Cleveland Metroparks
The Cleveland Metroparks are a sprawling public parks system.
Every year, tens of thousands of people enjoy the Cleveland Metroparks system.
A legacy of great Clevelander, Jeptha Wade, the parks system was left to ensure that the whole place wasn't plowed over and turned into retail parking by the greedy developers. Without this massive endowment, one shudders to think what would have become of the Western Reserve.
The Cleveland Metropark system offers just about everything an outdoor enthusiast could look for all seasons of the year. Offering miles of all purpose trails, hiking trails, bridle trails and fitness trails with some of Northeast Ohio's prettiest scenery it is easy to see why the Metroparks are so popular. Some offer golf, fishing, picnic areas with charcoal grills and swimming. In the winter, tobagganing and cross country skiing are popular. The Metropark Zoo is also a part of the Metropark system.
Entrance to the parks are free, except for the Zoo and other special events that take place. Some offer gift shops, nature centers and general history. Like that of Squire's Castle, located in the South Euclid Reservation, which is rumored to be haunted by Mrs. Squire, who died mysteriously in the gatehouse.
The Cleveland Metroparks is a 14 reservation system that covers over 20,000 acres of land.
The Metropark system is also referred to as the "Emerald Necklace" , and consists of the following Metroparks:
- Hinckley Reservation
- Euclid Creek Reservation
- Rocky River Reservation
- Big Creek Reservation
- Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
- Garfield Park Reservation
- Mill Stream Run Reservation
- Bedford Reservation
- Bradley Woods Reservation
- Brecksville Reservation
- Brookside Reservation
- Huntington Reservation
- North Chagrin Reservation
- South Chagrin Reservation
Metroparks are open daily from 6:00 AM until 11:00 PM.
Along with the sprawling metropark systems, another nature retreat is the Cleveland Botanical Garden A fun stop anytime of the year.
