Riotous colors of wildflowers paint Cleveland Metroparks landscapes like an artist's canvas during spring and summer. In fall, trees take center stage as they trade green leaves for gold, and when the snow begins to fall, hearty winter plants thrive under Northeast Ohio's echoing winters. Learn more about the region's plants by uncovering little-known facts and useful tips about plants in your community.
Enjoy the challenging trails, scenic streams and sprawling forest of Bedford reservation.
Big Creek Reservation serves primarily as an urban greenway, which winds along Big Creek through the southwest suburbs of Cuyahoga County.
This swamp forest boasts hiking trails, walking paths, Bunns Lake and a monarch butterfly waystation.
Brecksville Reservation, the largest of the 18 Cleveland Metroparks reservations, offers scenic overlooks and historical landmarks.
Brookside Reservation is 132 acres of diverse wildlife refuge, recreational opportunities, and optimal picnicking areas.
View the county’s largest waterfall, enjoy the rich deep woodlands, green space, and vibrant songbirds of Garfield Park Reservation.
The reservation is dominated by the 90-acre Hinckley Lake, enjoyed by ice fishermen in the winter months.
From beaches to boat ramps, fitness trails to fishing piers, Lakefront Reservation is a true gem in the “Emerald Necklace”
Marvel at the flowing streams and ride down Ohio’s tallest, fastest toboggan chutes.
Explore one of the original corridors of the Emerald Necklace at North Chagrin reservation. Scenic views of the Chagrin River await.
Long and narrow, this reservation follows the winding course of the Rocky River from Berea into Lakewood near Lake Erie.
Explore one of the most biologically diverse reservations in Cleveland Metroparks at South Chagrin reservation.
West Creek is 326 acres of rocky gorges, forest-draped hillsides, floodplains and babbling brooks.
Wander through a dense maze of giant trees in this stunning example of an old growth beech-maple forest.
Sagamore Creek Loop is a hidden gem among steep forested slopes, where one can view several small waterfalls and deep ravines.
The former location of the Astorhurst Golf Course, this site is an excellent place to begin a hike through the beautiful Bedford Reservation.
The raging waters of Rocky River that formed the Berea Falls are a piece of glacial history.
A wooded, 0.7 mile trail leads to the pond, stocked with channel catfish, sunfish and largemouth bass.
Bluebird Point is a viewing area along an easily accessible all purpose loop trail at the top of a 22-acre landfill.
Immerse yourself in the spectacular cascading falls surrounded by hardwoods and hemlocks.
Brighton Park features a half mile of looped natural surface trails as well as a scenic overlook of Big Creek, the Cuyahoga River’s third largest...
Brookside Overlook provides a scenic bird’s-eye-view of lower Brookside Reservation’s ball fields and Big Creek as it joins Cuyahoga River.
Bunns Lake was created to provide a waterfowl habitat and provide fishing opportunities. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers.
Small wetland that hosts a large number of frogs and invertebrates. Access to the All Purpose Trail.
Experience the unique geology and scenic waterfall of North Chagrin at Buttermilk Falls Scenic Overlook.
Celebrate the return of spring and Buzzards at Hinckley Reservation every year on March 15.
Cherry Grove Picnic Area is located along the south side of John Nagy Blvd. in Brookside Reservation in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland.
Enjoy the natural surface trail with access down into the scenic Chippewa Creek Gorge.
Take in the beauty of the creek flowing through the gorge left behind by the glaciers that once covered this area.
Explore this beautiful geological site in any season. You may even see a white-tailed deer and find out how Deer Lick Cave got its name.
Soak up the sun and sand while admiring the city’s skyline. Swim, picnic, walk the dog or kick the ball around.
The eLCee2 Water Taxi shuttles passengers and bicycles across the Cuyahoga River in the summer months. The Water Taxi is free, ADA accessible and...
This all purpose trail improves access to the Lake-to-Lake Trail and connects the sledding recreation area and Engle Road.
Engle Road Sled Riding Hill is an excellent hill for beginner sledders.
This iconic landmark is one of the most picturesque locations in the Emerald Necklace. The Fort Hill Stairs ascend to stunning views 90 feet above...
