Posted in Cleveland March 12, 2019 by

The Magnificent Overlook Near Cleveland That’s Worthy Of A Little Adventure

Any adventure-seeker in Northeast Ohio knows to look to the Cleveland Metroparks for an unforgettable hike. The scenery of this park district spans across Greater Cleveland, and one of its oldest locales hides some of the most iconic natural features. Rocky River Reservation, arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the area, is overflowing with opportunity for adventure. Lace up your hiking boots, because it might get a bit muddy where we’re heading today!

Rocky River Reservation is the most iconic of the Cleveland Metroparks.
Michelle/Flickr
The incredible landscape of this gorgeous place is hard to forget, and it doubtlessly mesmerized the first members of the Metropolitan Park District board. A 3.8-acre parcel of this site was purchased in 1919, and it became the first land purchased for the Cleveland Metroparks.
With land in Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River, there's much to see in this magnificent park.
Cleveland Metroparks / Facebook
The namesake river of this park offers great adventures for hikers and fishers. Wetlands and meadows abound, and shale cliffs add striking angles to the scenery. There's even a trickling urban waterfall that's downright enchanting.
No matter where you look in this reservation, each site's beauty is rivaled by the majesty of Berea Falls Scenic Overlook.
Alex Toney/Flickr
The post-glacial waters of Rocky River rushed over and carved away at chunks of Berea Sandstone to create these breathtaking falls.
Berea Falls is located in the southernmost tip of the Rocky River Reservation, and it requires just a bit of hiking...
Google Maps
You can find directions to the park here.
…but this urban waterfall is well worth the trek, as it's overflowing with majesty and history.
Cleveland Metroparks / Facebook
The exposed sandstone you're looking at is an ancient reminder that the area was once a river delta a few million years ago.
And the historic bridges behind it provide a perfectly quaint backdrop.
Cleveland Metroparks / Facebook
They also provide a bit of shade in the lovely gorge below, which is easily accessible and worth exploring.
The unique landscape offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in any and every season.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Surrounded by sycamores and cottonwoods, the scenery around this waterfall makes it particularly unforgettable. The crest of the falls is small compared to many in the area, but its landscape creates a dreamy escape worthy of a story book.
This site is located right off of the All Purpose Trail, which will also lead you into the northern reaches of the reservation.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
The trail spans a total of 13.6 miles, reaching throughout the length of the Rocky River Reservation. It's a treat to hike, though it is worth exploring the trails in short and sweet segments throughout the seasons.
Adventure awaits in the beauty of the Rocky River Reservation.
Erik Drost/Flickr

This lovely waterfall is well worth the trek, and the view it offers will take your breath away. Have you ever visited this famous waterfall before?

If you’re enamored by waterfalls, just wait until you take this staircase hike to one of the area’s grandest waterfalls.

Address: Berea Falls Scenic Overlook- Barret Overlook, 136 E Bagley Rd, Berea, OH 44017, USA