It’s impossible to picture the Old West without its iconic ghost towns. But here on the easternmost edge of the Midwest, abandoned towns are few and far between… right? Abandoned places near Cleveland often consist of urban and industrial decay, but there’s a lot more history to be found here than first meets the eye! While it may be mind-blowing to consider, many communities here in Ohio have ceased to exist over the years. Some land would eventually house national and state parks, while other communities were driven to relocate when local industries simply became outdated and unnecessary.

Many places in modern-day Ohio have been immortalized only in photographs, but there’s a nearby destination where you can still explore the remnants of one community’s extinct industry. Lace up your hiking boots, and prepare for an adventure! While perhaps best known for its grand waterfall, this hiking trail near Cleveland also offers the opportunity to hike to the remains of an abandoned village.

Welcome to Tinkers Creek!
Bassel Zain/Google
Viaduct Park and the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek are some of the most stunning areas in the reservation, and their history is as striking as their beauty.
Scott Pecjak / Getty Images
This reservation hides the historic heart of Bedford, an area that was largely forgotten until it was opened in 2002 by the Cleveland Metroparks and the local government.
While the untrained eye will doubtlessly be struck by the majesty of the waterfall, careful observers will notice some other unusual structures.
Mshake / Getty Images
The currents of this striking waterfall once fueled local saw mills, grist mills, and even an electric power plant.
Brad Nellis/Google
The area's viaduct once transported trains across the dramatic scenery of this impressive creek.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Industry absolutely thrived in the area, thanks in part to business-minded families like the Benedicts, Willis', and Gates.
Exposed foundations, mill races, and tunnels are evident throughout the area.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
The occasional discarded bricks adorn the property as a reminder of the grand structures that once abounded here, like the once well-known Waters & Son Mill.

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So, what happened to this once industrious area?
Tim Evanson/Flickr
The answer is far less spooky than the mystery of many ghost towns: water power simply fell out of favor. The area surrounding the falls continued to grow as Bedford became more and more populated, but this little area was largely forgotten before its recent revitalization.
Some of the earliest workers of this charming valley rest peacefully in the nearby Tinkers Creek Cemetery.
Andrew Borgen/Flickr
Tinkers Creek Cemetery, also known as Hillside Cemetery or Pilgerruh Cemetery, is located at the end of the abandoned Tinkers Creek Road, right off of Canal Road. Some of its oldest gravestones likely belong to the area's earliest settlers, and the cemetery is thought to be full of unmarked graves of canal workers. It is also believed that the most recent burial here took place in the 1920s.
If you choose to visit the park for its natural beauty, you'll find yourself greatly rewarded.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
The natural beauty of this area is undeniable. Tinker's Creek, Berea Sandstone, and exposed shale delight nature lovers and photographers alike. The area is always full of birdsong, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life feels a million miles away in this entrancing gorge.
However, if you adventure to the area to admire local history, you’ll certainly find it here too.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
The reservation is full of helpful signs alluding to the gorge's unique history. With the help of these markers, it is easy to imagine what the community might have once looked like.
There's nothing like a hands-on, interactive approach to history... and that's just what this hike provides.
WHMeg/TripAdvisor
Though it's something of a ghost town today, Tinker's Creek is full of life and beauty. Adventurous hikers dare to venture into the surrounding tunnels, and some even crawl on rocks in the creek to get closer to the ruins.
Despite the hustle and bustle that once filled this gorge, it has returned a natural state of peace and quiet in the modern day and age.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook

This abandoned place near Cleveland harbors just one of the many fascinating stories hiding in Ohio’s most unlikely locales. That said, there’s oodles of majesty in the heart of Bedford Reservation, particularly on and around the banks of Tinkers Creek. When will you be paying this area a visit?

If you enjoyed this unique trail, you’ll adore learning about the nearby ghost town. Or, for more Cleveland, Ohio hikes, tours, and adventures, check out some of our favorites!

Step Inside The Creepy, Abandoned Town Of Little Egypt In Cleveland

 

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Jennifer | April 12, 2024

Are there any historic mills still standing in Ohio?

While most are no longer in operation, Ohio's historic mills offer incredible insights into the state’s industrial past. Not to mention they're often set in gorgeous locations! While not all are open to the public, here are just a few of the historic mills still standing in Ohio.

 

Back in the 1800s, there were close to 2,000 mills dotting Ohio's landscape. These water-powered grist and flour mills (some were steam-powered!) have fallen victim to modernity, but a few are still operational.

Are there any old-fashioned general stores in Ohio?

Back in the days of the flour mill, general stores were just as plentiful. Today, there are only a few old-fashioned general stores still operating in Ohio, including:

 

What are some of the prettiest waterfalls in Ohio?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but here are just a few of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio that we simply can't get enough of:

  • Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park: A picturesque waterfall cascading down layers of sandstone, surrounded by lush greenery. Also perhaps one of the most famous waterfalls in Ohio!
  • Ash Cave Falls, Hocking Hills State Park: A seasonal waterfall cascading over a recess cave, creating a beautiful natural amphitheater. Of course, there are plenty more beauties tucked within this park too!
  • Tinkers Creek Falls, Bedford: A lovely cascade along Tinkers Creek offering a serene and scenic view.

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Featured Addresses
Bedford Reservation, 18753 Egbert Rd, Bedford, OH 44146, USA