Connecting People with Nature

Lake Metroparks

Formed in 1958, Lake Metroparks now manages over 7,500 acres of beautiful park land in nearly 40 parks. The county includes two very important rivers, the Grand and the Chagrin. Lake Metroparks has been very active in preserving natural areas along both rivers for public use. The following parks are managed by Lake Metroparks. The links below will take you to their web site.

Arcola Creek Park
This Lake Metropark, located in Madiosn, Ohio, is situated along an estuary, the place where Arcola Creek enters Lake Erie. Estuaries such as this are extremely rare in Ohio, and provide great habitat for spawning fish, waterfowl, and rare plants. Fishing, hiking on a short trail, and nature observation are all popular outdoor recreation choices at this park.

Beaty Landing
This new Lake Metropark is located on a long stretch of the Grand River in Painesville Ohio. The 54 acre park has a one mile hiking trail, an observation deck, and great access for steelhead fishing, or other angling on the Grand River.

Chagrin River Park
In the Lake County Ohio communities of Eastlake and Willoughby, Chagrin River Park preserves natural and historical resources along the scenic Chagrin River. Park visitors will enjoy exploring the park while hiking, fishing, picnicking, or playing on the recreational fields

Chapin Forest Reservation
This Kirtland Ohio park is owned by the State of Ohio, but managed by Lake Metroparks. Hiking in this beautiful forested park will take the park visitor to spectacular sharon conglomerate ledges, from which the City of Cleveland is visible, 18 miles distant.

Concord Woods Nature Park
This small park is located in Concord Township, Ohio, just off Interstate 90. With a hiking trail, picknic area, and playground, this is a great park for a short excursion into nature. Fishing is also permitted on the stocked pond.

Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park
Fairport Harbor, Ohio is the site of this small park on the sandy shore of Lake Erie. In addition to swimming, a playground is ready for children. Kayaking, canoeing and sailing are also popular actities here.

Girdled Road Reservation
This 900-acre park in Concord, Ohio has been recognized by the Audubon Society as an important bird area. A great diversity of plants and animals beyond birds may be found here as well. With forests in various successional states, fields, and wetlands, be on the lookout for just about any critter you can think of that calls northeast Ohio home.

Grand River Landing
This small park in Fairport Harbor Ohio provides canoe or Kayak access to the Grand River for fishing and recreation.

Helen Hazen Wyman Park
This small Lake Metropark is located in Concord Township, Ohio. With a playground, recreation fields, as well as two major creeks and the Grand River, there is planty to do at this park. Fishing, particularly steelhead fishing, is a popular sport here.

Hell Hollow Wilderness Area
Located in rural Leroy, Ohio, this Lake Metropark contains a high cliff, loop trail, a deep ravine, and plenty of plant and animal species to observe.

Hidden Valley Park
Located in Madison, Ohio, this Lake Metropark provides wonderful views of the Grand River, as well as access to the river for fishing or canoeing. Several hiking trails and picnic areas provide means to enjoy this beautiful park.

Hogback Ridge Park
Located in Madison, Ohio, this Lake Metropark is a wonderful place to study nature along the Wild Grand River. With wildflowers, mature forests, several hiking trails, and some great views of the river, this is a perfect park for nature lovers.

Indian Point Park
This Lake Metropark, in Leroy Township, Ohio, runs along the Grand River and Paine Creek. Named for pre-historical indian ruins found here, the prk offers hiking trails that allow the park visitor to explore the ruins of the earthworks, as well as glimpse views of the Grand River far below.

Mason's Landing Park
Located in Perry Township, Ohio this park has a short loop trail through the floodplain of the Grand River, a playground, and access to the river for canoeing or fishing.

Paine Falls Park
This Lake Metropark, located in Leroy Township, Ohio, boasts hiking, fishing, and a scenic waterfall as its top amenities. Picnicing and relaxation are the best activities for this delightful park.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Kirtland, Ohio is the site of this park. One of the best parks in the Lake Metroparks system, Penitentiary Glen has a number of hiking trails, forest habitats, a large meadow with a trail through it, and ponds useful for observing aquatic organisms. The nature center is very well done as well.

Riverview Park
This small park contains a trail that overlooks and parallels the Grand River. Mixed hemlock and deciduous forests are home to a variety of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and many other bird species.

Veterans Park
Located in Mentor, Ohio, this Lake Metropark offers fishing on a stocked pond, hiking through forested wetlands, a playground, and picnic shelters.

To learn more about Lake Metroparks, please visit their website at lakemetroparks.com

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