Wildflower Loop Hike Overview
- Length: .75 miles (1.21km)
- Hiking Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy (Beginner-Friendly)
- Elevation Gain: 34 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Summer. The forest provides full shade and several creeks to play in.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes. Flat, short, and fun educational activities during the hike.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Trailhead Location: Located at the Brecksville Reservation Nature Center Parking Lot in the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). 9000 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141.
Wildflower Loop Trail Guide
Hiking Wildflower Loop Trail (Brecksville Reservation)
Wildflower Loop is a 3/4 mile loop within the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). It is an easy hike on a natural dirt and paved trail with three wooden structure crossings, 50 total steps, a beautiful winding creek, and bountiful wildflowers.
You’ll start by walking from the Brecksville Reservation Nature Center parking lot about 300 feet to the Brecksville Nature Center. During this first section of the hike, you’ll notice beautiful native flowers that bloom in the spring and continue providing color throughout late summer.
At the Brecksville Nature Center, I recommend taking a right and proceeding in a counter-clockwise loop. During the next 1/4 of a mile, you’ll walk a paved path that turns into dirt through numerous fascinating trees and flowers. Adults and children will enjoy this section as it provides educational information and trivia about the species of plants you see and sometimes even fun identification games.
Continue following the wildflower loop markers and take a left down a gently sloping hill at the next junction to your first bridge crossing. This is a great place to marvel at how the creek has shaped this section of the park, and you’ll often find kids and dogs playing in the water during the summer.
If you continue following the creek, you will soon hike up a few stairs before continuing straight through a 200-foot section of woods and back down the stairs. Keep your eyes open during this section, as you’ll frequently see black squirrels and the occasional hawk.
Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, you’ll find a local favorite section of the park called Wallin Creek. This is a great spot to picnic and enjoy the peaceful sound of the water gently moving through rocks. In the springtime, this can even be a great spot to experience the Brecksville Reservation salamander migration and look for other creatures like frogs and snakes.
When you are ready, climb up the final set of stairs until you reach the Brecksville Nature Center about 100 feet ahead. Spend some time exploring the nature center, and then proceed straight on the trail back to the parking lot!
Expert Tip
This is a fun and easy trail in the Brecksville Reservation and Cleveland Metroparks system that can be experienced all year for families and solo hikers alike.
To have the best experience, hike this trail during the summer when you’ll have plenty of foliage for shade and several creeks to play and cool down in.
To have the most enjoyable experience, bring a bathing suit and water shoes to spend countless hours in the creek swimming, looking for creatures, fishing, and skipping stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
This hike is easy and perfect for beginner hikers, families, and those looking for a quick lunch hike. Expect a flat trail with elevation under 30 feet and several creeks to cool off in.
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 is the best time due to the thick foliage and several creeks to cool off in.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year. Dogs will love swimming in the creek that follows the trail.
Yes, this is an easy hike for kids of all ages. They will love the scenery, educational activities during the hike, and the creeks to play in.
Yes, this is the perfect trail for beginner runners because it is short and flat.
Yes, Wildflower Loop Trail is clearly marked. It is also a loop trail, making navigation incredibly easy.
Expect small animals like squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits to frequent this trail. You may also see red-tail hawks, owls, and other birds. None of these animals pose a risk to hikers.
Carrying a phone, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack is always recommended. If you plan on playing in the water, bring a bathing suit and water shoes.
No, you can hike this trail every day from 6 am Eastern to 10 pm Eastern
This is a moderately crowded trail in the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). Expect peak traffic during the weekends and summer evenings.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
Wildflower Loop Trail Map
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to get to the Wildflower Loop 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 Wildflower is a beautiful trail for flora and fauna 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:
- Deer Lick Cave Trail
- Wildflower Loop Trail
- White Oak Trail
- Hemlock Trail
- Gorge Loop Trail
- My Mountain Trail
