The Easy Trail Near Cleveland That Will Take You To The Top Of The World
Discover the stunning Ledges Overlook in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, accessible via an easy hike and offering breathtaking views, especially at sunset.
Have you ever gazed at our landscape here in Northeast Ohio and felt on top of the world? With such a gorgeous landscape, shaped lovingly by the forces of time, an ancient ocean, and a retreating glacier, it is impossible to feel anything less than wonder. At one point, however, you'll find yourself actually on top of the world. That secret spot is hidden in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but it isn't too hard to find.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is famous for its otherworldly beauty, but one spot, in particular, is stunning beyond belief.
Though the national park is lovely in all seasons and open year round, there's nothing like a summer sunset at the ledges. What are you waiting for? Let's get hiking!
Don't forget to share photos of our outdoor adventures on our Ohio Nature Lovers Facebook group or on Instagram using #onlyincleveland for a chance to see your snapshots featured!
For more incredible beauty, visit some of these additional local overlooks.
Spring weather in Cleveland is always a treat. The sun finally breaks through the gloom that leaves our sky roughly the same shade as our sidewalks, bathing the local landscape in life-giving light. Soon, spring flowers follow, and they're a welcome reprieve from the bleakness of winter. They also make hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks a treat like no other! At Bedford Reservation, there's one trail that's a bit of a hidden gem, but it's one of the loveliest wildflower hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks. You can check out the path on AllTrails, but I've gathered some info on the types of flowers you might encounter to get your adventure started on this spring hike in Cleveland. Check it out:
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Tucked away in Bedford Reservation, the Alexander Road Trailhead at Sagamore Creek is full of surprises.
With some 2,200 acres to explore, there's no shortage of beauty in Bedford Reservation. This part of the park houses Sagamore Creek Loop, which intersects with the Buckeye Trail and Summit Metroparks territory.
Some portions of the 3.5-mile Sagamore Creek Loop are easy, but if you can manage venturing deeper past forested slopes, waterfalls await.
Of course, waterfalls are dependent on rainfall, so there aren't always cascades, and they're not always big. Nevertheless, a number of small waterfalls beckon to hikers with their dreamy song.
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This portion of the park is also known for its wildflowers, which bloom throughout the warmer months.
From early spring to late summer, there's always something gorgeous growing at Bedford Reservation. Queen Anne's Lace, pictured here, usually pops up around June and lingers until the fall. This plant is actually part of the wild carrot family, and it's similar in appearance to poison hemlock. You should never pluck plants growing in public parks, but definitely read up on poison hemlock to ensure you avoid it while you're out hiking.
Of course, springtime is arguably the most magical season at the park, as all sorts of beautiful blooms start popping up.
Beginning in April, gorgeous spring flowers break through the dirt to greet the lengthening day. These gorgeous little azure bluets often pop up around the same time sought-after plants like trillium and squirrel corn appear, so sharp-eyed hikers can expect a visual treat during their visit.
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Sometimes, surprising plants like ghost pipe pop up, too.
This flowered plant is, believe it or not, a plant, not a fungus. The plant isn't necessarily rare, but it's not the most common sight, and finding it is always a surprise. Hikers have reported seeing it at Sagamore Creek Loop, so keep your eyes peeled!
To visit this beautiful park, you'll want to park at the trailhead off of Alexander Road (west of Dunham Road).
The parking lot isn't huge, but fortunately, this isn't the busiest little park in the Cleveland Metroparks. However, the entrance is a bit of a challenge to find. There's no sign (or if there is, I missed it) to mark the park, so I recommend navigating to this spot with a GPS or keeping your eyes peeled for a tiny parking lot.
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Bring some water for this hike, as the slopes may leave you needing fuel, but be prepared to take frequent stops for pictures.
The flowers growing at Sagamore Creek Loop are plentiful and stunning, so be prepared to take lots of photos. You never know what colors and patterns await you!
You're going to love this stunning spring Cleveland Metroparks hike.
Look for the parking lot in Walton Hills, OH 44146.
Sagamore Creek Loop, rich with trillium blooms and ghost pipes, is perhaps the loveliest spring wildflower hike in the Cleveland Metroparks. Are there any other Cleveland Metroparks hikes you love in the spring? Let us know your recommendations in the comments!
Want to embark on more spring hikes? Check out some of my favorite wildflower hikes near Cleveland to start building your own bucket list.
As part of the Rust Belt, it's not hard to imagine how industry shaped the identity of The Land. Of course, Cleveland was home to famous industrialists like John D. Rockefeller, but little makers and movers left their mark, too. Don't believe me? You'll want to pay a visit to Lawrence Grist Mill in Rocky River Reservation. This now-gone historic structure left a mark on the park's landscape, but its story is still waiting to be told.
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Tucked away in the Brook Park, Ohio portion of Rocky River Reservation is a gorgeous little landscape with a big story to tell.
This little slice of paradise is located off Valley Parkway, a long scenic drive that carves through the Cleveland Metroparks. The road connects to various parks in Cuyahoga County, but this spot is perhaps the easiest to envision as it appeared two centuries ago. You see, back then in 1832, the Lawrence Grist Mill was constructed here.
When Joel B. and Catherine Lawrence arrived in the area, they put down roots in a settlement known as Lenox Township.
Today, we call this area Olmsted Township, and it's a bit smaller than it was in the early 1800s. Part of Lenox Township — the northeastern corner — became part of Brook Park. While much has changed over the years, one thing still feels very much the same. Back when the Lawrence family arrived, the mighty Rocky River roared and caught their attention.
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The Lawrence Grist Mill took advantage of the mighty waters of the Rocky River, providing flour and grist milling services to locals.
The grist mill is long gone, but its presence left a mark on the local landscape. Two-century-old bricks have been partially hidden by nature, but they're still visible enough for hikers to discover.
While Joel Lawrence constructed the mill, it passed through several different owners before it finally shut down in the early 1900s.
As you walk through this portion of Rocky River Reservation, it's amazing to envision that an important local business once prospered here. The foundation of the building, made of locally-sourced Berea sandstone, isn't the only piece of the old structure that's still visible.
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Over near Cedar Point Road, a 50-foot tunnel that once diverted water from the river to the mill can still be seen.
I love the intricate tangle of roots on this riverside wall. It puts into perspective how much time has passed since the tunnel was first dug. The construction site was doubtlessly clear at that time, but now, Mother Nature has take over the area.
And an old river ford can still be seen across from the Rocky River Nature Center, too.
For centuries, residents around this area relied on water power. Our waterways allowed early industrialization to spread through the area, powering machines with the motion of water. Truly, it shaped the local landscape and offered a more comfortable lifestyle to millers and other participants in the area economy.
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Rocky River Reservation was the first park in the Cleveland Metroparks district, but its history is so much richer than you might initially expect.
Exploring this landscape is a true journey through time. Historical remnants of yesteryear await sharp-eyed hikers, and the story of various well-practiced mill owners is hiding among the park's ruins.
No matter the season, a trip to Lawrence Grist Mill in Rocky River Reservation is always a treat.
You'll find the park near Bridle Trail, Brook Park, OH, 44142.
The stunning Lawrence Grist Mill in Rocky River Reservation is now mere ruins, but they're still enchanting to experience. Have you ever visited this spot? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
While you're in Rocky River Reservation, be sure to budget time for a visit to the Smoky Memorial. Smoky, a fierce little lady, is a World War II veteran and the world's first-ever therapy dog.
