This Man-Made Waterfall And Swimming Hole In The Cleveland Metroparks Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 07, 2022
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Nikki Rhoades
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Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Once summertime comes to Northeast Ohio, things get a little bit… well, intense. Heat and humidity are a powerful combo, but there are plenty of shady and watery places to cool off! Today, we’re going to look at a free place to swim in Medina County, hiding just south of Cleveland in the Cleveland Metroparks park district. Grab some sunscreen and let’s dive in!
The charming and welcoming Spillway Swim Area is a fun place near Cleveland to spend a summer day.
Hinckley Spillway is truly a hidden gem. Tucked away in the countryside and hiding in the Cleveland Metroparks' southernmost reservation, it's a bit out of the way... but well worth a visit.
Complete with sandy shores and plenty of shade, the Hinckley Spillway is small in size, but big on fun.
Fortunately, the spillway and the lake are near the front of the reservation and are easy to find. You'll love soaking up some sun surrounded by history and natural beauty!
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Since Hinckley Lake brushes up against the swim area, it offers an easy nearby hike that's perfect for hikers of all ages and activity levels.
Hinckley Lake Loop Trail is fairly easy to conquer, but it isn't paved. After rains, the wooded portion of the trail may get a bit muddy, so that's something to keep in mind before you begin your trek.
The lake is beautiful, so taking a moment to soak it in is always worthwhile.
There are all sorts of pretty places to stop and take a seat so you can take in the lake's blue waters, reflective atmosphere, and surrounding birdsong.
After heavy rains, the historic dam itself becomes a waterfall...
Buzzard's Landing is open only on the weekends, so you'll want to pack a picnic if you swing by on a weekday. However, if you do swing by on a weekend, bring your appetite! The counter serves up delicious local ice cream.
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There's not typically a lifeguard on duty, so remember to bring a buddy along for the sake of safety.
Honestly, the buddy system is a good rule to follow regardless of where you are in the Metroparks. Hiking accidents do happen, and it's always best to be prepared just in case of emergency.
Also, remember to watch your step in the water. There may be crayfish and salamanders living under stones and wood, so remember to respect that you're in their home!
If you do go looking for these aquatic critters, you can turn over stones to see if they're hiding underneath. However, remember to put everything back as you found it... disrupting an ecosystem can do more damage than you may realize.
This lovely little spot is truly a hidden gem in the Cleveland Metroparks.
You'll find the beach at 1824 Metropolitan Park W, Hinckley, OH 44233.
This free place to swim in Medina County is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. The whole family will love the ambiance of Hinckley Reservation, and you might even decide to hike after your swim sesh to experience more of the park. Be sure to have your camera ready, because this area is beautiful!
While you’re in the area, you might enjoy exploring Whipp’s Ledges just up the street. It’s a bit of a steeper hike, but the payoff is downright amazing.
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