One of my favorite artists, thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Art, is Frederic Edwin Church. His painting “Twilight in the Wilderness” always captivates visitors, as there’s something magical about the way he captures light and shadow in each of his works. Of course, there are also local landscapes in the Cleveland area that doubtlessly would have humbled and inspired Church. Today, we’re going to take a trip out to a hiking spot near Cleveland with views that are downright incredible. Church was passionate about overlooks, and the Hell Hollow Overlook places you circa 150 feet over the landscape, showcasing its rolling forested hills and mighty waterways. Lace up your hiking boots and pack some trail mix, because this pretty hiking spot near Cleveland is calling your name.

At first glance, Hell Hollow looks like any other local park.
Roxanne Leah/Google Images
Located near Thompson, Ohio, Hell Hellow Wilderness Area is just over 45 minutes from home. It's a stunning daytrip destination, however, especially if you're craving something unique.
However, this beautiful Lake Metroparks Wilderness area is an absolute dream come true for nature lovers.
Eric Lebon/Google Images
Down in the park, there are at least a dozen waterfalls to explore. You're going to love discovering each one, and the well-worn paths of previous explorers will help guide you there.
The Hell Hollow Overlook, which enchants artists with an eye like Church's, offers a stunning view of Paine Creek and the surrounding landscape.
Gingy Gurl (GingyGurl)/Google Images
The stunning Hell Hollow Overlook is easy to access, as it's on one of the only formal trails in the entire park. Beechridge Loop Trail is accessible right from the parking lot, and you don't have to walk far before this breathtaking view unfolds before you.
This incredible Greater Cleveland overlook is a treat in every season, especially if there's a little bit of cloud activity in the sky.
Keith Bales/AllTrails
Frederic Edwin Church, the artist we discussed, loved capturing clouds, light, and overlooks. The combination of these three elements is poised to create a wow-worthy image. If you're a photographer, this hiking spot near Cleveland belongs on your bucket list.
If you're not lucky enough to catch the colors of dusk in the sky, the landscape still might serve up those magical reds, oranges, and yellow.
Ryan Murray/Google Images
From fall foliage to mushrooms to salamanders, this landscape is full of warm-hued wonders. As you adventure through the forest, watch where you're stepping... this untamed landscape is home to a variety of Ohio species.
As you explore the park's 981 acres, you might be surprised by what you find.
Zander Oswald/Google Images
If you're ready to chase waterfalls, then you need to plan a trip to Hell Hollow. The Overlook alone merits a trip, but the dozen or so waterfalls hidden in its expanse are certainly worthy of a visit.

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Around every corner, it feels like there's a surprise awaiting sharp-eyed hikers.
Ryan Murray/Google Images
This landscape is an Important Bird Area, and it's plain to see why. Local species thrive here, and an unbelievable variety of flora blooms during the warmer months. Amateur and professional birdwatchers alike will find this Cleveland hiking spot to be a slice of paradise.
And there's also abundant natural history here, if you know where to look.
Marc G/Google Images
Just take a peek at the gorgeous striation in that rock wall! I'm a sucker for rock outcroppings like this, especially in a place like Ohio where our rocks date back to the Devonian era. This Chagrin Shale cliff was formed some 360 million years ago, and water has been shaping its existence ever since. Just think about the fossils hidden in the depths of this bad boy! (As an aside, the state fossil of Ohio is a trilobite called Isotelus maximus. Due to the age of our rocks, most of our local fossils come from a time when fish ruled the earth... way before the dinosaurs!)
If you're hoping to hike at this park, come prepared. You're going to trek down 262 stairs to get into the valley.
Jessica Misko/AllTrails
Which means you'll also have to take 262 stairs back to the parking lot. Personally, uphill hikes aren't my favorite, but this park is absolutely worth breaking a sweat for. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes that offer good support, because you're going to encounter a few elevation changes in this park.
Once you're at the bottom, you'll find a distinct absence of formal trails... but that's just part of the fun!
Stephanie/Google Images
Hikers of yesteryear have carved paths through the landscape, but there's no formal map to follow. Keep your eyes peeled so you don't lose your way, and don't forget to follow the buddy system. (And bring a friend that's good with directions... I've definitely never gotten lost in Cleveland parks, but with a landscape this big, better to be safe than sorry.)
If you're looking for a more formal hiking experience, Hidden Lake brushes up against this park, and its easy loop trail would have left Frederic Edwin Church speechless.
Christopher Schmidt/AllTrails
Church loved capturing the unique way light danced over the landscape, and there's something magical about the way sunlight trickles down to kiss the lake here. With just 452 acres to explore, this park is quite a bit smaller than its neighbor, but it's a worthy addition to your trek.
All in all, if you're looking for stunning views, Hell Hollow Overlook near Cleveland is the place to go.
Christopher Jarvis/AllTrails
This incredible landscape is worthy of being immortalized in a painting. Photographs just don't do it justice, but budgeting a bit of time to stop and stare is worth all the while.
Step inside a world of watercolor at this magical spot.
Keith Bales/AllTrails
You'll find Hell Hollow near Leroy Township, OH, 44077.

This little-known hiking spot near Cleveland is not for the faint of heart, but its stunning views are sure to charm your socks off. If you’re lucky enough to capture a sunset here, then you’ll know exactly what the full might of Mother Nature looks like.

Want to add even more waterfalls to your hiking bucket list? Check out Paine Falls Park, just 15 minutes around the corner!

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Hell Hollow, Leroy Township, OH 44077, USA