My Mountain Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 2 miles (3.21 km)
- Hiking Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy (Beginner-Friendly)
- Elevation Gain: 191 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Fall. The forest is full of gold and red foliage.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes. Flat, short, and fun activities along the way.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Oak Grove Picnic Area Parking Lot in the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). Put Oak Grove Picnic Area into Google or Apple Maps.
- Trailhead GPS: 41°18’57.1″N 81°35’55.9″W
My Mountain Trail Guide
Hiking My Mountain Trail (Brecksville Reservation)
My Mountain Trail is a two-mile loop trail on the Buckeye Trail within the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). It is an easy and flat natural dirt trail with seven wooden structure crossings, a 300-foot boardwalk, and a scenic overlook.
You’ll walk approximately 100 yards west from the Oak Grove Picnic Area to the My Mountain Trailhead.
You’ll hike approximately another 100 yards from there to the first junction. I recommend proceeding counter-clockwise over the first wooden structure crossing for the most scenic view. You’ll continue on this path about half a mile before My Mountain Overlook junction.
During the first part of this hike, you’ll fall in love with the giant gulley to your east for most of the hike and the beautiful evergreens, oak, and maple trees sprawling throughout the forest. If you keep your eyes open, you may spot a red-tail hawk, squirrel, or deer.
Once you arrive at the My Mountain Overlook junction, you can continue the loop to the left for about 1.2 miles to return to the Oak Grove Picnic Area parking lot or take the trail to the right for .5 miles to My Mountain Overlook. I recommend continuing to My Mountain Overlook, as it is an easy and quick detour for the best view of the Brecksville Reservation Valley.
You should spend 15-30 minutes at My Mountain Overlook relaxing, eating a snack, and taking in the beautiful and peaceful valley below.
On your way back from My Mountain Overlook, you will want to continue to follow the signs and the White Oak Loop Trail Blazes, as seen below. You do not want to take the Station Road Bridge, Plateau Picnic Area, or All-Purpose Trails, as they will not take you back to the original parking lot.
Once you are back at the My Mountain Overlook junction, you will continue a flat and windy 1.2 miles back to the parking lot. During this stretch, you’ll hike over several more wooden structure crossings. You’ll be amazed at the numerous valleys that carve through the forest, have fun jumping over potential small trees, and even converse with local hikers you may pass.
Once you return to the parking lot, you can enjoy the beautiful Oak Grove Picnic Area Meadows in the summer, have a family picnic in the pavilion, and even enjoy a cozy fire during the fall and winter.
Expert Tip
My Mountain Trail is the Cleveland Metroparks and Brecksville Reservation’s newest trail. During the summer, expect crowds of hikers, day walkers, families, and quite a few runners. In the fall and spring, expect mud and slickness on certain parts of the trail.
To have the best experience, hike this trail during the week, and if you venture on it during the weekends, start early in the morning or in the evening when most people have left the park. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots, and do not venture off the trails, as steep, dangerous drops are everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
This hike is considered easy and perfect for beginner hikers. Expect a flat trail with elevation under 200 feet and no trail obstructions.
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 and fall are the best to avoid mud, ice, or snow.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
Yes, this is a relatively easy hike for kids of all ages. They will love the scenery, flora, and fauna. If you have a family, this should be on your bucket list in the Brecksville Reservation.
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how flat and fast it is.
Yes, My Mountain Trail is clearly marked. It is also a loop trail, making navigation incredibly easy.
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.
Carrying a phone, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack is always recommended.
No, you can hike this trail every day from 6 am Eastern to 10 pm Eastern
This is one of the most crowded trails in the Brecksville Reservation (Cleveland Metroparks). To avoid traffic, hiking this trail during the weekdays, weekend mornings or evenings, or evenings is recommended.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
My Mountain Trail Map
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to get to My Mountain trail is to input the Oak Grove 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 1.5 miles until you reach the Oak Grove Picnic Area on the right-hand side.
- If arriving from north of Brecksville, take route 82 (Royalton Road) into the Brecksville Reservation on the Chippewa Creek Road. Follow the road approximately 1.5 miles east and then take the Valley Parkway road on the right up 1/2 mile until you see the Oak Grove Picnic Area on the left-hand side.
Learn More About Brecksville Reservation Hikes
While My Mountain Trail is the newest and most well-maintained 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
- Deer Lick Cave Loop Trail
- Wildflower Loop Trail
- Hemlock Trail
- Gorge Loop Trail
