hemlock Trail on the left.
At approximately mile 1.5, you will see the Chippewa Picnic Area and the Plateau Picnic Area across the street on the right before you curve to the left. You will cross over Chippewa Creek on the famous Chippewa Creek bridge/ford and then continue for another 1/3 mile until you reach Riverview Road and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
During dawn and dusk, note the large, open field on the left, as coyotes, deer, and other wildlife frequent the area. Once you reach the intersection of Riverview Road, you will turn around and head back to the Chippewa Gorge Parking Lot. It should be noted that your hike or bike back will include a steep, long climb around mile 1.3
Valley Parkway Parking Lot Trailhead:
If you park at the Valley Parkway parking lot (at the intersection of Valley Parkway and Brecksville Road), you will start by taking the all-paved parking lot down a long, winding, and gradual downhill for one mile.
During the first half of the hike, you’ll run adjacent to the Bridle Trail on the right, and across the street on the left is the Buckeye Trail. Keep your eyes open as many squirrels, raccoons, birds, and sometimes trails venture through the woods.
You’ll continue going straight for another 1/2 mile, passing the Deer Lick Cave Trail across the street on the left and walking by vernal pools along the trail on the right. This section is perfect for hiking or biking in the spring and witnessing the Brecksville Salamander Migration.
You will quickly pass the Oak Grove Picnic Area, before taking a steep 1/2 mile downhill trek. During the winter, you should be extra careful about ice and snow. You should stick as close to the woods during all seasons as possible to avoid cars potentially swerving onto the trail.
Once you reach the bottom, you can connect with the other section of the All-Purpose Trail for another 1/2 mile (to Riverview Road) before turning around, or you can turn straight around and make the 2-mile trek up and back up the trail. If you continue to the other section of the All-Purpose trail, you can participate in the physical fitness stations along the way.
Expert Tip
The All-Purpose Trail is the most popular trail in the Brecksville Reservation because anyone can do it regardless of skill or time. Numerous parking spots and pull-offs along both trail stretches make it perfect for short to long hikes or rides.
If you want to have the most enjoyable experience, I recommend either:
- Parking one car at the end of the trail and one car at either section’s trailhead
- Parking anywhere along the trail to eliminate or minimize incline walking or biking
This is not only the perfect option for beginner hikers or cyclists who may be unfamiliar with the area or not ready for inclines, but it will also allow you to explore the park and its attractions more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can bike on this trail.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. In the winter, the trail is plowed. In the fall, the leaves on the trail are cleared. In spring and summer, walking or biking is pleasant and easy.
This hike is easy and perfect for beginner hikers, cyclists, families, and those looking for a quick lunch hike or ride. Expect a flat trail with two steep and long inclines that can be avoided. If you partake in the hills, the hike quickly becomes moderately difficult.
Carrying a phone, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack is always recommended.
Yes, this is the perfect trail for beginner runners who want to work on speed workouts.
Yes, the All-Purpose is marked. It follows the road, has plenty of signage and markers, and it is almost impossible to get lost on it.
Yes, this is an easy hike for kids of all ages. They will love the scenery, flat trails, side trails, water, giant trees, and potential wildlife sightings.
Small animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits frequent this trail. You may also see deer, coyotes, foxes, bald eagles, red-tail hawks, and other birds.
No, you can hike this trail every day from 6 am Eastern to 10 pm Eastern
Yes, this trail is recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
This is the most crowded trail in the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). During all seasons, this trail is popular and filled with visitors.
You will cross Chippewa Creek and visit the Chippewa Creek Gorge, several shelters and picnic areas, and the physical fitness stations.
All-Purpose Trail Virtual Hike
All-Purpose Trail Map
Chippewa Gorge Trailhead
Valley Parkway Trailhead
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to get to the All-Purpose Trail is to input either Chippewa Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook or the Valley Parkway Drive (Brecksville) into your phone and gps because it will bring you to the closest parking lot to the trailheads.
Driving Directions:
- When driving, enter the Brecksville Reservation off Royalton Road (Route 82). As soon as you turn into Chippewa Creek Road take an immediate left into the first parking lot you see.
- When driving, enter the Valley Parkway in the Brecksville Reservation from the Valley Parkway. As soon as you turn into Valley Parkway, turn right into the parking lot.
Learn More About Brecksville Reservation Hikes
While the All-Purpose Trail is the most popular in the Brecksville Reservation, plenty of dirt trails with much less traffic can be enjoyed in a day or long weekend. Check out some of my other favorite hikes below:
- Deer Lick Cave Loop Trail
- Wildflower Loop Trail
- White Oak Trail
- Hemlock Trail
- My Mountain Trail
- Gorge Loop Trail
