rocky river reservation

Easy entry to the lake for kayaking! Provides a wonderful outdoor experience in our Cleveland Metroparks!

Just driving the parkway is fun, but there's much more.Golf course for the duffers like me. Bike path for a peaceful ride.Visitor center is educational & has literature about park events.Hiking behind the VC is fun. There's a long stair climb to a plateau overlooking the river. Watch closely for the Indian mounds.

This is a delightful part of the Rocky River Reservation and includes over five miles of trails with varied terrain. There were many joggers as also dog walkers out in force, with animals on leashes who were obviously enjoying the day. The trees are helpfully labelled and explanations were provided even outdoors, for instance how the water acquires its rusty brown hue from the iron ore leaching out of the rocks. This is accompanied by diagrams and descriptions showing how pig iron was smelted in the area a long time ago.The Nature Center affords spectacular views from a decked viewing area, of the 360 million year old shale cliff from the deck overhanging the river. You are transported backwards in time as you see the model of the skeleton of the giant fish, Dunkleosteus in the Center. There are interactive educational exhibits which are helpfully provided in order to stimulate the hands-on experience for young minds. Also included are the calls of local birds and animals and pawprints of these creatures.It was the Christmas holidays when we went round and parents had brought along young children who were avidly exploring the Nature Center. I expect local schools will take advantage of this amazing educational facility in their area by bringing groups during term time. Clearly the Rocky River Nature Center provides an amazing learning experience for the young and old alike.

While visiting family we were taken to this park to hike and walk my GranDog. The trail system is very extensive and quite varied as to terrain. the park as well as the nature center is dog friendly. There are also lots of geocaches hidden here. We were in the winter and can't wait to return here in the spring.

We hiked here the first week in December. Some of the trails were closed due to being under water. There were still lots of trails to try. The park is dog friendly, even the Nature Center. The Nature Center had lots of cool displays, especially for kids. We were surprised to find we could bring our dog inside and they even had a treat for her.

Our ancestors preserved the finest of nature after the industrialrevolution. The great depression added fine samples of WPAconstruction. This gem with it's cliffs made of layers of shale is acivics lesson hosted by mother nature.

We went there when was cold and with snow but even in this way it was a great place to walk and see the nature...

This rings the city and is an unexpected beautiful surprise.You can feel you're far away in the country or walk in the creek when you're actually right in the city. Beautiful place to see the fall colors, ride a bicycle or play ball. Our family has loved this for years and years. My grandparents played here when they were little.

Growing up in the Cleveland area, this park remains one of the best places to visit. Growing up in Lakewood, the park is known to all as The Valley. There are trails, and bike trails, open fields, woods, and streams. The activities to pursue in nature's wonderment is limitless!

Loved the 134 step climb up the hillside. Amazing views from the top - especially during the fall. Great exercise and good to get some fresh air.

Colors never disappoint in the Emerald Necklace in the fall. We are so fortunate to live in an area where nature and the seasons are just a few miles away.

Near the nature center there is a 'bike repair station' that we used to put air in our stroller tire. I have never seen one of these before and just thought it was really cool. A beautiful place.

Stop by to visit the nature center, enjoy sitting on the deck or move along one of the many paved or dirt trails or paths...no better way to get in your walking or running time. The Metropark system stretches across five counties of second growth forest. Enter from Detroit Rd in Lakewood into the Rocky River valley and take a leisurely drive through twenty plus miles of parkland,passing by Brandywine Ski Resort, through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, via Riverview Rd right onto Merriman Rd in Akron with its many bars, restaurants and Weathervane Playhouse. Stop for lunch and return the same way or via nearby I-77 . If you're a biking enthusiast, bring it along and stop wherever the spirit moves you.

Drive thru, walk or bike,thru this portion of Metro park better known to old timers as part of the emerald necklace that wraps around parts of Cleveland. Fishing in some parts. A nice nature center to take kids or watch the birds.

We took a class field trip Rocky River Nature Center and the experience was first class. I initiallycalled to make an appointment for a tour and spoke with Suzi M. Suzi was very professional and enthusiastic. She asked about the dynamics of my students so she could recommend the best tour & naturalist. We were paired with Jen B, who was the most caring, funny, very educated naturalist. She came out very confident and her lesson/tour was educational & humorous. An hour seemed to pass too quickly because all of us were having so much fun. Thank you so much for showing my class the wonders of nature. Parma Senior High, Ohio