Deer Lick Cave Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 4 miles (6.43 km)
- Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Fall. The forest is full of fall foliage, and deer lick cave falls is at peak flow.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes. Flat, but it may be challenging and lengthy for some.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Brecksville Reservation Parking Lot in the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). 9000 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141.
Deer Lick Cave Trail Guide
Hiking Deer Lick Cave Trail (Brecksville Reservation)
Deer Lick Cave Trail is a four-mile loop within the Brecksville Reservation. It is a moderate dirt trail with five medium rolling hills, seven wooden structure crossings, numerous stretches of wildflowers, and of course, Deer Lick Cave (which, according to the Cleveland Metroparks, “is not a true cave. It’s actually a rock overhang formed through erosion of Berea sandstone by water”).
You’ll start this hike by walking from the Brecksville Reservation Nature Center parking lot (as seen below and also known as the Harriet Keeler Picnic Area parking lot) about 300 feet to the Brecksville Nature Center. During this first section of the hike, you’ll notice beautiful native flowers and trees, along with the only bathroom on the trail.
At the Brecksville Nature Center, take a left down the steps to Wallin Creek. This is a great spot to relax by the shaded, peaceful, cool creek.
From there, you’ll veer left up the next set of stairs, and I recommend hiking the trail counterclockwise by proceeding straight for 200 feet. You’ll come across the Meadows Picnic Area. These beautiful, large meadows have a dozen picnic tables, a small shelter, and a large pavilion (first-come, first-serve).
Cross the meadow picnic area on the trail and head down a steep, short slope where you’ll cross over two small bridges before hiking up another small hill. It should be noted that this section of the trail is notoriously muddy and wet throughout the entire year.
You’ll continue straight through one of the most pine-filled sections of the park and then back down a steep hill. Keep an eye on deer, coyotes, squirrels, owls, and hawks in this section of the woods. When you reach the bottom, take a right over the bridge and up a short hill.
You’ll soon reach Meadows Drive and cross it. Follow the trail for another 1/2 mile through a peaceful rolling stretch, where you’ll see more fauna and beautiful flora during the late spring and early summer months. You’ll then reach Meadows Drive again, where you will cross it once more.
Within 100 feet, you’ll come up to Deer Lick Cave Falls on your left. These falls can be easily missed if you are not paying attention and are an incredible site to see after the snow melts, in the spring, or after heavy rain.
After marveling at Deer Lick Cave Falls, proceed straight over two footbridges, and straight ahead is Deer Lick Cave. I encourage you to spend as much time as you would like to rest, explore the area, and observe the natural phenomenon. In this area, you may experience the salamander migration in the spring and can observe bats flying around and in the cave during dusk.
Follow the Deer Lick Cave trail markers for a flat 3/4 mile and then down a long, steep hill to the bottom of the valley. When you see the Chippewa Creek road, stay to the left and parallel to the road for 1/4 mile.
You’ll soon enter a junction where you’ll take a right and then quickly cross over another creek and up another hill. Continue following the well-marked trail (do not venture onto the game trail) to the left and through the windiest portion of the woods. In the fall, this is a marvelous place to find walnuts dropping on the ground from the giant trees around you. Beware of lots of stumps, roots, and obstructions during the stretch.
When you reach the next junction, veer left, and in about 100 feet, follow the trail slightly right until you reach the stairs. You’ll walk down to where you’ll recognize Wallin Creek again. Walk up the stairs and follow the paved trail to the Brecksville Reservation Parking lot.
Alternative Option
If you want to experience Deer Lick Cave without the 4-mile hike, try the 1/2-mile loop shorter option.
You can do this by parking at the Deer Lick Cave parking lot.
Walk through a well-marked but narrow trail lasting 20 feet and take a right on the Buckeye Trail. Follow the Deer Lick Cave signs for 1/4 mile and down the hill to Deer Lick Cave.
Continue to follow the path to the left for another 100 feet to marvel at Deer Lick Cave Falls. From there, you can hike up short stairs, take another left, and head back to your car (making it a short loop hike).
Frequently Asked Questions
This hike is considered moderate and achievable for almost all hikers. Expect a dirt trail with 4-5 rolling hills, several creek crossings, and seasonable mud.
No, you cannot bike on this trail. This is for hiking only.
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, summer, spring, and fall are the best to avoid mud, ice, or snow.
Yes, this is a moderate hike for kids five and up. They will love the cave, waterfalls, creeks, and animals.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how hilly this trail is. It is one of the most popular trails for runners in Brecksville.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and the occasional coyote frequent this trail. You may also see red-tail hawks, owls, and bats in the cave. None of these animals pose a risk to hikers.
Yes, the Deer Lick Cave Trail is clearly marked. It is also a loop trail, making navigation incredibly easy.
No, you can hike this trail every day from 6 am Eastern to 10 pm Eastern.
Carrying a phone, backpack, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack is always recommended.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
While this is one of the most popular trails in the Brecksville Reservation, you won’t notice it. You can hike this trail during any season without worrying about the crowds.
Deer Lick Trail Map
Directions
The easiest way to get to the Deer Lick Cave Trail is to input the Brecksville Nature Center (9000 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, Ohio) into your phone and GPS since the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- When driving, enter the Brecksville Reservation off Royalton Road (Route 82). Follow the road for approximately 1/2 mile (stay left at the first junction). Park at the Brecksville Reservation sign on the right (Harriet Keeler Area Parking Lot). If the parking lot is full there is overflow parking across the road.
Learn More About Brecksville Reservation Hikes
While Deer Lick Cave is the most famous trail in the Brecksville Reservation, numerous fulfilling short and long hikes can be enjoyed in a day or long weekend. Check out some of my other favorite hikes below:
- Wildflower Loop Trail
- Wildflower Loop Trail
- White Oak Trail
- Hemlock Trail
- Gorge Loop Trail
- My Mountain Trail
