Explore This Secret Trail Around An Old Quarry Site Near Cleveland
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Nikki Rhoades
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There’s no shortage of hidden gems in Northeast Ohio, especially if you love spending time in the great outdoors. From the Cleveland Metroparks to oft-overlooked oases in surrounding counties, nature lovers are truly blessed in and around Forest City. However, I find that many of the finest parks are some of the least-known in Cleveland. Today, we’re going to take a visit to a historic stretch of land in Grafton, Ohio, that’s well worth a trip. This incredible former quarry-turned-park near Cleveland has much to offer, from stunning views to historic elements. Ready to road trip from Cleveland to the Lorain County Metro Parks? Let’s dive in!
Indian Hollow Reservation is a destination in Grafton, Ohio, that's well worth a trip from Cleveland. I actually love this area... it feels a bit sleepy and quaint, though it's home to some 6,000 residents. Heavily wooded and endlessly charming, this region of Northeast Ohio is truly a hidden gem.
These different park entrances offer varied views of the park... the northernmost and southernmost regions of the park are bordered by a railroad, but there's even more to see throughout the bulk of the reservation.
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You'll likely spot a variety of native Ohio critters during your visit, but you might also spot evidence of this area's early human residents. While the earliest arrivals in Lorain County were French trappers and other opportunistic pioneers, the people that ultimately claimed this area set their sights on its resources as a soon-to-be quarry.
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We've talked about the prominence of Ohio sandstone quarries before, but nothing puts this industry into perspective quite like a hike through a historic quarry. Windfall Quarry Trail in the Sheldon Woods area is only about a mile in length, but it will take you past historical features (including a spot where water once turned a mill, an old grindstone, and a well where steam boilers once pulled their water) that allow you to step back in time.
The park is almost divided into two distinct sections, connected by Sheldon Oaks Trail crossing over Parsons Road. It's worth exploring both sections of the reservation, so don't be afraid to budget extra time for exploration.
If you're a fishing fan, a birdwatcher, or just your average run-of-the-mill nature lover, you're in for a treat at Indian Hollow Reservation. There's so much to see in this landscape, from the historic route where a railroad once stretched to the former golf course grounds where you can now get a workout in.
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During the last ice age, the entirety of Northeast Ohio was under ice... that's why we don't have any mountains today, and likely why Ohio's rocks predate the reign of the dinosaurs. The landscape was permanently altered by these bulldozing glaciers, but as they retreated, megafauna found a fantastic wealth of resources here.
Of course, the first residents in the area were indigenous tribes, many of whom left evidence of their presence in the form of arrowheads, pottery shards, and refuse pits. However, when European settlers started flooding into the area, they set their sights on establishing new businesses. Fur trappers, quarriers, farmers, millers, and other savvy pioneers put down roots in the area.
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Look for the grindstone on Windfall Quarry Trail to help visualize what this landscape once was compared to how it is today. There's a great deal of historic interest here, but also a bit of hope for the future... nature has beautifully reclaimed this landscape that was once cleared for quarrying.
This pretty park belongs on your bucket list, and it might even merit a few trips each year! With over 700 acres, it could easily take a few trips to explore the bulk of what this park has to offer.
Even if you think you've seen all that Northeast Ohio has to offer, this pretty park near Cleveland is worthy of a visit. It's peaceful, fairly light on foot traffic, and a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Head out to Grafton, Ohio to experience this gorgeous park.
Every trip from Cleveland to the Lorain County Metro Parks is a treat, as this pretty park district simply has so much to offer. Have you ever visited Indian Hollow Reservation? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Love learning about local history? Get to know the story of Paleo Crossing to wrap your mind around the long human history in this part of Ohio.
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Featured Addresses
Royal Oaks, Lorain County Metro Parks, 38637 Parsons Rd, Grafton, OH 44044, USA