It's Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 30, 2022
×
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.
April showers may bring May flowers, but it seems like something is always blooming at Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. This breathtaking site is an amazing site for birdwatching, hiking, picnicking, and more. During the warmer months of the year, the nature preserve is also celebrated for having one of the best wildflower trails in Cleveland… and that’s true from spring to fall.
A hike through this natural landscape is a true treat. There's great variety in the views it offers, which is an attractive incentive for hikers and wildlife alike.
Known as Dike 14, this former dumping site was where sediments from the polluted Cuyahoga River were once dumped. To prevent the shoreline from deteriorating, freighters were dumped just offshore, and even cars and other vehicles were left at the site. While the landfill wasn't the prettiest, you won't believe what nature has done with the place.
Advertisement
Today, the nature preserve has been almost completely reclaimed by nature.
You'd never guess that this 88-acre landscape started its life as a dredge impoundment. Today, it feels a bit like an urban oasis, especially with the views it offers of the Cleveland skyline.
In the warmer months, it feels like something is always in bloom.
The natural meadows at this site are filled to the brim with breathtaking Ohio wildlife. The native flora attracts butterflies, birds, and photographers whenever the sun is shining.
Around 280 different bird species have been observed here since the park started its life as an open mudflat. In the spring, keep your eyes peeled for Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Summer brings birds like Mourning Doves and Northern Mockingbirds, but peak birdsong actually appears around October.
While you might assume that wildlife-watching starts to slow down in this area in the fall, the opposite is true. Migrating birds and butterflies fill the fall forest with beauty.
Of course, blooming starts as early as March and stretches through September in different parts of this park. Hikers with a keen eye will always find something magical to admire.
There's always something lovely to see at Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve...
Visit the nature preserve at 8701 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44108.
What do you think? Does this nature preserve have one of the best wildflower trails in Cleveland, or what? We’d love to hear about your experiences here and along other splendid wildflower trails in the comments!
Want to experience more natural splendor in Cleveland? Swing by Lake View Cemetery in the spring to experience Daffodil Hill. Here, around 100,000 daffodil blooms add sunshine to a post-winter landscape.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
