Cleveland’s Metroparks offer plenty of exploration, without the hassle of having to drive an hour out of the way. And with over 23,000 acres of green and blue space, there are plenty of amazing vistas to discover. Here are our favorites.
Cleveland’s Metroparks offer plenty of exploration, without the hassle of having to drive an hour out of the way. And with over 23,000 acres of green and blue space, there are plenty of amazing vistas to discover. Here are our favorites.
Edgewater Park’s Cleveland Sign
216-904-9456, Lakeshore Blvd.
Edgewater Park is one of the more accessible parks within the metro area and one of the most popular (duh). Acting as Cleveland’s beach, there are plenty of fun summer activities to imbibe in here,
including taking your picture at one of the famous Cleveland city signs.
Photo via clevemetroparks/InstagramEdgewater Park’s Cleveland Sign
216-904-9456, Lakeshore Blvd.
Truly, upper Edgewater Park provides one of the best skyline views of the city, perfect to gaze at anytime of day and night.
Photo via for3st_gosp3l/InstagramDeer Lick Cave
440-526-1012, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville
To get to this beautiful vista, start your trek on the Deer Lick Cave Trail, located on the Brecksville Reservation on Valley Parkway. The short 100-yard trail will take you straight to the cave, offering a nice cozy spot to cool off in the summer.
Photo by @clevemetroparksDeer Lick Cave
440-526-1012, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville
Deer Lick Cave got its name from the abundance of white-tailed deer that go there to lick the cave’s walls for salt, not found in their largely plant based diet.
Photo by clevemetroparks/InstagramFort Hill Stairs
440-734-6660, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted
The Fort Hill Steps are an icon of Cleveland. Recently refurbished late last year, now is the perfect time to go back and see the new steps.
Photo via clevemetroparks/InstagramFort Hill Stairs
440-734-6660, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted
Climbing up all of these steps is well worth the effort, as they’ll take you to one of the best views in Cleveland. They’re located right behind the Rocky River Nature Center.
Photo via clevemetroparks/InstagramMill Creek Falls
717-881-6473, Mill Creek Trail
Located in Garfield Park Reservation, the Mill Creek Falls is a gorgeous sight to take in. Park in the reservation off Warner Rd. and take a light 1.5 mile hike to the falls.
Photo via clevemetroparks/InstagramMill Creek Falls
717-881-6473, Mill Creek Trail
The falls are the largest in Cuyahoga County, running 48-feet deep.
Photo via kris_edels/InstagramSquire’s Castle
216-635-3200, River Rd., Willoughby Hills
Yes, you can find a castle in one of our Metroparks. Allegedly, sometimes late at night, you can even catch a glimpse of Mrs. Squire, who supposedly died in the castle.
Photo via bestpicsofcleveland/InstagramHistoric Coast Guard Station
216-904-9456, 2800 Whiskey Island Dr.
Located in Whiskey Island and Wendy Park, the Cleveland Metroparks acquired the station last year and gave it a facelift. Check out renovations and beautiful new foliage any time this summer.
Photo via leo.rarity/InstagramHistoric Coast Guard Station
216-904-9456, 2800 Whiskey Island Dr.
Be sure to take in a view of the skyline from across Lake Erie at this historic site.
Photo via ericjhewitt/InstagramMill Stream Run Covered Bridge
440-734-6660, Strongsville
Old covered bridges offer that small town charm, and this especially lovely one is accessible from the Mill Stream Run Reservation.
Photo via niksaysnamaste/InstagramMill Stream Run Covered Bridge
440-734-6660, Strongsville
Feel free to walk, run or even bike through the bridge, but we recommend going slow and steady to really take in the atmosphere.
Photo via jimmymac4782/InstagramWhipps Ledges
330-278-2160, Hinckley Lake Loop Trail, Hinckley
Whipps Ledges is one of the few spots that provides outdoor rock climbing in Cleveland, but do make sure you have your permit.
Photo via clevemetroparks/InstagramWhipps Ledges
330-278-2160, Hinckley Lake Loop Trail, Hinckley
So grab a friend and take 94 north to St. Rt. 606, looking out for signs guiding you to this vista. Once there, you won’t believe you’re just 30 minutes away from the city.
Photo via erinjoydonovan/InstagramaButtermilk Falls
440-473-3370, 3037 Som Center Rd., Willoughby Hills
Buttermilk Falls is one of the more scenic waterfalls within the Metroparks system. But it sometimes gets overlooked by two of the more accessible waterfalls on the North Chagrin Reservation. Pro tip: Don’t pass up Buttermilk Falls.
Photo via chay_zzzz/InstagramButtermilk Falls
440-473-3370, 3037 Som Center Rd., Willoughby Hills
Located downstream from Blue Hen Falls, it’s well worth the extra walk to take in this view. Trust us.
Photo via snobrdohion/InstagramTinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook
216-635-3200, Gorge Pkwy., Walton Hills
Don’t miss this National Natural Landmark with a breathtaking panoramic view of the park.
Photo by dodsquatch/InstagramTinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook
216-635-3200, Gorge Pkwy., Walton Hills
This overlook is wheelchair accessible and can be found between Dunham and Egbert Roads, off Gorge Parkway on the Bedford Reservation.
Photo by clevemetroparks/Instagram
