Hemlock Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 1.4 miles (2.25 km) one-way
- Hiking Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy (Beginner-Friendly)
- Elevation Gain: 95 feet
- Route: Out-And-Back
- Best Season: Fall. Perfect for fall foliage and cooler weather
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes. Relatively Flat with no obstructions
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Trailhead Location: Located at the parking lot at Chippewa Road and Royalton Road.
Hemlock Trail Guide
Hiking Hemlock Trail (Brecksville Reservation)
The Hemlock Trail is a 1.4 (one-way) out-and-back trail within the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). It is a relatively easy hike on a natural dirt trail that takes visitors from the Chippewa Creek Falls and down along the Chippewa Creek to the Chippewa Picnic Area.
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 pass the Gorge Loop Trail on your left and continue on the hemlock trail that winds in and out of Evergreen for another quarter of a mile. On the right, you’ll see the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area in the distance, and then you’ll quickly come upon a quarter-mile descent that should proceed carefully to ensure you don’t fall.
Once you reach the trail floor, you’ll notice how muddy and wet it is due to the lack of sun. To the left are several spring vernal pools, making it a great option to experience the Brecksville Salamander Migration and hear spring peepers in early spring.
Continue straight where it is recommended to hike over man-made stumps and a short footbridge to avoid mud and destroying off-trail vegetation. Continue for another quarter mile through a relatively flat section of the trail, where you’ll cross over another small footbridge. Take time to explore how the creek has carved through the valley floor.
You’ll soon come across a fan-favorite of the hemlock trail where you can cross a suspension bridge, take the Chippewa Creek to your left, or even take a quick detour down to the creek itself.
Continue another 500 feet, and you’ll soon come across the Brecksville Reservation all-purpose trail, the Chippewa Creek Road, and the Chippewa picnic area. Feel free to take a break, have a picnic, and explore the Chippewa picnic area before heading back the way you came.
Expert Tip
This is a fun and relatively easy trail in the Brecksville Reservation and Cleveland Metroparks system that can be experienced all year and is especially loved by children and families.
However, not everyone may want to hike out and back, especially with a steep incline on the way back, which may not be appropriate for children or hikers getting back into shape.
To avoid extra mileage and save time, I recommend taking two cars—Park one at the Chippewa Picnic Area and another at the parking lot listed above. If you don’t have two cars, starting at the Chippewa Picnic Area would be beneficial so that you experience a decline rather than an incline on your way back.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a moderately traveled trail in the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). Unless the weather is unseasonably warm, you’ll experience few hikers in winter and spring. During the summer and fall months, there is moderate traffic during the weekend and weeknight.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
The summer and fall are the best time to hike on the Hemlock trail. You’ll experience beautiful foliage and have the best chance of walking on a hard, dry trail.
No, you cannot bike on this trail. This is for hiking only.
This hike is easy and perfect for beginner hikers, families, and those looking for a leisurely weekend hike. Expect a flat trail with one decline/incline, a suspension bridge, and an elevation under 200 feet.
Yes, this is perfect for trail runners. You’ll experience numerous trail runners who are training for local ultramarathons.
Yes, the Hemlock Trail is clearly marked. It is an out-and-back 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 owls. Less frequent are deer, coyotes, and the occasional fox.
No, you can hike this trail every day from 6 am Eastern to 10 pm Eastern
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
Carrying a phone, water, hiking boots or shoes, a backpack, and a light snack is always recommended.
Hemlock Trail Map
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to get to the Hemlock 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
While Hemlock Trail is one of the oldest 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:
- My Mountain Trail
- Wildflower Loop Trail
- Deer Lick Cave Loop Trail
- Wildflower Loop Trail
- White Oak Trail
- Gorge Loop Trail
