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.
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.
Berea sandstone is everywhere across the state. In fact, you may recognize this lovely material as the building blocks of the James A. Garfield Memorial in Lake View Cemetery. Within the Summit Metro Parks, you may have seen this rock in the Pioneer Shelter in Goodyear Heights Metro Park.
Years before the Metro Parks existed, a man named Ferdinand Schumacher harvested the stone for use in oatmeal production.
Ferdinand Schumacher is considered to be the man that introduced oatmeal to the United States. He purchased a portion of the quarry in 1879 to create millstones that could remove the outer hulls of oats. He would go on to establish Akron's American Cereal Works, which would eventually become the Quaker Oats that we all know and love. Who knew it got its start so close to home?!
Today, the park's incredible history is subtly preserved in the ledges and valleys of its expanse.
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.
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.
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