Pros: Gorgeous! I couldn't get over the beauty of this place. We did the trail to the quarry and it was such a cool and easy hike. There were some steep up and down hills, but perfectly manageable. The trails were very well marked and I've maintained. There is also plenty of parking! Cons: Can't think of any, I was enchanted by this forest! read more

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Great at any time of year. I frequent in the winter for cross country skiing. People come from around the world to go here and train, so it's pretty cool to see. You can rent skis if you don't have your own and they also have a sledding hill here. Summer time is nice to walk the trails and there is a nice overlook of Cleveland. Nice sunsets over the city if it's a clear day. read more

Chapin Forest Reservation - Cleveland sky line during some lake effect snow! - Hiking Near Me - Kirtland, Ohio

Great park located in Kirtland near the intersection of Routes 6 and 306. A very nice place for a hike during the summer as there is a good mix of forest, hills and ledges. If you go to the plateau at the center of the park there is an overlook with views to Lake Erie and the distant Cleveland skyline. Well worth a visit if you are in the area. During the winter is when Chapin really shines as one of the best places in our area for cross-country skiing. Entering from the Hobart Road side of the park you will find the Winter Sports Lodge where they rent skis and snowshoes. Rental fees are incredibly affordable and the equipment is well maintained. There are a couple of small hills to practice your technique and then there are nice network of groomed cross-country trails. They usually have a nice fire going and there are some light snacks and drinks for sale. I would divide the park into three parts. From the Hobart Road side there are the Arbor Lane and Beech Woods loops which take you through the woods with some hills that are fun. From the Route 306 side you will have the Quarry Loop and Turkey trails which are easy trails through the forest. Finally in the middle is the Lucky Stone Loop which is a granite rise that will give you a nice workout and some great views including the overlook. The hill from Lucky Stone down to the Route 306 side is the most challenging in the park, although they have made some modifications to make it more manageable. If you are looking to get outside during the winter, Chapin Forest should be near the top of your list. Providing groomed trails, affordable rental equipment and great natural beauty is an awesome combination. With the current pandemic, check the website and the hotline for more information on what is available and how they are handling rentals. read more

Fall is my favorite season to come here because the view from the overlook is so good! The trails are well marked, and there's plenty of parking. It's also easy to string multiple trails together if you're looking for a longer hike. read more

Chapin Forest Reservation - Overlook - Hiking Near Me - Kirtland, Ohio

Went on an evening hike at this beautiful park tonight. (Not enough snow for the planned snow shoes). Fortunately had a guide which gave us good options. Most of the trail was lit up by hanging lights. They offered head lamps for everyone which came in handy for the not lit path the group chose. The view at the top was amazing and you truly can see downtown Cleveland. Everyone who worked there was friendly. Outside fire pit to warm up. Full facility restrooms available. Will come back again and try some snowshoes or cross country skiing. read more

Chapin Forest Reservation - Hiking Near Me - Kirtland, Ohio

What could you buy with $5? An overpriced latte, a used book, a footlong from Subway maybe. What about an hour of cross-country skiing fun?? My friend and I were referred here by some locals, and when the snow finally decided it was tired of hanging out in the sky and fell to the earth, we took a leisurely drive down Highway 90 to the small town of Kirtland. The street signs aren't very large and every turn tends to look the same on GPS, but chances are that some other car will be headed here too. Follow the leader down the two-lane roads and eventually you'll turn into a parking lot just a short distance from the rental center. PROTIP: The actual rentals are located at the Pine Lodge Cross-Country Ski Center on 10381 Hobart Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094. Make sure you pick the right address unless you have your own gear! Trudge past the giant chairs and fire pit into the little cabin to get shoes, skis and poles. Snowshoes offered as well. You can also purchase a variety of hot drinks and food here. The process is way faster than getting outfitted for downhill skiing and snowboarding, and we didn't have to wait in line at all. Within 15 minutes we had signed the waiver, changed into our gear, and were wobbling awkwardly on cross-country skis for the first time. Neither of us really knew what we were getting into, nor do I think there are lessons offered, but after creeping on other people and trying out different movements we managed to make our way around at a good pace with slightly more grace than a lame penguin. The trails are all marked and the ones closest to the lodge all intersect at some point. We went after the afternoon crowd had thinned out, and managed to make our way through Beech Woods (blue) and Arbor Lane (red) in both directions. Would definitely recommend doing this if this is your first time, just to get some variety in your journey. Us newbs were sweating profusely by the end of it. A great outdoor activity for people of all ages and levels! There's also a small practice slope and playground for people to whom sleds and swings appeal more to. This pretty park made for a fun excursion in winter, but I think it would be a treat to come back in the spring or fall for hiking. I'd also love to get more experience and tackle the ungroomed trail since I can imagine the same three trails near Pine Lodge getting tedious after a few trips. The cherry on top is definitely the people who run the ski lodge -- some of the nicest people I'd ever met and charged us only for one hour each since we hadn't hit the 2 hour mark yet! read more

This park is great for cross country skiing & snowshoeing! They rent equipment really cheap & the trails are beautiful. Look online before going there, they have a video camera on so you can see if store is open. Can reserve equipment online before arriving so you know it will be available when you arrive. Rental store usual open noon-8pm. read more

Awesome spot. The Lucky Stones trail has some nice sections of roots and steps that challenges the quads and hammies. Very well maintained trails and they are well marked. After a walk, hit up Tavern Six for lunch or dinner. The shelters near the parking lot are very nice. read more

Nice paths. First hill is quite a challenge. Bikes are welcome. Beautiful rock formations. Stellar view of downtown Cleveland, Euclid and lake from tallest point on trail. Picture perfect sunsets!!! read more

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Nice little park! Clean, well marked and maintained hiking trails. Picnic areas and facilities. Wishing I stumbled upon this park at the beginning of my stay instead of on my last day in the area. read more

Chapin Forest Reservation - Puffer fish tree - Hiking Near Me - Kirtland, Ohio

This place is awesome! Many hidden treasures if you like to explore! There's paths and also areas you can rock climb, if you dare. Theres ledges and a beautiful overlook. I've been going here since I was a kid and am excited to still be able to come here! read more

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I take a 40 minute walk here often and last week went cross country skiing. Great place to xx ski with lighted and groomed trails in season. There are two entrances, several pavilions, and trails from easy to difficult. Also beautiful cliffs and overlooks. Don't miss it in the spring when the trees are changing color! read more