Mcintosh Loop Trail Near Cleveland Leads To A Magnificent Hidden Oasis
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 16, 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.
Cleveland itself is overflowing with lovely parks and public green spaces, but so, too, is the Greater Cleveland area. Today, we’re going to take a virtual visit to a Geauga County park near Cleveland that’s close enough for a quick day trip. It’s not too big compared to many local parks, but it offers oodles of fun and a gorgeous landscape that make the visit worthwhile. Pack some trail mix and prepare for outdoor adventure, because this pretty park is calling your name.
Welcome to Orchard Hills Park, a former golf course that is slowly being reclaimed by nature.
This lovely little park in the Geauga County Park District is a breath of fresh air. Though it's petite compared to many of the massive reservations closer to The Land, it has much to offer to nature lovers.
All in all, there are 3.6 miles of trails here... and McIntosh Loop comprises a little over two miles of that distance.
In part, the restoration of this landscape was funded by Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Efforts are ongoing, however, and the park seems to grow lovelier with each passing year.
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As you wind around the gravel path, you'll find yourself approaching a lake that's an absolute oasis in the summer.
The park is lovely all year round, though the open space over the lake and through the meadow areas can get somewhat blustery. Be sure to bundle up if you visit during the colder months, and always bring water if you're planning on walking for a while.
The park, which was acquired by the Geauga Park a few years ago, has embraced an orchard theme . . . and it even has an orchard-themed playground elsewhere in the park!
This landscape is tucked away about half an hour east of Cleveland, and it truly is fun for the whole family. Appropriately, you'll also spot Patterson Fruit Farm nearby. You'll love refueling after your hike with some fresh locally grown fruit.
While this space hosted a golf course just a handful of years ago, visitors enjoy seeing how nature is returning to the gorgeous outdoor space.
Like many communities close to Lake Erie, you'll find a great diversity of birds here. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of other critters like deer, foxes, and more.
And, on warm and pleasant Northeast Ohio days, the 237-acre park offers an atmosphere that makes visitors want to soak up the sun.
Have you ever visited this lovely Geauga County park near Cleveland? Are there any other petite local parks you would recommend? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Looking for more to do outside of Cleveland? Check out Secrest Arboretum, a gorgeously manicured landscape in Wooster.
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