Escape To North Chagrin Reservation For A Beautiful Cleveland Metroparks Nature Scene
By Nikki Rhoades|Published November 17, 2021
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
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.
There’s just something magical about the Cleveland Metroparks. In addition to being recognized as one of the best park districts in the nation, the parks are a favorite destination coveted by locals. While many incredible parks are located in the city, some of the most magical and most under-recognized hiking destinations hide in the suburbs. Today, we’re going to visit North Chagrin Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks for a virtual hike… and it’s one you will want to experience in person. Check it out:
North Chagrin Reservation is almost otherworldly in its beauty.
This park in the Cleveland Metroparks is a real gem, and it's filled to the brim with incredible things to see. From A.B. Williams Memorial Woods to Buttermilk Falls, the natural landscape of this reservation will take your breath away.
At over 2,000 acres in size, this giant park encompasses a variety of landscapes... and it can take many visits to see them all!
Wetlands, woodlands, hemlock-lined ravines, and incredible man-made monuments will leave you in awe. There's something to see around every twist and turn of the park's trails.
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With such a diverse landscape, one can expect to encounter a diversity of wildlife here.
Truly, this park is a beautiful destination for humans and critters alike. You'll see interesting species like the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, Black-Throated Green Warbler, and Northern Flicker here.
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North Chagrin Reservation, which is breathtaking all year round, spans across Mayfield Village, Gates Mills, and Willoughby Hills.
If you're a golf fan, you'll also appreciate that this landscape is home to Manakiki Golf Course. The golf course was once home to Cleveland industrialist Howard Hanna, and evidence of his life is still etched into the reclaimed landscape.
One of the must-see destinations in the park is the North Chagrin Nature Center, which features a children's play area and live animal exhibits.
The Nature Center is stunning, too. It's open from 9:30 to 5 p.m. daily, except on select occasions and holidays. It can be rented for private events, and it makes a cool get-together spot whether you're planning a corporate event or a family reunion.
While originally meant to serve as a gatekeeper's house to the planned estate of Standard Oil executive Feargus B. Squire, this site temporarily served as his weekend retreat. However, it was largely abandoned after 1922. Today, it is open to the elements and the public. It truly offers a taste of old-school glamour amidst the beauty of the Ohio countryside.
Of course, much of the landscape is also home to forested trails, which boast their own sort of beauty.
There are over a dozen trails to explore in this one park alone, so grab some trail mix and water bottles and let's get going! Nature lovers will appreciate its easy trails, and more experienced hikers will appreciate that some of its trails are a bit more challenging. There's truly something for everyone here!
Even in the coldest months of the year, you'll find hikers along these snow-kissed trails.
Keep your phone handy during your visit, because you never know when a photo-taking opportunity may arise. You'll definitely want to document this adventure!
At other times, the landscape feels familiar and like a classic Cleveland Metroparks destination... but, most importantly, it feels like home to so many Clevelanders.
Look for the park near 3037 Som Center Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094.
There’s so much to love about North Chagrin Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks. What do you think of this magical destination? What’s your favorite feature in the park? Tell us in the comments!
During your visit, be sure to swing by Squire’s Castle. It’s an unbelievable piece of architecture hidden in plain sight!
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