Located along the Lake to Lake Trail in Big Creek Reservation, this restored marshland contains mudflats that provide great waterfowl viewing.
The Grassroots Gorge Overlook is located at a terminus of the all-purpose trail and offers scenic views of the West Creek.
Enjoy stunning views and visit the former saw and grist mills, as well as a viaduct that carried trains over Tinker’s Creek.
This long-term ephemeral landmark is a piece of cultural history immersed in nature by the riverside.
Jackson Field is home to abundant plant and animal species that thrive in our fields, wetlands, and forests.
The largest remaining glacial wetland in Cuyahoga County, Lake Abram makes up 80 acres of unique and critical wildlife habitat.
This birding hotspot was once a “kettle lake” sculpted by glaciers during the Ice Age.
The play area features a wide range of nature play opportunities including boulders, water and sand, as well as climbing structures and shaded...
Enjoy the breathtaking view of Tinker’s Creek Valley as you hike along the woodland or all-purpose trails.
A dedicated small parking lot provides easy access to Lookout Ridge Loop and a trail connection to Skyline Overlook Trail, offering views of...
Mill Creek Falls, Cuyahoga County’s tallest waterfall, is located in Cleveland. Mill Creek Falls stands at 48 feet tall. Come walk the 2-mile all...
Old Field is a small parking lot located just North of Chagrin Blvd. This area features 2 picnic tables and views of the beautiful fields.
Site 1 is nestled inside of the backcountry site’s camp triangle most proximal to the kitchen and food storage areas. The 12’ x 17’ designated tent...
Site 2 overlooks the ridge allowing you to wake up to gorgeous views outside of your vestibule. The slightly larger 16’ x 22’ designated tent area...
Site 3 "The Perch" features a wooden tent platform that can accommodate one 4-person tent or two small 2-person tents. The 10’ x 12’ designated...
Perkins Beach is located at the bottom of a 60ft bluff just north of Cliff Drive. It is accessible from the stairs off of the circular Perkins...
An overlook deck affords a picturesque view of the Aurora Branch of the Chagrin River complete with water cascades.
Enjoy a diverse variety of insect life and wildflowers throughout the seasons.
Located under the Hope Memorial Bridge this river observation deck allows for close-up views of the Cleveland skyline. Watch huge cargo ships...
Running from University Rd. to Carter Rd. this area features public fishing access, a river observation deck and fish habitat breeding areas.
The trailhead offers a steep gravel-stone approach into the forested floodplains of West Creek. The trailhead connects park users to additional...
Enjoy a serene day of fishing. Two fishing platforms allow you to observe aquatic wildlife.
The Strongsville Wildlife Area allows park visitors the opportunity to observe wetland wildlife, including birds and bats.
This planted 4-acre tall grass prairie is a unique ecosystem with incredible plant and animal diversity.
Tinker's Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook is a National Natural Landmark and offers a spectacular vista particularly in the fall.
The Wendy Park Bridge links the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to Wendy Park on Whiskey Island and Lake Erie.
Soak in the scenic view of the east branch of the Rocky River just before it enters Hinckley Lake.
The only place in Northeast Ohio that permits rock climbing. Explore the massive exposed sandstone ledge located off State Road.
Whiskey Island Trail completes a missing link between Edgewater Park to Wendy Park on Whiskey Island with 1.2 miles of all purpose trail.
Wilson Mills Trailhead is a beautiful trail combining an old roadway and new all purpose trail. Enjoy a variety of year-round exercise opportunities.
Worden’s Ledge features carvings of historical figures done by Noble Stuart along the exposed sand ledge.
A great opportunity for birders of all skill levels to enjoy the fields and forests along the...
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Spend a day exploring Hinckley Reservation’s natural rocks through hiking, exploring, and...
Karin Marleen Dijkstra is a watercolor artist who draws inspiration from music and nature, from...
Come inside the center to find the 20 paper cutouts of insects. Then go outside to explore and...
Join Naturalist Jake Kudrna to discover lilies hidden along Tinker's Creek.
Summer is the time for our curiosity to run wild. Join Naturalist Natalie Schroder in the meadow...