The natural landscape of Northeast Ohio is, quite simply, awe-inspiring. Spectacularly sparkling brooks cut through forested wonderlands and rolling green fields, carving the Cleveland area in a way that seems to belong on a canvas. Our natural world is Cleveland’s finest collection of artwork, and these pretty places in particular will enchant you and invoke daydreams of adventure.
- South Chagrin Reservation, 37374 Miles Road, Bentleyville
Yooperann/Flickr South Chagrin Reservation is one of the more historic parks in the Cleveland area, thanks in part to this enigma of a sculpture. We know that this rock was carved in the late 1800s by Henry Church, but what exactly is its meaning?! The truth is that nobody is quite sure, but it is unusual enough that it attracts countless visitors each year.
- Mary Campbell Cave, 1160 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls
Gorge Metro Park/Facebook Mary Campbell Cave is a rock formation with a famous story to tell. The cave is believed to have served as the temporary home of Mary Campbell, a young girl who was captured from her Pennsylvania home by Native Americans. For seven years she lived with them alongside the Cuyahoga River before she was finally able to return home.
- Edgewater Beach, 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland
Erik Drost/Flickr Cleveland is home to many lovely beaches, but Edgewater is one of the local hotspots. Perhaps it is due to its proximity to Downtown or the lovely lakefront trails that snake through the park; either way, this Lake Erie destination is a true gem.
- Letha House Park, 5800 Richman Road, Spencer
Friends of Medina County Parks/Facebook The remoteness of this park provides a magical view of the stars due to little light pollution in Spencer. Every so often, the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association brings their telescopes and opens up the observatory to help you get to know the night sky. Mark your calendar for September 9 from 8p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor
Joel Hageman/Flickr How often do you get to visit a beach and state park all in one?! Headlands is one of the lovelier beaches in the Cleveland area and is undoubtedly one of the area’s most beloved natural attractions.
- Go Ape! at Mill Stream Run Reservation, 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook Embark on a treetop adventure at this epic obstacle course. Set aside 2 to 3 hours to tackle a course complete with 5 zip lines. For pricing and hours, check out their website here.
- Hike along the Towpath Trail
Jeffrey Sugalski/Flickr Northeast Ohio is home 85 miles of this epic and historic path. The Towpath Trail is stunning year-round, cutting through the most scenic natural spaces in the state.
- Hinckley Lake, 1822 East Drive, Hinckley
Chuck Allen/Flickr Hinckley Lake is one of the most beautiful features within the Cleveland Metroparks. Take advantage of the public boat launch, go for a swim, or hike the trails that will take you across the campus of Hinckley Reservation.
- Wade Oval Park, 10820 East Boulevard, Cleveland
Lagged2Death/Flickr Wade Oval is the lovely greenery that is framed by museums in University Circle. Wade Lagoon is one of the loveliest spots in the city, so set aside some time to explore this stellar park.
There is so much to do in these natural spaces that almost each and every destination could become a day trip. Before winter draws near, make the most of this lovely weather and explore one of these epic natural places in and around Cleveland! Which one is your favorite?
Yooperann/Flickr
South Chagrin Reservation is one of the more historic parks in the Cleveland area, thanks in part to this enigma of a sculpture. We know that this rock was carved in the late 1800s by Henry Church, but what exactly is its meaning?! The truth is that nobody is quite sure, but it is unusual enough that it attracts countless visitors each year.
Gorge Metro Park/Facebook
Mary Campbell Cave is a rock formation with a famous story to tell. The cave is believed to have served as the temporary home of Mary Campbell, a young girl who was captured from her Pennsylvania home by Native Americans. For seven years she lived with them alongside the Cuyahoga River before she was finally able to return home.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Cleveland is home to many lovely beaches, but Edgewater is one of the local hotspots. Perhaps it is due to its proximity to Downtown or the lovely lakefront trails that snake through the park; either way, this Lake Erie destination is a true gem.
Friends of Medina County Parks/Facebook
The remoteness of this park provides a magical view of the stars due to little light pollution in Spencer. Every so often, the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association brings their telescopes and opens up the observatory to help you get to know the night sky. Mark your calendar for September 9 from 8p.m. to 10 p.m.
Joel Hageman/Flickr
How often do you get to visit a beach and state park all in one?! Headlands is one of the lovelier beaches in the Cleveland area and is undoubtedly one of the area’s most beloved natural attractions.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Embark on a treetop adventure at this epic obstacle course. Set aside 2 to 3 hours to tackle a course complete with 5 zip lines. For pricing and hours, check out their website here.
Jeffrey Sugalski/Flickr
Northeast Ohio is home 85 miles of this epic and historic path. The Towpath Trail is stunning year-round, cutting through the most scenic natural spaces in the state.
Chuck Allen/Flickr
Hinckley Lake is one of the most beautiful features within the Cleveland Metroparks. Take advantage of the public boat launch, go for a swim, or hike the trails that will take you across the campus of Hinckley Reservation.
Lagged2Death/Flickr
Wade Oval is the lovely greenery that is framed by museums in University Circle. Wade Lagoon is one of the loveliest spots in the city, so set aside some time to explore this stellar park.
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