There’s a Hike Near Cleveland That Leads You Straight to an Abandoned Village

It's impossible to picture the Old West without its iconic ghost towns. But here on the easternmost edge of the Midwest, abandoned places near Cleveland often consist of urban and industrial decay, but there's a lot more history to be found here than first meets the eye! That’s where this hike through Tinkers Creek at Bedford Reservation, an underrated park in the Cleveland Metroparks system, comes in. While perhaps best known for its grand waterfall, this abandoned ruins in Cleveland hike hides another secret. As you meander through dense forest and winding creeks, you'll soon discover the remnants of one community’s extinct industry.

Please note: A portion of the trail between Tinker's Creek Scenic Overlook and Bridal Veil Falls is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in mid-May. Visit the Cleveland Metroparks website for more information about this pending closure. 

Where This Abandoned Ruins Hike Is Located Near Cleveland

Tucked away in the historic heart of Bedford, just 20 miles southeast of Cleveland, is Bedford Reservation, a natural area that was largely forgotten until it was opened in 2002 by the Cleveland Metroparks and the local government. The 2,000-acre park is a two-hour drive from Columbus and Toledo, making it an easy day trip from either city.

Viaduct Park and the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek are some of the most stunning areas in the reservation, and their history is as striking as their beauty. While the untrained eye will doubtlessly be struck by the majesty of the waterfall, careful observers will notice some other unusual structures. With free admission, easy access, and over 25 miles of trails, this reservation is an ideal place for a family to hike, picnic, and relax for a day.

The History Behind the Abandoned Village at Tinkers Creek

Dating back thousands of years, the valley inside the scenic area was carved by glaciers. In the late 18th century, the currents of Tinker Creek fueled local sawmills, gristmills, and even an electric power plant. The area's viaduct once transported trains across the dramatic scenery of this impressive creek. Industry absolutely thrived in the area, thanks in part to business-minded families like the Benedicts, the Willis', and the Gates.

So, what happened to this once industrious area? The answer is far less spooky than the mystery of many ghost towns: water power simply fell out of favor. The region surrounding the falls continued to grow as Bedford became more and more populated, but this little area was largely forgotten before its recent revitalization. Today, the area is a hub for outdoor recreation, and with its cascades and scenic beauty, it could arguably be one of the best places to see waterfalls near Cleveland.

What You’ll Actually See Along the Trail Today

Exposed foundations, mill races, and tunnels are evident throughout the area. The occasional discarded bricks adorn the property as a reminder of the grand structures that once abounded here, like the once well-known Waters & Son Mill. If you choose to visit the park for its natural beauty, you'll find yourself greatly rewarded. The natural beauty of this area is undeniable. Tinker's Creek, Berea Sandstone, and exposed shale delight nature lovers and photographers alike. The area is always full of birdsong, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life feels a million miles away in this entrancing gorge.

As you hike through the dense forest trails, you'll encounter flowing waterfalls, gorges, rock formations, and overlooks. However, if you venture to the park to admire local history, you’ll certainly find it here too. The reservation is full of helpful signs alluding to the gorge's unique history. With the help of the park's markers, it is easy to imagine what the community might have once looked like. There's nothing like a hands-on, interactive approach to history... and that's just what this hike provides.

Though it's something of a ghost town and certain areas can feel unsettling, Tinker's Creek is full of life and beauty. Adventurous hikers dare to venture into the surrounding tunnels, and some even crawl on rocks in the creek to get closer to the ruins. Locals and visitors enjoy the history, overlooks, hiking trails, and the waterfalls at this scenic spot. A recent visitor had this to say, "We are in town visiting from Florida and the local recommended. We check out Bedford Reservation, absolutely worth it, 10 out of 10. There are long winding roads with beautiful trees and plenty of places to pull off to see an overlook or a short little walk to a waterfall or a hiking trail."

Perhaps the most eerie thing about the area is that some of the earliest workers of this charming valley rest peacefully in the nearby Tinkers Creek Cemetery. Also known as Hillside Cemetery or Pilgerruh Cemetery, the resting ground is located at the end of the abandoned Tinkers Creek Road, right off of Canal Road. Some of its oldest gravestones likely belong to the area's earliest settlers, and the cemetery is thought to be full of unmarked graves of canal workers. It is also believed that the most recent burial here took place in the 1920s.

Despite the hustle and bustle that once filled this gorge, it has returned to a natural state of peace and quiet in the modern day and age. If you enjoyed this unique trail, you'll adore learning about this abandoned ghost town in Cleveland. The park is open until 11 p.m., so you'll have plenty of time to explore. However, keep in mind there are seasonal as well as occasional closures for repair. I would recommend checking the Cleveland Metroparks website before you come here.

This abandoned place near Cleveland harbors just one of the many fascinating stories hiding in Ohio's most unlikely locales. That said, there are oodles of majesty in the heart of Bedford Reservation, particularly on and around the banks of Tinkers Creek.

When will you be paying this area a visit? Or, for more hikes, tours, and adventures, check out some of our favorite things to do in Ohio!