The Hike To Stoneybrook Falls Near Cleveland Is Short And Sweet
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 05, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
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.
Northeast Ohio is gorgeous. Residents that have spent entire lifetimes here find it is easy to grow accustomed to our familiar and welcoming landscape. There’s something incredibly powerful, however, about discovering a surprising feature like a waterfall gracing the local landscape. While Greater Cleveland is home to some incredible and striking waterfalls — Mill Creek Falls, Brandywine Falls, and The Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek are just a few — there are just as many little-known waterfalls in the area. Some are huge and others are little more than a tiny trickle. Today, we’re going on a virtual visit to a petite and pretty waterfall near Cleveland. You’re sure to fall in love with Stoneybrook Falls and this is one waterfall hike you won’t want to pass up.
Located about 30 minutes outside of Cleveland is Penitentiary Glen Reservation, a gorgeous destination in the Lake Metroparks district.
Remember the Halle Bros. Co. in Cleveland? Its owners purchased a plot of land in 1912 to turn into a working farm and summertime retreat. At the time, it was common for wealthy Clevelanders to retreat to the countryside in the summer months. Little did they know, their mindful use of the land preserved it and kept it safe from development, which allowed it to transform into the park that occupies the plot today.
This gorgeous park is an absolute dream for nature lovers, especially if you’re hoping to discover something special hiding in the landscape.
More than 8.5 miles of trails crisscross this striking landscape. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife proclaimed this reservation a "Watchable Wildlife" site, and visitors are enchanted by its forests, wetlands, and unbeatable atmosphere.
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Stoneybrook Falls is less than 10 feet in height, but it’s absolutely gorgeous and is easily accessible.
Gorge Rim Trail is stunning, and it’s an easy hike that’s just under one mile in length. Its expanse is compacted gravel, so it’s not completely smooth, but it is much easier to traverse than an unpaved, natural trail.
This 424-acre reservation hides many surprises, but the gorge in which Stoneybrook Falls is situated is one of the most beautiful natural features.
Visitors are absolutely delighted by this natural gorge. Relaxing and scenic, this pretty place feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of development.
And while the park’s waterfall is much smaller than some of the more well-known Greater Cleveland falls, it’s every bit as mesmerizing.
Enchanting and impressive, Stoneybrook Falls has oodles of charm in each and every season. Some say it’s most spectacular in the autumn months when the waterfall is surrounded by fall foliage and bathed in warm hues.
Even if you don’t descend into the gorge, you’ll enjoy a trip around Penitentiary Glen Reservation.
With more than 400 acres awaiting exploration, you’ll find hours of fun in this gorgeous Lake Metroparks destination. There are miles of trails awaiting the opportunity to intrigue the passionate hiker, and there’s endless beauty beckoning to lovers of nature.
However, you’d be crazy to pay a visit to this picturesque park and not visit the waterfall off of Gorge Rim Trail.
Greater Cleveland is home to a number of stunning features, yet this petite waterfall has remained largely unknown. In what season will you be paying a visit?
