Brecksville Reservation

Brecksville Reservation is the largest Cleveland Metroparks reservation at over 4,300 acres.

From the oak-hickory forests on the ridge tops to the cottonwoods, willows and sycamores of Chippewa Creek's flat floodplain, Brecksville Reservation is a study of contrasts. The reservation is deeply cut by seven distinct gorges which have a wide variety of soil and sunlight conditions, fostering the growth of rare, unusual and endangered plants. Chippewa Creek, in the northern section of the reservation, flows through a remarkable gorge that was left behind by the glaciers that once covered this area. The reservation has an excellent and extensive system of trails, including a section of the Buckeye Trail. To find out more, be sure to visit the historic Brecksville Nature Center. Sleepy Hollow Golf Course and Seneca Golf Course are also a part of the reservation.

Activities

Amenities

Ball Field
Drinking Fountain
Driving Range
Electricity
Fireplace
Golf Club Rental
Golf Lessons
Grills
Horseshoe Pits
Parking
Picnic Tables
Play Area
Power & Hand Cart Rental
Private Event Space
Putting Greens
Restrooms
Shopping / Souvenirs
Shower Service
Trail Access

Attractions

Andrews Nature Play Area

Enjoy balance and climbing structures, slides, tunnels and swings. The Andrews Nature Play Area was completed and constructed by Cleveland Metroparks staff and built by reusing materials from the Park...
Aukerman Park

Unique to the Park District, Aukerman Park features an on-leash dog agility course, which includes six agility stations. These stations include a dog walk ramp, a wait table for dogs to climb on to, h...
Aukerman Park Trailhead

Enjoy this dog agility course with your leashed dog.
Brecksville Nature Center Trailhead

Access to several different trails. Brecksville Nature Center is a National Historical Site, built in 1939.
Brecksville Physical Fitness Trail

The physical fitness trail consists of 18 exercise stations. Each station provides a different type of exercise. Located near Chippewa Ford Field, along Chippewa Creek Drive, west of Riverview Road in...
Chippewa Creek Gorge

Enjoy the natural surface trail with access down into the scenic Chippewa Creek Gorge.
Chippewa Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook

Chippewa Creek Gorge holds the earth’s history in its rocks. Chippewa Creek, in the northern section of Brecksville Reservation, flows through a remarkable gorge that was left behind by the glaciers t...
Chippewa Creek Gorge Trailhead

Take in the view of the Chippewa Creek gorge. Access the Hemlock and All Purpose trails.
Chippewa Field Trailhead

Access to the Fitness, All Purpose and Bridle trails.
Deer Lick Cave

Millions of years ago an ocean covered what is now Ohio. Salt from this ocean was trapped in the sands along the ocean’s shores. The salt became embedded in the sandstone that formed from these ancien...
Harriet Keeler Memorial

Harriet Keeler influenced the lives of many as a teacher and author. After earning her college degree, she worked for Cleveland Public Schools as a teacher, principal and superintendent. As a teacher,...
Meadows Picnic Area Trailhead

Enjoy a picnic lunch and access several different trails.
Meadows Trailhead

Meadows Trailhead provides easy access to a network of trails and a central parking area for equestrians and hikers.
My Mountain Trailhead

My Mountain Trail is a new three tenths of a mile one-way, natural surface trail, off of the White Oak Trail, that features seven crossing structures, a 300-foot boardwalk, and a scenic overlook. This...
Oak Grove Picnic Area Trailhead

Trail access from the reservable shelter that includes a fireplace, picnic tables, grills and swings.
Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 1

Site 1 is nestled inside of the backcountry site’s camp triangle most proximal to the kitchen area and food storage areas. The 12’ x 17’ designated tent area is a defined natural surface area that can...
Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 2

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 is a defined natural surface area that can accommodat...
Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 3

Site 3 features a wooden tent platform that can accommodate one 4-person tent or two small 2-person tents. The 10’ x 12’ designated tent area sits in solitude, and is the furthest from sites 1 and 2,...
Sledding Area at Sleepy Hollow

Sledding is available at Sleepy Hollow at the driving range and #10 tee. These areas have gentle slopes suitable for younger children and families. Please use the sledding hills with caution and with...
Squire Rich Museum

Squire Rich Museum is operated by the Brecksville Historical Society and is open Sunday afternoons from 1 – 4 p.m. June through October. Additional details available from Brecksville Historical Associ...
Tallgrass Prairie

The tallgrass prairie is a unique ecosystem with incredible plant and animal diversity. The variety of milkweed species makes the tallgrass prairie a perfect nursery for the monarch butterfly. Through...
York Road Archery Range

***Open Weather Permitting*** York Road Archery Range was made possible through an ODNR Division of Wildlife Shooting Range Cooperative Grant that was awarded to Cleveland Metroparks. Crooked River Ar...

