You'll Never Forget A Trip To These 9 Wooded Spots Around Cleveland

Cleveland, while an urban jungle, is surrounded by stunning scenery. Incredible overlooks, verdant hillsides, and breathtaking cliffs add a sense of magic to the Northeast Ohio landscape. There’s no shortage of beauty here, and today we’re going to drive through some of the most incredible sites in the area. Pack a pair of hiking boots, because you’ll doubtlessly want to explore some of these natural spaces:

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This stunning waterfront beach is the westernmost park in the Cleveland Metroparks' Lakefront Reservation, and it's one of the most striking. The wooded trails of Lakefront Reservation contrast distinctly with the landscape of this beach, which offers sunbathing and bird watching alike. Stunning views and sand enchants visitors on sunny days.

Address: 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH, 44102

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Once upon a time, this plot of land served as one of the City of Cleveland's first parks. It was acquired by the Cleveland Metroparks in 1993, though it has attracted visitors since the early 1900s. This reservation is tucked against the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and it offers a refreshing natural escape in the midst of the urban jungle that is Cleveland.

Address: 3900 John Nagy Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, 44144

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Deep ravines, rocky gorges, and forested trails make this park an oasis for nature lovers. The West Creek watershed spans this area, hiding former quarries and splendid natural spaces amid its expanse.

Address: 2277 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma, OH, 44134

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Worden's Ledges is a true hidden gem in the Metroparks. This incredible outdoor art museum is hidden in Hinckley Reservation, and the star of the show is a collection of carvings done by a local known as Noble Stuart. Stuart married into the Worden family, much to the chagrin of the remaining family of his 80-year-old bride, and set out to transform the property. From 1944 to 1948, he decorated the sandstone cliffs with unusual likenesses that are still visible today.

Address: Ledge Road and State Road, Hinckley Township, OH, 44233

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Believe it or not, this reservation is the largest urban park in the entire state. This 3,026-acre space encompasses a large chunk of Chippewa Creek and its spectacular gorge, as well as a variety of historic sites including the Squire Rich Home & Museum. Within this reservation, you'll enjoy a variety of unique landscapes, some of which host unusual and rare plant life.

Address: 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville, OH, 44141

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Are you ready for a scenic trip through Cuyahoga Valley National Park? You simply must stop at the area's crown jewel; Brandywine Falls. This 65-foot-tall waterfall is stunning in every season, cascading into a dramatic gorge that's lined with man-made overlooks.

Address: 8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, OH, 44067

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While Bedford may seem as urban as any city, it actually hides several stunning waterfalls. One of the most spectacular, the Great Falls of Tinker's Creek, can be accessed via Bedford Reservation. During your visit, you'll uncover abundant wildflowers, stunning hiking trails, and even the remains of an old mill town.

Address: 18753 Egbert Road, Bedford, OH, 44146

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South Chagrin Reservation is an incredible and arguably underappreciated park in the Cleveland Metroparks. With a river, several stunning trails, and unique features like a polo field and the iconic Henry Church Rock, there truly is no park quite like this one. As you admire this landscape, you'll doubtlessly want to embark on a quick hike or two.

Address: 37374 Miles Road, Bentleyville, OH, 44022

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Garfield Park Reservation is truly an urban gem. This park includes a ginormous waterfall that's amazingly man-made, as well as features like New Deal Era stonework. This park first opened to the public in 1895, and it has since come under the management of the Cleveland Metroparks.

Address: 11350 Broadway Avenue, Garfield Heights, OH, 44125

Northeast Ohio is home to endless beauty, and this road trip will take you to some of the most breathtaking places in the area. Which of these parks is your favorite to visit?

If you enjoyed this trip, you’ll love this scenic drive through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.