Lake Erie Bluffs - Breathtaking scenery with beach access

Lake Erie Bluffs opens to the public June 30, 2012

Overlook at Lake Erie Bluffs

This 139-acre wooded parcel along the shore of Lake Erie in Perry Township provides public access to a beautiful stretch of natural beach. Lake Erie Bluffs hugs the lakeshore offering visitors a bird’s-eye view from the scenic overlook of the beauty and drama of the ever-changing Lake Erie. Throughout all seasons, the lives of resident and migrant birds are greatly influenced by this amazing natural resource. Park hours: Sunrise to sunset.

Click here for a list of park amenities and directions to Lake Erie Bluffs.

Visitors can enjoy low-impact recreational activities such as hiking and fishing at this new park. Improvements made to enhance public use include a parking lot, picnic areas, restrooms, and installation of a half mile-long loop gravel trail with a scenic overlook and a grand access point to a natural beach along Lake Erie. 

When you visit Lake Erie Bluffs, let us know your thoughts about this new treasure. 
Tweet @Lake_Metroparks and include #LakeErieBluffs in your message.

A Local Natural Area with National Significance

In 2004, a Presidential Task Force developed solutions to restore the Great Lakes. The resulting Great Lakes Regional Collaborative Strategy (GLRCS) generated nine priorities to restore the Great Lakes including “a need for significantly more habitat conservation and species management.” Preservation of prime natural coastline, such as Lake Erie Bluffs, contributes to the overall health of the Great Lakes region.

Natural Beach at Lake Erie Bluffs

Lake Erie Bluffs is easily accessible and is located within a half-mile of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail—Ohio’s 293-mile National Scenic Byway that passes through quaint communities and historical sites, and connects a myriad of natural and cultural features including coastal marshes, prairies, rivers, waterfalls, museums and lighthouses.

This project was funded in part by NOAA, Ohio Costal Management Program, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District, The Trust for Public Land, and the Clean Ohio Fund.

Rare Species

Lake Erie Bluffs permanently protects a significant amount of wetland, meadow and lakefront habitat used by rare and common plant and animal species.  Beaches are very dynamic. Annual fluctuations in Great Lakes water levels and even one severe storm can wipe out a population of plants or bring in new seeds or roots to establish new plant communities.

Click here to see what some of the nearly 20 rare species that have been found and documented at Lake Erie Bluffs. 

2012 Picnic Shelter Reservations begin Monday, December 5 for Lake County residents

Lake County residents may register for picnic shelter reservations for 2012 beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 5.  Reserve your shelter online or by calling the Lake Metroparks Registration Department at 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226.  Reservations from Lake County residents received by phone, mail, and in person at the Lake Metroparks Registration Office will also be processed on December 5.  Out-of-county residents may begin reserving shelters beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 12.

 

A new shelter available to reserve in 2012 is at the new Gully Brook Park in Willoughby Hills.  The shelter overlooks a beautiful brook and is located next to the trail.  An elaborate playground is located nearby.  New playground equipment was also installed this year near the shelter at Hidden Valley Park.    All shelters provide picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and other amenities and are great for family reunions or other special gatherings.   Some of the shelters include power, nearby trails, playground equipment, and volleyball courts for additional fun. For a complete listing of the shelters and their amenities, click here. 

For Lake County residents wishing to reserve a picnic shelter, a $50 refundable deposit (payable by credit card, check or cash in person/phone and via credit card online) is required at the time of reservation.  Residents living outside Lake County pay a $25 non-refundable rental fee in addition to the $50 refundable deposit.  Payment can be made in person, or mailed to Lake Metroparks Registration Department, 11211 Spear Road, Concord Township, Ohio 44077.   For more information, call the Lake Metroparks Registration Department at (440) 358-7275 or 1-800-669-9226.  The office is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Gully Brook: A Timeless Treasure

Gully Brook Park Shelter - Photo by Jeff Forman - Courtesy of The News-Herald

Gully Brook Park protects a valley, stream, wetland and forest. Its unique natural features, ravines and wild places are intertwined with local history. For nearly 100 years, nature enthusiasts of all ages have sought inspiration and knowledge in the Gully Brook valley. Today, visitors can enjoy more than a mile of improved trails and the chance to reconnect with nature.

Explore Gully Brook and listen for the songs of winter wrens or chickadees. Watch for the footprints of raccoons, the flash of a dragonfly or enjoy the beauty of a young forest ever-changing.

Take time to relax along the brook and reconnect to the easy pace of nature protected.

Gully Brook Park is now open!  Located on 172 acres in Willoughby Hills and Willoughby in Lake County, the park features a 1.2-mile loop hiking trail, playground, picnic areas with grills, a picnic shelter with grills, drinking water and restrooms.

Click here to learn more about our newest park.