Gorge Loop Trail Hike Overview
- Length: .5 miles (.80km)
- Hiking Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy (Beginner-Friendly)
- Elevation Gain: 95 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Summer. Water levels of the gorge are low and enjoyable to play in
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes. Flat, short, and fun swimming holes.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Trailhead Location: Located at the parking lot at Chippewa Road and Royalton Road.
Gorge Loop Trail Guide
Hiking Gorge Loop Trail (Brecksville Reservation)
The Gorge Loop Trail is a 1/2 mile loop within the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). It is an easy hike on a natural dirt trail that takes visitors down to Chippewa Creek and Chippewa Creek Falls.
You’ll start by walking from the parking lot at the intersection of Chippewa Road and Royalton Road (the first one on your left when you pull in from Royalton Road) for about 500 feet through a patch of evergreen trees and by a small pavilion on your right.
You’ll then head down a gentle path where, within 300 feet, you’ll find a set of stairs to your left, taking you down to Brecksville Creek. Bring your bathing suit, camera, and water shoes and spend the afternoon playing in swimming holes and exploring the giant boulders the Brecksville Creek has helped to create. Do not enter the water during winter or after a heavy rain.
When you are ready, continue along the path up another set of 20 stairs, and once you reach the top, continue following the path to the right and straight ahead until you get into the heart of the Brecksville Reservation.
You’ll notice a small swing set that is great for children and numerous picnic tables where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch in the spring, summer, and fall months.
When you are finished, continue following the trail markers to the right down a gently sloping path for another 200 feet, where you’ll connect back with the trail. Marvel at the giant trees you walk by as you return to your car.
Expert Tip
This is a fun and easy trail in the Brecksville Reservation and Cleveland Metroparks system that can be experienced all year and is especially loved by children and families.
Hike this trail during the summer, when you’ll have plenty of foliage for shade and the Chippewa creek to play and cool down in. If you want the most enjoyable experience, bring a bathing suit and water shoes to spend countless hours in the creek swimming, looking for small fish, and skipping stones. To avoid the crowds, stick to weekdays and weekends during morning and evening hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot bike on this trail. This is for hiking only.
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. However, summer is the best time due to thick foliage and several creeks to cool off in. It is recommended to only swim in the creek if it hasn’t rained, is in the summer, and is below temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
This hike is easy and perfect for beginner hikers, families, and those looking for a quick lunch hike. Expect a flat trail with easy-to-hike stairs and elevation under 100 feet and the Chippewa Creek to cool down in.
Yes, this is the perfect trail for beginner runners who want a short loop.
Yes, the Gorge Loop Trail is clearly marked. It is also a loop trail, making navigation incredibly easy.
Yes, this is an easy hike for kids of all ages. They will love the scenery, water, giant trees, and potential wildlife sightings.
Expect small animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits to frequent this trail. You may also see red-tail hawks and other birds.
Carrying a phone, water, bathing suit, 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.
This is one of the most crowded trails in the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). During the summer, expect the trail and creek to be very busy.
No, you can hike this trail every day from 6 am Eastern to 10 pm Eastern
Gorge Loop Trail Map
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to get to the Gorge Loop Trail is to input the Brecksville Nature Center (9000 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, Ohio) into your phone and gps because it will bring you close to the trailhead.
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.
Learn More About Brecksville Reservation Hikes
While Gorge Loop Trail is one of the newer and most popular trails 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:
