10 Trails With Historical Significance
Wildflower Loop Trail, Brecksville Reservation
Over three hundred acres of Brecksville Reservation were set aside for Harriet Keeler. On this trail, you can see the Harriet Keeler Memorial and across the street, you can see the oldest picnic shelter in the park, at the Harriet Keeler Picnic Area, built in 1928.
Viaduct Park Loop, Bedford Reservation
Follow a short path into the beginning of Tinker's Creek Gorge and discover the remains of an old grist mill that was later converted into an electric mill. You can even crawl through the historic mill race that once channeled water to power the mill. Along the way, admire a half-buried viaduct bridge that once carried trains nearly 100 feet above the creek. Today, a large stone tunnel channels the creek beneath the viaduct as it plunges deeper into the gorge. You'll also have the opportunity to take in the dramatic Great Falls of Tinker's Creek, where water crashes over layers of Berea Sandstone and shale bedrock.
Towpath Trail between Rockside Rd and the 6-mile Marker, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
The Towpath Trail closely follows the historic route once used by horses and mules to tow canal boats along the Ohio & Erie Canal. This paved trail run parallel to the northernmost watered section of the canal, which also serves as a popular Cleveland Metroparks fishing spot.
Trailside Museum Trail, North Chagrin Reservation
This trail leads to the site of the original North Chagrin trailside museum, where you can view its footprint and a sign featuring historical photos. Located with A.B. Williams Memorial Woods at the start of the Slyvan Loop and Overlook trails, the area is surrounded by centuries-old trees that have silently witnessed the unfolding of history.
Skinner Run Trail, West Creek Reservation
Skinners Run gets its name from Ichabod Lord Skinner's family who settled near the mouth of West Creek in 1818. If you travel its length, you'll cross over four bridges that symbolize important features, nearby resources and historic names that have been a part of the West Creek Reservation's story.
All Purpose Trail, Brookside Reservation
Brookside Reservation itself has long been a historical recreation hub for Cleveland. If you head towards the Fulton Rd Bridge on the APT in Brookside, you will come across a field on October 10, 1915 over 10,000 spectators watched the intercity championship baseball game between White Auto and Omaha "Luxuus" at Brookside Park Stadium.
Fort Hill Loop Trail, Rocky River Reservation
Fort Hill isn't just about the stairs! On the National Register of Historic Places, Fort Hill is an authentic earthworks site believed to have been created over 2,000 years ago. Access to this site requires walking up the 155 stairs located behind Rocky River Nature Center.
Quarry Loop Trail, Bradley Woods Reservation
Hike among the remnants of a Berea sandstone quarry. Imagine the flurry of activity that once took place in this now serene swap forest as you explore this now abandoned site of early industry.
All-Purpose Trail, Huntington Reservation
Standing over Porter Creek Drive is a huge concrete structure that is a remnant of the interurban train system that ran between Cleveland and Detroit between 1901 and 1938.
Castle Valley Trail, North Chagrin Reservation
This trail provides two opportunities to view historic landmarks, with one end of the trail set of the original trailside museum and the other at the iconic Squire's Castle. What is known as Squire's Castle was actually built as the gatehouse back in the 1890's for bigger estate that was never built, but the remaining walls and structures are open and you can explore and imagine what it was like its former glory! this trail does have lots of elevation changes and is a more difficult trail, but with great rewards.