Facilities

Brecksville Nature Center

Want to discover deep forested ravines, walk through a restored Ohio prairie with grasses over eight feet tall, or explore glacial river valleys carved over 10,000 years ago? Brecksville Nature Center...
Brecksville Stables

The Classical Attraction Dressage Society, a Region 2 Group Member Organization (GMO) of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), is a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote the advance...
Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Area

Harriet Keeler Picnic Area is located off Chippewa Creek Drive in Brecksville Reservation, west of Riverview Road in Brecksville across from Brecksville Nature Center.
Lower Chippewa Creek Picnic Area

Lower Chippewa Creek Picnic Area is located off Chippewa Creek Drive in Brecksville Reservation, between Route 82 and Valley Parkway in Brecksville.
Meadows Picnic Area

Featuring an open shelterhouse and a cookhouse, Meadows Picnic Area is located off Meadows Drive in Brecksville Reservation, off Chippewa Creek Drive in Brecksville.
Oak Grove Reservable Picnic Area

Oak Grove Reservable Picnic Area features a large open shelter with fireplace, vault-type restrooms, and informal ball field. It is located off Valley Parkway in Brecksville Reservation, between Chipp...
Ottawa Point Picnic Area

Ottawa Point Reserved Picnic Area features a large open shelter with fireplace and is located off Meadows Drive in Brecksville Reservation, between Valley Parkway and Parkview Road in Brecksville.
Plateau Picnic Area

Plateau Picnic Area is located off Chippewa Creek Drive in Brecksville Reservation, west of Riverview Road in Brecksville.
Stuhr Woods Picnic Area

Stuhr Woods Picnic Area is located on Valley Parkway in Brecksville Reservation, west of Ridge Road in North Royalton.
The Back Nine Grille at Seneca

Grab a beverage and a bite to eat at Seneca Golf Course. The casual atmosphere serves concession-like fare including burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries and more.Seating is available inside at t...
Trailside Program Center

Nestled in the Harriet Keeler Memorial woods, the Trailside Program Center follows Keeler's vision of sharing her love of nature through significant educational experiences. The Trailside Program Cent...
Valley View Room at Sleepy Hollow

Host your event at the Valley View room located on the Sleepy Hollow Golf Course. This event space offers a wide variety of amenities for all of your private event needs.

Programs & Events

More Events

Emerald Necklace Travel League

4/15/2025 - 9/23/2025

Seneca Golf Course

Private Event Registration
Junior League

6/11/2025 - 8/7/2025

Little Met Golf Course

Seneca Golf Course

This league is for intermediate skill players ages 8 to 17 mature enough to handle 9-holes of golf on their own.
Introduction to Golf - Part 1

6/18/2025 - 8/20/2025

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

The Introduction to Golf series is designed for adults. The program will meet for 5 consecutive weeks.
Drop-by: Fourth of July Craft

7/4/2025

Trailside Program Center

Celebrate the Fourth of July with us and stop by the Trailside Program Center to create your own red, white, and blue craft. Learn about what’s red, white and blue in nature.
Course Championship - GCAC Qualifier

7/5/2025 - 7/27/2025

Big Met Golf Course

Manakiki Golf Course

Seneca Golf Course

Shawnee Hills Golf Course

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

Saturday, July 5 – July, 6 Tee times start at 8 am $125/Person – Includes green fees & prizes Maximum of 60 Players
Ask the Naturalist Hour

7/5/2025

Brecksville Nature Center

Stop by Brecksville Nature Center between 10 a.m. - noon with your natural history questions. A naturalist will be on-hand to help you ID items of interest such as rocks, leaves, f...
Adventure into the Pollinator Garden

7/5/2025

Trailside Program Center

Embark on a vibrant journey through our pollinator paradise to witness the remarkable relationship between flowering plants and their essential winged visitors. On this guided expl...
Introduction to Golf - Part 2

7/7/2025 - 7/28/2025

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

The Introduction to Golf series is designed for adults. The program will meet for 5 consecutive weeks.
Junior Fundamental Series

7/8/2025 - 9/23/2025

Ironwood Golf Course

Seneca Golf Course

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

The Junior Fundamental Series is designed for juniors between the ages of 8-12. The program will meet for 4 consecutive weeks.
Wilderness Skills Camp - Advanced (11 - 13 years)

7/9/2025 - 7/18/2025

Ottawa Point Picnic Area

This camp will review basic skills and introduce more advanced skills including creating fire with a bow drill, making a coal-burned bowl, crafting a hiking stick, making lunch ove...
Fun on the Family Farm Camp (7 - 8 years)

7/9/2025 - 7/11/2025

Squire Rich Museum

What was it like to grow up on a family farm in the late 1800s? This camp will immerse your child into many of the aspects of a historic rural upbringing. They will learn firsthand...
Critters in the Creek

7/10/2025

Lower Chippewa Picnic Area

There are some amazing critters that live in the creek. Join us as we use nets to catch (and release) fish, salamanders, crayfish and a variety of insects. Be prepared to get wet. ...
Explore Summer Wildlife (Interactive Scavenger Hunt and Bioblitz)

