Easy
Ohio · United States
- Distance
- 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 11 m
- Typical duration
- 7 min
- Waymarked route
Lake Shore Trail
ModerateOhio · United States
- Distance
- 12.4 km (7.7 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 273 m (896 ft)
- Typical time
- 3 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Loop
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Lake Shore Trail
Lake Shore Trail is a 12.4 km hiking route in Ohio, United States. It climbs roughly 273 m (896 ft) along the way. Most people take around 3 hr at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Expect a steady effort with a few sustained climbs, well within reach if you walk regularly.
The coastline does the heavy lifting: cliff edges, coves and open horizon for most of the way. The lakeshore section is the natural place to stop, eat and swim if the season allows.
It is a 12.4 km loop, so you finish where you started and never repeat a section. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Meads, about 24.1 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Lake Shore Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate12.4 km273 m
Numbered marks every 5 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.
Highlights
- Lake
- Coastal
- Waymarked route
- Circular route, no backtracking
- Waymarked and signposted
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 67/100
- Adventure
- 31/100
- Difficulty
- 36/100
- Accessibility
- 56/100
- Family
- 41/100
- Dogs
- 70/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Calm mornings give mirror reflections on the water, so it is worth being there early.
- Check the tide table if any part of the route runs along the beach.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Cliff edges may be unfenced and undercut. Keep well back from the drop, especially in wind.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Golden hour along the cliffs is the obvious call, and a slow shutter on the water at the base of the rocks adds movement. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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Trails near Lake Shore Trail
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Easy
Ohio · United States
- Distance
- 1.0 km / 0.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 22 m
- Typical duration
- 14 min
Easy
Ohio · United States
- Distance
- 1.8 km / 1.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 39 m
- Typical duration
- 26 min
- Waymarked route
Moderate
Easy
Moderate