The internet, it seems, has made the world feel like a much smaller place. One could go on a virtual tour of each nation’s wonders in no time at all, and such a luxury has endowed many of us with an incredible desire to travel; however, we Clevelanders don’t have to travel very far to be immersed in absolute beauty. If you are looking for paradise, you’ll find it in this one incredible metropark:

Welcome to the Rocky River Reservation, one of the most captivating parks in Northeast Ohio.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr

This massive park follows the course of the Rocky River from Berea until it almost reaches Lake Erie.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr The reservation passes through Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River.

Hiding within its acreage is incredible beauty.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr

And, as fishing enthusiasts know, the Rocky River Reservation’s namesake waterway is a top steelhead fishing location.

Ben Stephenson/Flickr The Rocky River is celebrated as one of the top fishing spots in the country, a fact of which many locals are unaware.

Nestled away in the North Olmsted portion of the park is the splendid Rocky River Nature Center, which will allow you to see nature and history come to life.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr At the Nature Center, you will adore the gardens and waterfront trails, as well as the nature that lives in harmony with these features. Within the Nature Center, you can learn about the ancient wildlife that once called this area home.

During your visit, you will probably realize that this long stretch of land has a story to tell.

Erik Drost/Flickr

In fact, within the reservation is the first plot of land that the Cleveland Metroparks ever purchased.

Jeff Burcher/Flickr

Impressive shale cliffs loom over the river - a 360 million-year-old masterpiece.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr

And a stunning 2,000-year-old work of art awaits explorers, too.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr This trail leads to an authentic earthworks site known as Fort Hill. It was built in the Early Woodland period, perhaps by the Erie Tribe. To reach the site, one must ascend 155 stairs, which rise an incredible 90 feet above the branches of the river.

If you’re looking for a more modern attraction, swing by the Big Met Golf Course.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr This scenic 18-hole course has witnessed over 6 million games since it opened in 1926 at the height of golf’s “golden era.” When it opened, people traveled by foot, car, and even horse to play a few rounds.

Of course, stunning hiking opportunities also await visitors.

Cathy/Flickr Those adventurous enough to explore the park will be treated to a number of scenic views that would blow you away.

Paradise isn’t far from home, so you must pay it a visit at least once.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr For directions, check out this interactive map. A trail map can also be found here.

This spectacular park will completely immerse you in pure beauty.

Erik Drost/Flickr

Locals have always cherished the Cleveland Metroparks for their majesty and splendor, but the Rocky River Reservation truly is the heart and soul of the park district. Its beauty is vast and varied, and it is incredible in all seasons.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr

The reservation passes through Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River.

Ben Stephenson/Flickr

The Rocky River is celebrated as one of the top fishing spots in the country, a fact of which many locals are unaware.

At the Nature Center, you will adore the gardens and waterfront trails, as well as the nature that lives in harmony with these features. Within the Nature Center, you can learn about the ancient wildlife that once called this area home.

Erik Drost/Flickr

Jeff Burcher/Flickr

This trail leads to an authentic earthworks site known as Fort Hill. It was built in the Early Woodland period, perhaps by the Erie Tribe. To reach the site, one must ascend 155 stairs, which rise an incredible 90 feet above the branches of the river.

This scenic 18-hole course has witnessed over 6 million games since it opened in 1926 at the height of golf’s “golden era.” When it opened, people traveled by foot, car, and even horse to play a few rounds.

Cathy/Flickr

Those adventurous enough to explore the park will be treated to a number of scenic views that would blow you away.

For directions, check out this interactive map. A trail map can also be found here.

Enjoy your visit to the Rocky River Reservation! We know you’ll love the scenic drive along Valley Parkway.

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