Northern Ohio is characterized by the presence of Lake Erie, which has speckled the Cleveland area with beautiful beaches and coastal parks. However, Erie is not the only lovely lake in Northeast Ohio, and it's certainly not the only location for summertime swimming or casual days at the beach. This 87-acre lake located in the Northeastern corner of Medina County is part of the Rocky River Watershed, and its cool waters and stunning surroundings make for the perfect summer escape.

Hinckley Reservation is located at the southern end of the Cleveland Metroparks.

Nestled in the cozy Hinckley Township area, this reservation is home to sandstone ledges, the oddly-coveted Buzzard's Roost, and an exquisite environment full of flora and fauna.

Hinckley Lake is the heart of Hinckley Reservation, and you truly have to see it to believe it.

Tucked between East Drive and West Drive, this naturally-occurring sapphire lake is one of many hidden gems in the Hinckley Reservation.

The lake features a public boat launch, which you are encouraged to take full advantage of.

Cruise along the coast of the lake and admire different species of waterfowl and native plants that thrive in the arresting atmosphere of this body of water.

Even if you do not have a boat handy, the Cleveland Metroparks have you covered.

The Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store stocks canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and rowboats. Take advantage of the balmy summer days by renting some sort of watercraft and spending the day on the water.

Hinckley Lake is also a pristine destination to go fishin'.

The Metroparks ensure that the lake is full of a variety of species including rainbow trout, carp, and bullhead catfish in this lake. Hinckley Lake also boasts of being the best largemouth bass lake in the Cleveland Metroparks, so if you love to fish, this destination is a must.

Hinckley Lake is one of six guarded swimming locations within the Cleveland Metroparks.

From June through August, trips to Hinckley Reservation are particularly rewarding. Visit the Lake's spillway swim area and spend a day on the sand or in the water.

Visitors are advised to take full advantage of the trails around Hinckley Reservation.

Hiking opportunities are everywhere in this local getaway. Walk your pups around the lake or go for a run through the woods. No matter which route you choose, you will be engulfed in breathtaking scenery.

Also hidden within the Hinckley Reservation are some, well, unusual features.

Whipps Ledges offers the best hiking and climbing opportunities, but Worden's Ledges will absolutely captivate you. The soft Sharon Conglomerate sandstone behind the Worden Heritage Homestead was carved into unusual images during the 1940's and 1950's.

Worden's Ledges aren't even the weirdest thing in Hinckley.

Each spring, crowds gather (rain or shine!) at Buzzard's Roost on March 15 to celebrate the return of turkey vultures to the Metroparks. Legend has it that this tradition was born out of the Great Hinckley Hunt of 1818, when hundreds of Northeast Ohioans went on a large-scale hunt after a supposed wolf. They hunted much more than the predator, though. When the winter snow melted, many of their catches became prime picking for the buzzards, who return yearly hoping to find another legendary snack.

If you don't make it this summer, no worries!

Hinckley Reservation is stunning all year long. As its many trees are painted in shades of rust, it glows golden for a few months before being blanketed in a dreamy blanket of white. Whenever you visit, be sure to bring a camera.

Just make sure you have time to visit the best hidden lake near Cleveland.

This location is truly picturesque, and it is doubtlessly one of the best features in the Cleveland Metroparks. Be sure to plan time for a visit, because this paradise is awaiting you.

Many make a tradition out of summer trips to Hinckley Lake, and it's easy to see why. It's a wonderland of color and natural beauty, and a visit to this site will cure any traces of cabin fever. Have you ever visited Hinckley Reservation? Tell us about your experience in the comments and share some pictures!