New trail to Chippewa Gorge expected to open in summer

by Laura Straub

Hikers in the Brecksville Reservation will have a new path to explore this summer.

In November, Cleveland Metroparks crews began working on the Chippewa Gorge Trail, a new spur off the existing trail network behind the Harriet Keeler Shelter. The loop trail will feature multiple access points to guide hikers down to the creek edge in the gorge.

“We’re continuously looking for ways to improve connections across our 300-plus-mile trail network,” said Jeff Tolman, communications and outreach manager for the Cleveland Metroparks. “That includes improving connections to nature and unique, engaging areas across the park system. The Chippewa Gorge Trail will provide safe access to the gorge and also prevent park users from venturing off-trail to access the area, which can disturb the natural environment.”

According to Tolman, the project consists of natural surface trails that branch off to a few different stone staircases.

Charitable gifts from the Brown and Kunze Foundation, along with donations to the Cleveland Metroparks Trails Fund, will make construction possible. Tolman said that donations to the Trails Fund support maintaining and building new trails on an ongoing basis. For updates on the trail’s completion, visit the Cleveland Metroparks’ social media accounts: @clevemetroparks on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.com/clevelandmetroparks.

Feature image photo caption: The Cleveland Metroparks is adding a new trail behind the Harriet Keeler shelter in Brecksville Reservation. Photo by J. Mitchell