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Scenic Overlook Trail

Cleveland Metroparks
Brecksville Reservation

Trail Location

Brecksville, Ohio (Cuyahoga County)
Park at the Brecksville nature Center on Chippewa Creek Drive. Chippewa Creek Drive can be accessed from State Route 82 or Riverview Road in Brecksville, Ohio.

Trail Summary

Length: 1/4 mile.
Duration: 20 Minutes
Surface: Gravel/natural.
Type: Loop.
Difficulty: easy
Accessibility: no

Trail Description

Hemlock Forest above Chippewa Creek in Cleveland metroparks Brecksville Reservation in Brecksville, Cuyahoga  County Ohio (northeast Ohio)
Hemlock Forest above Chippewa Creek.

This short trail is a loop which begins and ends at the Harriet Keeler Memorial. From Becksvile Nature Center, take the Yellow Trail (Valley Stream Trail) to the memorial. From there, follow the white markers across Chippewa Creek Parkway and down the hill.

You will pass under the fine green needles of canadian hemlock as you hike toward the Chippewa Creek Gorge. Breathe deeply and notice how serene this setting is. Even with the All Purpose Trail and parkway behind you, and Route 82 ahead of you beyond the forest, peace abounds in this vale. You may also notice that the air seems cooler here, and the soil moister. Valleys such as this create a cool microclimate suitable for the hemlocks and other more northern species that may be found here.

Waterfalls under a stone bridge over Chippewa Creek, as viewed from the Scenic overlook trail during a hike in Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (Northeast Ohio)
Small Waterfalls on Chippewa Creek along the Scenic Overlook Trail in Brecksville Reservation.

As you reach the bottom of your descent, a wooden fence will mark the point where the trail turns to begin its short ascent back to the parkway. In this area, you will find a small shelter of stone and logs. Look down into the gorge and you will notice a stone bridge. Beneath its graceful arch is a small waterfall, a hidden gem.

Nearby Trails

Valley Stream Trail
Chippewa Creek Parkway All Purpose Trail
Valley Parkway All Purpose Trail
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail (CVNP Section)
Buckeye Trail