Brecksville Reservation

Brecksville Reservation is a large natural area in northern Ohio featuring seven deep gorges surrounded by oak-hickory forests and open meadows. The park has more than 50 miles of hiking trails divided into nine different routes.

The reservation was established in 1930 under Cleveland Metroparks management, with much of its infrastructure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. This public works program created many of the paths and structures visitors use today.

The oak-hickory forests and gorges show visitors what the region looked like before modern development. People today use these landscapes for hiking and spending time in nature.

Picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains are placed throughout the grounds to support visitors during their time there. It helps to get oriented with a map or plan your route before setting out, since the trail network is extensive.

The gorges support uncommon plant species that grow nowhere else in Ohio due to unique soil conditions found within them. These special conditions developed over time because of how the deep gorges are shaped and their geology.

Location: Brecksville

Inception: 1930

GPS coordinates: 41.31100,-81.60900

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:23