Hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks is great, but Northeast Ohio has so much to offer beyond the boundaries of the Cleveland Metropolitan Area. From hemlock-lined trails to state parks and playgrounds, there are some great options for nature lovers of all ages hiding just a short car ride away from home. In fact, one of the most stunning scenic overlook hikes near Cleveland is only a short drive away, and it’s tucked within a park you may not have even heard of. Bring a picnic and plan to relax, because the scenery throughout this riverside park is downright enchanting.

At just about 40 minutes away, Riverview Park in the Lake Metroparks is a convenient place to go exploring.
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Riverview Park is a dreamy place to spend the day exploring, or you just might decide to pitch a tent and stay the night. Either way, this pretty park in Madison, Ohio, is well worth the trek from home.
Perhaps the shimmering crown jewel of this park is the Grand River, which is delightfully hikable.
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The stunning Big Oak Loop Trail offers an incredible way to see the river. Following a ridge above it and providing stunning viewing points, you'll love getting a bird's eye view of the landscape.
If getting up close and personal with the river is your vibe, then you'll also love the 0.38-mile River Bottom trail.`
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Be careful, however... the route down to the river is steep, which means the hike back up has the potential to wind you. While you might be able to get away with any shoes on the paved paths in the Cleveland Metroparks, I recommend hiking shoes for this wild and scenic park.
The changing elevations of this park is no surprise to locals... after all, it's one of the best sledding spots in the area!
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If you're looking to go sledding near Madison, Ohio, then you'd go to Riverview Park. The massive hill next to the parking lot is perfectly poised to serve up thrills, and it's also one of the tallest sledding hills in the Lake Metroparks.
But the modest park also hides a few surprises, including old pylons that once supported an old footbridge.
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These historic brick walls are definitely intriguing, and many visitors wonder what purpose they once served. While it's easy to let the mind run wild, the answer is mundane and preserved in old photographs... it was just a footbridge, allowing people to hike around the river just as you would today. The bridge must have provided amazing views of the water!
There are also a number of natural surprises awaiting you, too.
Riverview Park - Lake Metroparks/Facebook
From the local flora and fauna to the state-designated Wild and Scenic River, there's much to see and do here, though the park isn't particularly large. Unlike the Cuyahoga River, the rough topography and winding expanse of the Grand Scenic River has helped stave off urbanization. It's a beacon of light to indigenous species like otters.
While many target this park as a summer day trip destination, it's truly stunning in all seasons.
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No matter when you go, there's much to love about the area. The Hogback Ridge Reservation campsite is right up the road, there's a winery that's just a three-minute drive away, and a number of tasting rooms and vineyards surround the region. Lake Erie is just 20 minutes to the north or so, making the possibilities for this trip endless.
While the park's trails only total about a mile in length, you'll want to budget some extra time to take in the landscape.
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Removed from the hustle and bustle of big city life, this landscape is largely untouched by human influence. It may be small in the grand scheme of parks, but it's mighty in terms of beauty. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to take it in!
Oh, and if you happen to own a canoe or kayak, then this is one spot you have to explore!
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The Riverview Park campsite is accessible by car or by canoe, so this is your opportunity to shine! It's 8.5 miles from Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark to this spot, so you could easily make this day trip into an entire adventure.
Whether you camp overnight or simple spend a few hours exploring, this park near Cleveland has scenic views like no other.
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Riverview Park is an incredible place to hike near Cleveland, and the entirety of the surrounding Madison area has much to offer. If you're a wine lover, this region absolutely belongs on your bucket list... the microclimate for the lake has made it rich in vineyards.
Riverview Park is calling your name, friends!
Ohio Fourth and Fifth Grade Science/Google Images
Find it near 4895 Bailey Rd, Madison, OH, 44057.

If you’re seeking a scenic overlook near Cleveland, then the views in this pretty park belong on your bucket list. There’s no shortage of beauty here!

Want to get to know Ohio’s wine country better? Trek just a bit further east to hop on the Wine Shuttle!

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Riverview Park, 4895, Bailey Rd, Madison, OH 44057, USA