The Hidden Treasure in the Greater Cleveland --- Emerald Necklace
When you mention Cleveland to the outsiders, you often find out that most of the people cannot name anything famous in here let alone find a reason to visit or enjoy. Residing in this region for years, many of us may not know that we have something wonderful most of the cities are lack of, that is the great outdoor in our backyard, our metro park system.
In 1960s, Greater Cleveland and Akron areas were so industrialized and polluted that Cuyahoga River caught fire in 1965. The disastrous event led to the creation of United States Environmental Protection Agency and the later passage of Clean Water Act. In the past twenty or so years, the government gradually developed metro park system in Cuyahoga Country and Summit County which earned the name Emerald Necklace. The park system stretches from inner city to most of the suburbs, among them Cuyahoga Valley was added to the list of United States National Parks a few years ago. As beautiful as its name, metro park system is truly the crown jewel in this region. All the parks are free to the public and well maintained to their natural wildness. There are hiking trails, bike trails, lakes, creeks, picnic areas, etc. My family spends many weekends in the parks whenever weather permits, especially in summer.
My family’s favorite is Hinckley Reservations which is off Rt 330 in Hinckley Township (by Brunswick), 20-25 minutes away from Strongsville. Wolfe Ledge is a rather strenuous rocky hiking trail with very interesting sand stone rock formation typical in this region. Kids young and old will definitely enjoy climbing rocks. You can spend one to one and half hours there then head to Hinckley Lake where you can rent a boat at the boathouse or have a cook-out at the fully equipped picnic area by the creek.
My family’s second favorite is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Ledges is a nice rocky hiking trail beginning at Happy Days Visitor Center off Rt 303 or entrance from Kendall Park Road off Rt 8. In fall, Brandywine Fall is a nice place to view leaves. Across the bridge, you can walk to the down stream of the fall, the scene is spectacular. Skiing in winter at Boston Mill, taking Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in fall, bird-watching and fishing by Kendall Lake are all very enjoyable family activities. Village of Peninsular is a lovely little town on Rt 303. and is worth your time to stroll around.
Another unique spot is Bedford Reservation where Tinker Creek flows through. In mid May, wild flowers are glorious in this park. Walk along the creek, you will find seas of flowers, wild onions and garlic plants. You can view gorges and picnic by the creek. In summer time, it’s fun to dip your feet into the water and find all kinds of wild creatures, shrimps, crew fish, etc. Bring a net or a basket and a bucket to catch whatever you can find.
To cool off in hot summer days, Huntington Reservation in west side at Bay Village and Headlands Beach State Park in east side near Painsville and Mentor are nice beach near home. West side is sandy while east side is rocky. They are both clean with bathrooms and cook-out picnic areas.
There are several Nature Centers in the parks. Lake Erie Nature Center at Bay Village is the best followed by Brecksville Reservation and Mill Stream Run Reservation. There are various nature and art activities going on in these nature centers all year around for children and adults.
Check out www.clemetparks.org for trails and activities. For Cuyahoga Valley National Park, check out www.cvnpa.org.
Enjoy the summer!
Hua |