This Little-Known Scenic Spot In Cleveland That Comes Alive With Color Come Fall
By Nikki Rhoades|Published October 03, 2023
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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.
What is it that makes fall in Cleveland so enchanting?! Perhaps it’s the aromas, the crisp richness that permeates the air and soothes the soul. Maybe it’s the ambiance; the promise of a slumber that will conclude with a reawakening when winter’s grasp has faded. I would argue, however, that it’s the rich colors that make autumn so special, from the deep crimson cranberry shades to the rich sun-kissed orange. Leaf-peeping in Cleveland is always a treat, and there’s no better place to enjoy the annual festivity than our own local park district. While it’s normally known as the Emerald Necklace, it’s more like a garnet or ruby statement piece in the autumn months. And the best fall hike in the Cleveland Metroparks is one you may not even know yet, believe it or not… it’s brand new! Ready to dive into a season of memory-making? Start with a hike along this brand new trail in Cleveland:
There's a brand-new trail in the Cleveland Metroparks that's calling your name.
Spanning 24,000 acres in and around Cuyahoga County and with 18 distinct reservations, there's no shortage of beauty in the Cleveland Metroparks... especially if you love variety, as a number of indigenous Ohio landscapes, plants, and animals are preserved here.
Tucked away in Euclid Creek Reservation, Eastern Ledge Trail was first unveiled to the public in October of 2022.
Euclid Creek Reservation, if you've never been, is full of history. Parts of the park were once a quarry, and I love uncovering ancient secrets in the exposed geology in areas like Quarry Picnic Area. For fans of more recent history, Euclid Beach Park preserves aspects of an old amusement park, and Hillandale Park hides an abandoned bridge that halted construction when the market crashed in 1929. It's all part of Euclid Creek Reservation, so be ready to explore!
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At roughly a mile in length, Eastern Ledge Trail is an easy hike that mixes natural and paved walkways.
The bewitching Eastern Ledge Trail is a stunning hike, and it's especially irresistible knowing that it's a totally new addition to the Metroparks. The land it sits on was only recently acquired, so it stands as a testament to the ever-expanding nature of the Cleveland Metroparks. It's a reminder that each year brings new surprises, sights, and sounds.
Perhaps the most dazzling feature is the trail's sparkling new suspension bridge.
Unveiled in 2022, this picturesque walkway immediately captivated hikers. It almost looks like a scene from a Claude Monet painting... the surroundings, the water, and the bridge are almost too beautiful to be real. And yet, there it is!
The suspension bridge connects the Welsh Woods Picnic Area with the other side of the gorge, allowing hikers to pass over the stunning waters of Euclid Creek.
Euclid Creek is no modest trickle. The mighty waters of the creek are worth stopping and admiring, and the healthy flow of the water fills the air with song.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg, as there's something even more stunning that awaits visitors... a gorgeous overlook!
While the man-made elements of the park are charming, nothing quite compares to the artistic mastery of Mother Nature herself. This overlook spot, accompanied with a cozy viewing platform, provides unparalleled views of the park.
At more than 130 feet above Euclid Creek, this spot is the highest overlook in the entirety of the Cleveland Metroparks.
I hope you're not afraid of heights, because this is a spot that's well worth stopping at! In autumn, the park below your vantage point comes to life in fiery, brilliant colors.
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The newly built trail (which you can check out on a Cleveland Metroparks map for a bird's-eye view) is part of newly acquired land in the park.
Some 60 acres was acquired in 2019, and the public is just now getting the chance to enjoy the space. What's so special about this new land is that it is in the City of Richmond Heights, allowing hikers first-time trail access to the community. The trail actually ends in a residential neighborhood, so it's tucked away in a quiet corner of the bustling city.
The paved portion of the trail is ADA-accessible, too, so this is a hike every Clevelander can take advantage of.
Unfortunately, the natural portions of the trail may be difficult for some hikers. However, the paved portion is easy for everyone, and it connects with other trails that can help you expand your hike.
This is especially true in the autumn months... this hike is arguably the best place in the Cleveland Metroparks to view fall colors!
Be prepared to take some photos, because this breathtaking Cleveland Metroparks hike is a brilliant way to enjoy the fall landscape. The variety of trees ensures a colorful spread each year, encompassing yellows, reds, and oranges.
There are so many spots along this mile-long hike that are worthy of a little pause. You'll love taking in the splendor of this landscape... there's just so much to see in Euclid Creek Reservation!
And don't worry if you miss the fall colors this year... the park is stunning in every season, so there's always beauty awaiting you.
While fall is my favorite season, I can't deny the beauty of this hike all year-round. Just don't forget to bundle up if you visit during the colder months... it's easy to forget that unforested areas like creeks can become wind tunnels!
This stunning addition to the Cleveland Metroparks belongs on your bucket list.
Head on over to Euclid Creek Reservation for an autumnal experience you won't soon forget.
This convivial fall hike in the Cleveland Metroparks is a treat like no other! While it opened in October of 2022, there’s still a newness about it, and many Clevelanders have yet to experience its splendor. Dust off those hiking boots and prepare to spend some time in nature, because this gorgeous spot in Euclid Creek Reservation is calling your name!
There’s even more awaiting you in this park, however… from Villa Angela Beach to a Cleveland script sign, the photo ops here are endless.
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