Clevelanders enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle that comes with city life. However, there comes a time when we just long for a day away from it all. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far to enjoy the great outdoors. These splendid places in and around Cleveland will keep you traveling all around the region, and you will be blown away by the spectacular scenery that you encounter.
- Hike along the Centennial Trail in Scranton Flats.
Erik Drost/Flickr This half-mile paved trail travels through the heart of the Cleveland Flats, treating you to views one would not normally expect to find in a park. You will enjoy seeing Cleveland’s inter-urban wildlife and the remnants of old industry.
- Find the best views in the Rocky River Reservation.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr This stunning park is huge, and hidden within its expanse is the first parcel of land ever purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks. This park is so vast that one of its trails spans 15.4 miles. Needless to say, there is plenty to see and do in Rocky River Reservation.
- Travel to each of the script signs.
Erik Drost/Flickr The iconic Cleveland script signs have been a hit with tourists and locals alike, and they have added a bit of flair to some of our skyline views. Take a goofy mini roadtrip to each sign and explore the surrounding area. You’ll love visiting Edgewater Park, Euclid Beach, North Coast Harbor, and Tremont. There is also one in the baggage claim area of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, but that one doesn’t offer quite as much outdoor adventure.
- Spend some time on the shore.
Erik Drost/Flickr The lakefront trails at Edgewater Park are truly a delight, offering scenic views of both Cleveland and our glimmering lake.
- Explore the old quarry at Chapin Forest Reservation.
Erik Drost/Flickr Like other local parks, Berea sandstone was once harvested from this site in Kirtland. Stone from this site helped construct local buildings, including the iconic Kirtland Temple. On a clear day, one can see Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline.
- Find all the faces at Worden’s Ledges.
Michelle/Flickr Deep within Hinckley Reservation are carved likenesses of famous people and things. Pictured here is baseball catcher Ty Cobb, but you may also recognize Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as well as a sphinx on the property.
- Search for splendor in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.
Erik Drost/Flickr Hidden within Rockefeller Park is a spectacular series of gardens, each one paying homage to a different part of the world. An on-site greenhouse keeps a verdant acre under glass all year long, so there is never a bad time to visit.
- Lounge at the lagoon.
Erik Drost/Flickr Wade Park is a lovely piece of land tucked away in the busiest part of University Circle. On its expanse is the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Wade Park Fine Arts Garden and the Wade Lagoon, which creates a stunning setting for the Museum of Art in every season.
- Go on a waterfall tour.
Erik Drost/Flickr Northeast Ohio has its fair share of waterfalls, believe it or not. Why not set out to see them all? Plan a day trip in which you and your favorite hiking buddies see the majesty of multiple waterfalls in one day.
Our landscape offers a diversity of views, ranging from the industrial backdrop of Scranton Flats to the serene majesty of Brandywine Falls. Cleveland’s parks each offer an incredible change in scenery, exposing you to beauty that seems too pure to be real. Which park is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your photos for a chance to see them featured!
Erik Drost/Flickr
This half-mile paved trail travels through the heart of the Cleveland Flats, treating you to views one would not normally expect to find in a park. You will enjoy seeing Cleveland’s inter-urban wildlife and the remnants of old industry.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
This stunning park is huge, and hidden within its expanse is the first parcel of land ever purchased by the Cleveland Metroparks. This park is so vast that one of its trails spans 15.4 miles. Needless to say, there is plenty to see and do in Rocky River Reservation.
The iconic Cleveland script signs have been a hit with tourists and locals alike, and they have added a bit of flair to some of our skyline views. Take a goofy mini roadtrip to each sign and explore the surrounding area. You’ll love visiting Edgewater Park, Euclid Beach, North Coast Harbor, and Tremont. There is also one in the baggage claim area of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, but that one doesn’t offer quite as much outdoor adventure.
The lakefront trails at Edgewater Park are truly a delight, offering scenic views of both Cleveland and our glimmering lake.
Like other local parks, Berea sandstone was once harvested from this site in Kirtland. Stone from this site helped construct local buildings, including the iconic Kirtland Temple. On a clear day, one can see Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline.
Michelle/Flickr
Deep within Hinckley Reservation are carved likenesses of famous people and things. Pictured here is baseball catcher Ty Cobb, but you may also recognize Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as well as a sphinx on the property.
Hidden within Rockefeller Park is a spectacular series of gardens, each one paying homage to a different part of the world. An on-site greenhouse keeps a verdant acre under glass all year long, so there is never a bad time to visit.
Wade Park is a lovely piece of land tucked away in the busiest part of University Circle. On its expanse is the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Wade Park Fine Arts Garden and the Wade Lagoon, which creates a stunning setting for the Museum of Art in every season.
Northeast Ohio has its fair share of waterfalls, believe it or not. Why not set out to see them all? Plan a day trip in which you and your favorite hiking buddies see the majesty of multiple waterfalls in one day.
For more on life in the CLE, check out these things everyone learns when they move to Cleveland.
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