Posted in Cleveland November 27, 2017 by Nikki Rhoades

This Underrated Park Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place Near Cleveland

Clevelanders are constantly entranced by their stunning surroundings, and it’s easy to see why. The stunning landscape surrounding Cleveland has been divided into a variety of parks that vary greatly in their natural habitats and man-made contributions, but one park effortlessly blends nature and man-made ruins. You will adore walking the trails of this splendid abandoned quarry, and you will gain an unrivaled glimpse into an industry that helped shape the canal locks that are now abandoned all over the region.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

Located at 5779 Riverview Road in Peninsula, this amazing gem is only about half an hour away from Cleveland.

Since 1934, this lovely plot of land has been entertaining locals as part of the Summit Metro Parks, but ruins of its previous life are still abundant.

During its life as the State Quarry, the exposed ledges of Berea sandstone were chiseled and carved away to build the canal locks and other local structures.

The forest was cleared during the pioneer quarrying days, but it has since reclaimed the land and has flourished around the ruins.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is Lock 28, the deepest lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal.

At 1.4 miles, the Quarry Trail offers an exceptional way to see all that the park offers, including the famed lock.

The trail loops through areas littered with millstones and building foundations, and it will take you along vistas of the Cuyahoga River.

And, as you can probably imagine, this park is breathtaking in every season.

In the wintertime, the terraced ledges form spectacular stalactites of ice.

And in the warmer months, a variety of fauna call this park home.

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps collected stone from this park to build several Metro Parks facilities across the region.

Years before the Metro Parks existed, a man named Ferdinand Schumacher harvested the stone for use in oatmeal production.

Today, the park's incredible history is subtly preserved in the ledges and valleys of its expanse.

Adventure is always lurking around every twist and turn of the trail.

You will love this landscape, and it's too close to home to pass by without a visit.

Get ready to take in this unrivaled splendor, because few Cleveland area parks feature such lovely ruins!

This incredible park is littered with ruins of our economic past, and its trails and terrace certainly weave a stunning tale of our own local history. What do you love most about this lovely Summit Metro Park?

For another incredible hiking experience, be sure to visit Gorge Trail.