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    Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 1

    Parks | Visit | Parks | Brecksville Reservation | Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 1
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    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 area is a defined natural surface area that can accommodate one 4-person tent or two small 2-person tents. Sites 1 and 2 sit close to each other and the shared general use space.

    • Brecksville Reservation
      Brecksville, OH
    • Driving Directions

    Overview


    Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites are designed for users to hike-in only. They are great for backpacking and microadventures where sleeping under the stars is the goal. Guests should expect to hike at least 3 miles to the backcountry sites from where they are parking in Cleveland Metroparks.  The backcountry sites reside about 0.25 miles along the Buckeye Trail from Ottawa Point Picnic Area. Located within the picnic area are bathrooms (year-round) and a water spigot (only available May – September). Anyone using the site should plan to carry water in October – April as the spigot will be turned off to prevent freezing.  Natural surface trails are not cleared of snow in the winter; please plan your stay accordingly. Guests are NOT permitted to park at Ottawa Point Picnic Area to start their backcountry experience.
    Ottawa Point Picnic Area is a reservable location; please be respectful of any guests using the area.


    Rules & Regulations


    In order to help ensure a quality, fun, and safe experience, we ask all users to review the rules and regulations, and to follow Leave No Trace Principles.
    • Sites will be hike-in only (about 3 miles); users will not be able to access the backcountry sites to unload gear from their vehicles.
    • Set-up begins at 3 p.m. or later on your reservation date with departure no later than noon the following day.
    • Must use latrines provided at Ottawa Overlook Picnic Area.
    • Please cook and hang food in the designated areas.
    • No alcohol permitted.
    • No fires will be permitted any time of the year.
    • To preserve the area for future use, no trees should be trimmed or removed.
    • Trash is to be packed in and packed OUT.
    • Wash yourself, your dishes and your clothes using a container. Washing in a spring, lake or waterway is prohibited. Dispose of wastewater at least 200 feet from water resources, trails, and campsite.
    • Please do not feed wildlife.
    • Dogs and cats may accompany their owners in the Park District; however, pets must be controlled on a leash not more than eight feet long, and all excrement must be placed in a litter receptacle.

    Rental Info

    • Fee: $5 non-refundable processing fee
    • Capacity: 4 individuals/site maximum capacity; must stay within designated boundary
    • Best for: Backcountry sites are ideal for backpackers and those capable of hiking in with necessary overnight equipment. Expect to hike about 3 miles from where your vehicle is parked.
    • Amenities: Potable water (May-September), Restrooms within .25 miles, Hangable food storage
    • Activities: Backpacking
    Permits are available year-round, but must be booked at least 2 days in advance.
    Permit holders must be at least 18 years old and are responsible for all guests.
    Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email.  This is your permit.  You MUST keep a copy with you at all times and present it to any Cleveland Metroparks Police or other staff upon request. 
     
    For your safety at the start of your trip, call Dispatch via the non-emergency number 440-331-5530:
    • Ask for the Cleveland Metroparks Dispatch
    • Tell them you have an overnight vehicle.
    • Tell them the vehicle location ((Only Brecksville Nature Center (3.1 miles away) or Plateau Picnic Area (3.4 miles away) when parking in Cleveland Metroparks. Backcountry permit holders can NOT park at Ottawa Picnic Area (0.25 miles away); they must hike in)), make, model, and license plate number.
    Vehicles that don’t call in can be subject to being removed as an abandoned vehicle. Cleveland Metroparks is not responsible for any vehicle damage that may occur while parked at either of the designated overnight sites. 

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

    • Backcountry Site Map
    • Learn more about the Buckeye Trail or find maps.
    • Nearby attractions

    Rental Information

    Capacity:
    Best for: Picnics & Shelters
    Amenities: Drinking Fountain, Restrooms, Trail Access
    Activities: Backpacking , Exploring Nature, Hiking & Walking

    March 2023
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    Availability

    Select a circled date to see available rentals.

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    Map of Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 1 Interactive Map

    Activities
    • Backpacking
    • Exploring Nature
    • Hiking & Walking
    Amenities
    • Drinking Fountain
    • Restrooms
    • Trail Access

    Nearby Attractions

    • View More
    • Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 2
      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 accommodate one 4-person tent or two small 2-person tents.

      • Brecksville Reservation
    • Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 3
      Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Site 3

      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 tent area sits in solitude, and is the furthest from sites 1 and 2, the cooking area, and food storage areas.

      • Brecksville Reservation
    • Ottawa Point Picnic Area
      Ottawa Point Picnic Area

      Plan your picnic at Ottawa Point Picnic Area! This large open shelter includes a fireplace, grills, swings, water, playfield and horseshoe pit.

      • Brecksville Reservation
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