7/12/2025

Brecksville Nature Center

Come join us for this family fun program where kids will use various clues to learn about local wildlife found in the Brecksville Reservation. Parents join in on the fun by partici...
Whittling for Beginners

7/12/2025

Trailside Program Center

Have you ever wanted to learn the art of whittling? Here is your chance. Everyone will learn the beginning art of whittling safety and make a wooden spoon with their new whittling...
Hike for Your Health

7/13/2025

Brecksville Nature Center

Get your heart pumping on the hills and valleys of Brecksville Reservation. We’ll try to beat the heat of the day as we hike the Deer Lick Loop Trail. Terrain: several hills, stai...
Archery for Beginners

7/13/2025

York Road Archery Range

Archery is a great activity that almost anyone can do. All the equipment is provided for an afternoon of fun learning the basics of the sport from certified instructors in a non-co...
Summer Stroll

7/14/2025

Brecksville Nature Center

Join a naturalist for a leisurely accessible hike. We’ll listen for birds and insects as we meander along the paved trails and enjoy the sights and sounds of summer in the park. T...
Trailside Explorers Camp (9 - 10 years)

7/15/2025 - 7/17/2025

Trailside Program Center

This camp will take exploration to a new level! Spend two days exploring the creeks and fields of Brecksville Reservation. We will search for a variety of animals in these habitats...
One Day Clinic - Chipping & Bunker Clinic

7/15/2025 - 7/22/2025

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

The Chipping & Bunker Clinic is designed for adult golfers inserted in a single day clinic.
Canal Songs and Stories

7/19/2025

Trailside Program Center

This year marks the 200th Anniversary of the genesis for the Ohio & Erie Canal. Come help us celebrate this momentous event in Ohio history. Bette Lou Higgins from Eden Valley Ente...
Nurture with Nature

7/21/2025

Trailside Program Center

Bring your family for a monthly program to explore nature through books, games, hikes and other activities. Today we’ll learn about fireflies. Terrain: flat, 0.25 mile
Nature Detective Camp (9 - 10 years)

7/23/2025 - 7/25/2025

Trailside Program Center

Come help solve mysteries in nature like a real detective. We will use our observation skills and clues from nature to solve mysteries about what is happening in our park. Most of...
Drop-by: Fun to be Fit

7/23/2025

Meadows Picnic Area

Stop by this morning with your little ones for some exercise and outdoor fun in the park. Race through a wet and wonderful obstacle course, play parachute games, and more.
Morning Meander

7/25/2025

Brecksville Nature Center

Join a naturalist to explore shorter trails at a slower pace to observe seasonal happenings. These walks are offered one Friday morning each month. Please see desired section for l...
Drop-by: Petal Painting

7/25/2025

Brecksville Nature Center

Flowers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Stop by any time between noon - 2 p.m. to create your own unique watercolor painting with these colors.
Creek Exploration

7/27/2025

Lower Chippewa Picnic Area

Exploring creeks, turning rocks and searching for creek critters is fun for the whole family. A naturalist will help guide you and your family, as you discover what lies beneath th...
Young Explorers Camp (5 - 6 years)

7/28/2025 - 8/13/2025

Trailside Program Center

Let the kids get a little dirty and a little wet while they explore all that Brecksville Reservation has to offer. Kids will look under logs, walk through the creek and catch insec...
Archery Youth Day Camp Sr. (13 - 17 years)

7/31/2025

York Road Archery Range

Join Naturalist Jenny McClain, USA Archery certified instructor, to learn the basics of this popular sport. We’ll cover proper shooting form, aiming techniques and enjoy some frien...
Archery Youth Day Camp Jr. (9 - 12 years)

8/1/2025 - 8/8/2025

York Road Archery Range

Join Naturalist Jenny McClain, USA Archery certified instructor, to learn the basics of this popular sport. We’ll cover proper shooting form, aiming techniques and enjoy some frien...
Around the Emerald Necklace Camp (7 - 8 years)

8/4/2025 - 8/8/2025

Trailside Program Center

This camp will take the kids all around the Emerald Necklace, each day filled with new adventures at a new location. Campers will spend one day at the following reservations: Rocky...
Stableford Competition

8/17/2025

Seneca Golf Course

Sunday, August 17 Tee times start at 8 am $60/ Person – Includes green fees & prizes Maximum of 60 Golfers
Bill Barbour Cup

9/6/2025

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

Saturday, September 6 Tee times start at 8 am $160/ Team – Includes green fees & prizes Maximum of 60 Golfers
FallFest: 18th Century Festival

9/28/2025

Meadows Picnic Area

Connect with history at Cleveland Metroparks annual FallFest: 18th Century Festival. This fun, free, family-oriented event takes place in the great outdoors of Brecksville Reservat...
Fossil Day

10/12/2025

Trailside Program Center

Kick off National Earth Science week with a display of Ohio and other fossils presented by The North Coast Fossil Club. Bring your own finds to be identified. Other activities will...