Cuyahoga County Bridle Trails

Name of trail: Cleveland Metroparks
Location of trail: 7 separate reservations: Bedford, Brecksville, Hinckley, Mill Stream, Rocky River, North Chagrin, and South Chagrin
Trail Land Manager: Cleveland Metroparks   216-351-6300,    www.clemetparks.com
Trail description: Suburban area, road crossings, yet feels secluded most of the time
Type of trail (multi-use, bridle/hike, etc.): horses, walkers, and joggers –NO WHEELS
Trail surface: wide, well groomed, well maintained
Normal trail condition: good, not well marked
Trail condition during winter/wet weather: good
Length of trail: 82 miles – 7 reservation areas, some connected, need guide for connectors
Trailhead parking description: numerous - see description of each park
Trailhead horse facilities: no overnight – some picnic spots
Trailhead human facilities: port-a-johns
Unique /scenic trail features: many
Trail hazards: some busy roads; Bedford Reservation river crossing after a heavy rain
Trail rating depending on the park:

•  Easy – Level or gently sloping terrain; consistent groomed surface; wide trail surface; shallow or no water crossings

•  Moderate – Rolling to hilly terrain; short steeper slopes; water crossings; irregular trail surface; narrower trail surface

• Challenging – Steeper hills; unimproved trail surface; deeper water crossings; wider water crossings; boggy areas

Bridle Trail Information
Cuyahoga County Chapter of the Ohio Horseman's Council

Cleveland Metro parks “The Emerald Necklace” consists of over twenty thousand acres with fourteen “reservations” draped around the city and suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. Seven of these reservations have bridle trails totaling over eighty-two miles. Maps and trail markers are not consistent and are not easy to follow. This being a park that rings suburban areas it does mean that generally you are near roads or homes although you usually have the illusion of being deep in the woods and sometimes you truly are. Most trails are wide and well groomed although stone topping may be a problem for unshod horses. Five of these seven Reservations connect although each is probably better ridden as its own unless you get someone to show you through.

All Bridle Trails are primarily for the use of equestrians but people on foot and dogs ON LEASH are also allowed. Other users are to yield to horses. NO BIKES or WHEELED vehicles propelled by human or animal power are allowed. This includes bikes, strollers and horse drawn vehicles. Horses must be kept on bridle trails and under control at all times. Manure must be picked up in the parking areas and horses are not allowed in picnic areas. There are some areas with a picnic table near the edge and common sense rules. If there is a tie rail and mounting block you know you are welcome.

Cuyahoga has a club representative for each Reservation who would be willing to answer your questions.
You can also contact Club Trail Coordinators:
Penny Passalacqua   at 440-248-0156 or pennyohc@sbcglobal.net or
Margaret Wolfe   440 232-0710 or  Mrgrtrw@aol.com
The Park Ranger Emergency # is (440) 333-4911
Non Emergency Ranger # is (440)-331-5530

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE RESERVATIONS
BEDFORD, BRECKSVILLE, HINCKLEY, MILL STREAM, NORTH CHAGRIN,
ROCKY RIVER, SOUTH CHAGRIN