Wanna scream? Sure you do. Just a big old “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” would sure feel good right about now. And you’re not alone. The LA Times reported this month that Google searches for “I want to scream” peaked in August compared to the previous 12 months; moms are now getting together to let out primal, cathartic screams; and a day doesn’t go by without some personal or national crisis that wouldn’t be easier to deal with if you couldn’t just yell a bit. So we hunted high and low for 22 of the best places around Cleveland to do just that, if you wished. Of course, screaming is bound to draw attention — someone could believe you’re in danger. But if you’re alone, standing on the edge of the lake, or over a river, or on a downtown lookout spot, screaming at the water or the skyline like it just did you wrong, well, people are bound to understand.
North Chagrin Reservation
3037 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby Hills
Known mostly for Squires’ Castle, the North Chagrin Reservation also boasts hiking trails to go through the woods. Sunset Pond and Sanctuary Marsh are two other popular tourist sites to yell. Credit:Cleveland Metroparks/IGRocky River Reservation
24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted
The Rocky River Reservation expands all the way through Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River. With numerous trails throughout the reservation, there’s a great hike and a ton of spots to get your energy out. Credit:@CleveMetroParks/InstagramLake Erie Bluffs
2901 Clark Rd., Perry
Lake Erie Bluffs provides a combination of wetland hiking and dry trails. There is access to a natural lake and areas open for fishing. The park also has a 50-foot coastal observation tower, providing a view of the lake as well as the surrounding forest. Credit: Tammi Marie/Lake Erie BluffsMentor Marsh
5185 Corduroy Rd., Mentor
This marsh is a mixed swamp forest, one of the last of its kind in the Lake Erie region. There is also a sugar-maple forest bordering the marsh. Credit:@KelseyDoherty/InstagramChagrin Falls
If you’re a fan of quaint downtown areas, there’s nowhere better than Chagrin Falls, especially when it comes to seeing the fall colors, especially if you’re overlooking the Falls themselves. The drive here alone will be filled with beautiful scenery and this throwback downtown, filled with great shops and restaurants, is perfect for autumn.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesChapin Forest Reservation
9938 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland
With six miles of trail, this reservation is open year-round for entertainment. Hike, run or ski through the thick forest, or check out Lucky Stone Loop trail for a spectacular view of Lake Erie.
Photo via bri_gavin13/Instagram Credit:@bri_gavin13/InstagramHike Walter Best Wildlife Preserve
11620 Ravenna Rd., Chardon
This small preserve, part of the Geauga Park District, has gorgeous views for miles. What better time to check them out than the changing of the seasons? Credit:@adventuring_in_the_meowtains/InstagramSports, Recreation and The Outdoors
There are certainly parts of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks you haven’t yet explored, and this summer’s as good a time as any to expand your local nature travels. Beyond that, the Metroparks offer plenty of other ways to get a deeper understanding of nature, including free guided bird watching walks, tours of local reservations, kayaking lessons, nature hikes and family-friendly events. Make use of the expertise you’re already paying for. Find more information all summer long at clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/calendar Credit:@CleveMetroParks/InstagramCultural Gardens
Technically, it may be a bit rude to scream into the void at the Cultural Gardens, but screw it, it could be a good spot. Credit: Scene ArchivesSouth Chagrin Reservation
37374 Miles Rd, Bentleyville
Expanding through Moreland Hills, Bentleyville, Chagrin Falls and Solon, this beautiful Metroparks reservation is known for Henry Church Rock (formerly Squaw Rock), a rock formation carved in 1885 that runs along the picturesque Chagrin River. Screaming into the void from the top of Squaw Rock is something from a movie. Credit:@CleveMetroparks/InstagramDo Something (Safe) in the Metroparks
The Emerald Necklace is one of Northeast Ohio’s most treasured assets and the envy of tons of other big cities. There’s something for everyone. Walk, hike, bike, rollerblade, skip, jump, bird watch, sleep, picnic, lounge, golf — whatever. It’s nature, and it’s magnificent. Just don’t do anything too crazy when you’re high. Credit:Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/FacebookThe Towpath at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
1550 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula
This popular trail, which receives more than 2 million visitors per year, extends 81 miles through the gorgeous Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Explore the Ohio Canal, the historic scenic railroad and much more.
Photo via @MarcJSolis/Instagram Credit:Scene archivesYou will love life on the lake Credit: Scene ArchivesEuclid Creek Reservation
850 Euclid Creek Pkwy., Cleveland
This urban enclave of the Metroparks is the closest reserve to the city of Cleveland. Covering 2.5 miles, part of it runs along the Lake Erie shoreline and goes through the area that used to be Euclid Beach Park.
Photo via @Lilo563/Instagram Credit:@Lilo563/InstagramYou will say you’re from Cleveland even if you’re from the suburbs Credit: Scene ArchivesFort Hill Nature Preserve
13614 Fort Hill Rd., 800-283-8905
Fort Hill is a great spot for hiking, with plenty of opportunity to bird watch and look for rare mushroom species. The preserve has rich history, built by American Indians of the Hopewell Culture about 2,000 years ago. Learn about this Ohio tribe and walk the same trails they once cultivated
Photo via da_vinci_of_sorts/Instagram Credit:@da_vinci_of_sorts/InstagramGlacier Ridge Metropark
9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City
With three easy trails, with fun names like Ironweed, Marsh Hawk and Red Oak, Glacier Ridge offers a family-friendly environment through forest, field and wetland for walkers of all levels.
Photo via jcaron10/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesHolden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland
Out east in the Kirtland/Mentor area, you’ll find Holden Arboretum, home to over 3,500 hundred acres of trees, plants, wildlife and scenic views. With over 200 miles of trails, you can certainly find a great spot to yell as loud as you can. Credit:Holden Arboretum/FacebookBedford Reservation
Gorge Parkway, Walton Hills
Probably most known locally for Shawnee Hills Golf Course, this reservation is home to a deep gorge that was declared a national natural landmark. Because of the gorge, and Tinker’s Creek, the 2,200 acres of this reservation are some of the most scenic in the Metroparks system, especially the Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook. The Overlook may be the best place to scream into the void out of all of these. Credit:@CleveMetroparks/InstagramChristmas Rocks Nature Preserve
2340 Meister Rd. SW., Lancaster
If you’re up for a longer hike, climb to the top of Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve and experience the picturesque view of the forest below where you can scream to your heart’s content. If you want to keep it short, stay on flat ground and still enjoy the beautiful views. Credit:@AveryWinston93/InstagramNelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
12440 OH-282, Garrettsville
Covering 167 acres, this state park is known for its beautiful waterfalls and ledges that are great for jumping into the river. While you might not want to do that in the winter, the waterfalls are beautiful to see when frozen and there are four scenic trails to explore.
Photo via @MrLambert007/Instagram Credit:@MrLambert007/Instagram
