Enjoy A Long Walk At This Underrated County Park Near Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published December 19, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
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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.
Seven miles is a lot to walk at once, but seven miles can be easily divided across several hiking trips. Of course, I’m talking about the stunning trails at Girdled Road Reservation in Chardon, Ohio. Many Clevelanders haven’t heard of this park, though it’s under an hour away and is overflowing with natural splendor. Nevertheless, this park in Chardon, Ohio, continues to enchant long-time and first-time hikers alike. There’s so much to see here, from stunning valley views to one historic structure that can’t be overlooked. Pack some trail mix and lace up your hiking boots, because this gorgeous landscape near Cleveland is awaiting your visit.
Chardon is only about 40 minutes from home, but it feels like another world. This area has a slightly different landscape than Cleveland, thanks in part to features like Gildersleeve Mountain at the Allegheny Plateau.
When the park was purchased in 1965, it was named for one of the first roads in the area.
Girdled Road stretched from Pennsylvania to Cleveland, and it was the first road to do so. Today, a small portion of this original road remains, and it traces the northern boundary of the park.
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There's remarkable beauty here, no matter what time of year you visit.
With 942 acres to explore here, there's no shortage of beauty. The Lake Metroparks interactive trail map can help you find the best routes for your hiking preferences. Personally, I'm a big fan of any section of path that brushes against Big Creek, which is a tributary of the Grand River. When settlers first started populating this area, the more business-minded folks built mills fueled by Big Creek's powerful waters.
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If you'd like to get up close and personal with Big Creek, the 90-foot suspension bridge will do the trick.
As this bridge is suspended, it may sway a bit as you cross. Don't be alarmed, this is just part of the design! The bridge is best reached from the Skok Meadow portion of the park.
For your safety, fencing lines the entirety of the bridge.
Nonetheless, it doesn't block out the view! While this particular path is likely not the best if you have a fear of heights, adventure lovers everywhere will enjoy feeling like they're in a movie.
The campsite at Girdled Road Reservation is homey and welcoming, complete with a firepit, grill, and sitting spaces. However, it doesn't have an on-site restroom, so be prepared to hike to the nearest latrine, bring your own camping toilet, or rough it like a true Girl Scout. (Personally, I recommend the camping toilet. They also make portable camping showers, too! These amenities will transform your outdoor experience.)
There's more to do in the park, whether you're planning to camp or just hike around for a day.
Fishing, birding, cross-country snowshoeing, and geocaching are a few of the draws here. I particularly love this spot as a birding site... it's designated an Important Bird Area by Audubon Ohio!
Each season brings its own surprises at Girdled Road Reservation, from flowers in the warmer months to natural ice sculptures in the cooler months.
Girdled Road Reservation is home to some weird and wonderful wildflowers. Ghost pipe, one of my favorite wildflowers, can be found here in the warmer months. This flower actually steals food from trees like beech and oak trees, and they have an eerie beauty about them.
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As you explore the seven-or-so miles of trails in the park, there are many natural surprises awaiting you.
Beyond the wildflowers, the natural landscape itself is a sight to behold. Big Creek Valley holds many secrets, and cascading trickles and scurrying animals are likely to catch your eye. If you're a history lover, you'll also be charmed by the old barn near the Skok Meadow entrance. This is actually the oldest barn in Lake County, and like this pretty landscape, you can just sense that it has a story to tell.
All in all, it's well worth a trip to this gorgeous park in Chardon, Ohio.
You can find the Skok Meadow entrance at 12415 Concord Hambden Rd., Concord Twp., OH, 44077.
This gorgeous park in Chardon, Ohio, is well worth a trip from Cleveland. At just about 40 minutes away, it’s an easy trek to make, and the landscape is like another world. Have you ever visited this picturesque park near Cleveland? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
If you’re planning to visit in the winter, remember to bundle up! You think you know snow, but you don’t know it like Chardon natives. After all, Chardon is the snowiest city near Cleveland.
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