The Gorge Path in Brecksville Reservation is a brief, scenic hike by way of towering hemlocks and hanging Berea sandstone boulders. Calm and peaceable by the water, it’s an ideal complement to longer hikes within the reservation, letting guests soak in one of the scenic areas of the Cleveland Metroparks.
Water alongside Chippewa Creek
Do not miss Rock hopping out to the middle of the creek
Mountaineering the Gorge Path
Between work visits, I go by Brecksville Reservation and determine to cease for a couple of minutes to stretch my legs. It’s been years since I final hiked the Gorge Path, and because it’s a brief path, I’ve simply sufficient time for a fast stroll. The trailhead is on the far left aspect of the Harriet Keeler Memorial Picnic Space, instantly throughout from the Deer Lick Cave Path parking space.
After a quick stroll of a few hundred yards, the path intersects with the closed Hemlock Path and enters a stand of mature hemlocks. Two staircases information the descent: the primary a neatly constructed stone staircase, the second a sturdy picket one, each lined with early autumn leaves.
The path continues previous massive Berea sandstone boulders and down one other fastidiously constructed stone staircase. Every step appears intentionally positioned, a small however noticeable effort by the much-loved Cleveland Metroparks Trails Division.
Quickly I attain Chippewa Creek, an eight-mile tributary of the Cuyahoga River, operating quick after a number of days of rain. The realm is hanging—large sandstone formations, hemlocks, cliffs, and small cascades. I step out onto the boulders and transfer towards the middle of the creek, spending ten or fifteen minutes watching the water and having fun with a break within the day.
The sound of the flowing creek replaces the morning’s stress and the fixed stream of e mail notifications. Lastly, some peace.
After a brief relaxation, I return to the path. The trail ascends a stone staircase lined with hemlocks and boulders, then ends with a quick log staircase that leads again to the junction with the Hemlock Path and Gorge Path.
A number of hundred yards later, I’m again on the trailhead and my automotive. The stroll is brief, nevertheless it’s extremely refreshing, particularly with fall colours nearing their peak and the air turning cooler. I do know I’ll be again quickly—this part of the reservation is simply too lovely to neglect about, and I can think about it will likely be simply as gorgeous below a blanket of snow a couple of months from now.
