White Oak Trail Hike Overview
- Length: .5 miles (.80 km) one-way
- Hiking Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy (Beginner-Friendly)
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Route: Out-And-Back
- Best Season: Fall. Perfect for fall foliage and summer evenings
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes. One uphill and then flat
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Trailhead Location: Located at the parking lot at Plateau Picnic Area.
White Oak Trail Guide
Hiking White Oak Trail (Brecksville Reservation)
White Oak Trail is an easy 1/2 mile (one-way) out-and-back trail in the Brecksville Reservation that starts with a gentle but quick uphill climb followed by a windy, flat dirt (and sometimes mud) path that ends at the Oak Grove Picnic Area.
You start the trail off at the Plateau Picnic Area and walk the paved path about 10-20 feet before veering right into the White Oak dirt trail (clearly marked).
You then will make a 100-foot climb up the trail, which is sometimes muddy and icy in winter and early spring months, before quickly connecting with my mountain trail.
Once in this section, the trail becomes flat and windy as you cross over two footbridges. You’ll notice the woods quickly open up, and you’ll be able to see streams and valleys cutting into the park, along with Valley Parkway in the distance.
In the winter, early spring, and fall (once the leaves drop), you’ll have a fantastic view of the forest around you, perfect for bird watching and animal observing.
About 1/8 of a mile before the end of the hike, the trail takes you on a ridge for about 50 feet (where you’ll continue to be able to see the park). Please focus on the trail as it is muddy, slick, and easy to fall.
Once you are past this treacherous section, head straight ahead until you see the Oak Grove Picnic Area. You can have a delightful picnic, play in the open field, or relax on one of the many benches. Once ready, you can either head back the way you came or turn the trail into a 1.2-mile loop.
Expert Tip
The White Oak trail is a delightful, short hike everyone can enjoy. It is incredibly short, though, and even an out-and-back excursion can be completed quickly.
If you want a more holistic experience of the east side of the Brecksville Reservation while increasing the mileage, turn the out-and-back hike into a 1.2-mile loop and add my mountain lookout to your journey (making it approximately 2 miles round trip).
Not only will this allow you to experience more of this side of the park, but you’ll also be able to knock my mountain trail off your bucket list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer mornings or evenings are the best time to hike this trail. You’ll experience fewer crowds, the ground will not be muddy and you have the best chance of encountering wildlife.
Yes, dogs on leashes are welcome.
No, bikes are not allowed on this trail
White Oak Trail is considered a beginner-friendly hike. It is only a 1/2 mile one-way) hike with 100 feet of elevation and a relatively flat trail afterward.
Yes. While a short uphill may be challenging, the trail is short enough to be experienced by all ages.
Yes, this is a runner-friendly trail and the perfect training ground for trail runners.
Yes, the trail is marked. In addition, you can almost always see Valley Parkway road in case you get lost.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits frequent this trail. You may also see red-tail hawks, owls, and the occasional coyote during dawn and dusk. None of these animals pose a risk to hikers.
This trail is relatively uncrowded. You will unlikely experience fellow hikers on the first 1/4 mile. Once you connect with my mountain trail, you may experience other hikes depending on the time of day.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
Trail shoes and a phone are the only supplies needed on this short trail. Trekking poles are recommended for those requiring additional assistance.
No, you can hike this trail every day from 6 am Eastern to 10 pm Eastern
My Mountain Trail Map
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to get to White Oak trail is to input the Plateau Picnic Area (parking lot) into your phone and GPS since the trail starts here.
- If arriving from south of Brecksville, take Brecksville Road to Valley Parkway. Once on Valley Parkway, drive down the road approximately 2 miles until you reach Chippewa Creek Road. Take a right and an immediate right up and into the Plateau Picnic Area parking lot.
- If arriving from Riverview Road, take a left and follow the road 1/2 mile. Take a left at the Plateau Picnic Area parking lot, sign up, and into the parking lot
- If arriving from Royalton Road (Route 82), take the road straight and down (approximately 1.5 miles). Once you see the Plateau Picnic Area parking lot sign on the right take a right up and into the parking lot.
Learn More About Brecksville Reservation
While White Oak Trail is a fun and easy hike to be enjoyed by all experience levels, there is so much more to experience in the Brecksville Reservation. Check out some of my other favorite hikes below:
