9 Secret Spots In Cleveland Where Nature Will Completely Relax You
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Nikki Rhoades
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Cleveland, as lovely as it is, can feel smothering after a while. Though the city abounds with trees and green space, it still manages to feel like a concrete jungle from time to time. Fortunately, the Cleveland Metroparks works to offset this by setting aside more than 23,000 acres for public use. With hundreds of miles of trails and thousands of acres awaiting exploration, it’s no wonder these pretty parks have grown to include some of the area’s most striking features. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll adore a visit to these scenic spots:
The landscape of this incredible park is carved and shaped by the Chagrin River, whose tributaries are shaded by hemlocks and endless beauty. One of the most incredible sites in this scenic park is Henry Church Rock, a sandstone sculpture carved by its namesake artist in 1885. The meaning of the carving is not known, as it includes cryptic imagery including a serpent, a woman posed before a shell, a quiver of arrows, and a dog. The immediate area offers incredible views of nature, and visitors adore taking a moment to absorb the sounds of the environment.
Hinckley Reservation is arguably one of the most underappreciated parks in the Cleveland Metroparks district. At the heart of this park is a lovely sapphire lake, a water feature that's surrounded by a lovely trail that's perfect to hike with your four-legged friends.
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Valley Parkway offers breathtaking windshield views to visitors, and the Rocky River Reservation is a goldmine of both beauty and history. This hidden spot is the park's newest hiking trail, and it is stunning in each and every season.
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While it may not be sporting a humongous crest, Bridal Veil Falls is one waterfall that's well worth visiting. This natural gem in Bedford Reservation can be found along Deerlick Creek in a hemlock-lined portion of Bedford Reservation. This incredible park offers several scenic spots, but this waterfall is doubtlessly the area's crown jewel.
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Long gone are the days where visitors to Garfield park could rent rowboats, but you can still see the incredible Depression-era stonework installed in the area by the Works Progress Administration. Believe it or not, this iconic stone bridge replaced a wooden one when it was constructed. Imagine how striking this grand structure must have been to its earliest visitors!
Though Strongsville is home to a well-trafficked mall and countless busy roadways, it also hides a lovely portion of Mill Stream Run Reservation. Tucked between Routes 42 and 82 is an area that abounds with nature and beauty, and it is purportedly an ideal destination to go bird-watching.
Ohio, as you may know, was once a vast ancient ocean. The remnants of this ocean, including its bountiful salt content, are trapped today in area sandstone deposits. Just as deer are known to enjoy salt licks, they have also been reported to lick the walls of Deer Lick Cave in Brecksville Reservation. Though scenic and beautiful, Deer Lick Cave is not a true cave. It's actually a rock overhang, and it's well worth the visit.
Once upon a time, this landscape was home to the breathtaking Acacia Country Club. Today it is transforming back into a natural space, but the process of becoming a forested reservation is projected to take decades. The entire reservation is well worth visiting, and its minimal foot traffic has made the park a serene escape that connects visitors to nature.
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Believe it or not, the Cleveland Metroparks hosts a number of delectable dining opportunities. One such restaurant is located right in Lakefront Reservation, and it is appropriately located right on Lake Erie's shore. This pretty place serves oodles of homemade options, and it's a stunning spot to kick back and enjoy light snacks in the summertime.
The Cleveland Metroparks is truly a gift to the residents of Greater Cleveland. How many of these gorgeous places have you visited?
If you adored these scenic spots, you’ll surely love a visit to this fairy tale park near Cleveland.
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