Sometimes, great things come in small packages. This is especially true when it comes to things like engagement rings, kittens, and suburban hikes. Yes, even small parks in well-trafficked communities have much to offer to the ambitious outdoorsman — especially in the autumn months. If you’re looking for an incredible fall hike near Cleveland, there’s one unsuspecting plot of land managed by Lake Metroparks that’s calling your name. Pack some candy corn and trail mix for a snack, because you’ll want to stay for a while and soak in the warm hues of fall in this enchanting park.
Once upon a time, somewhere between 1947 and 1951, a landowner quietly constructed a 19-acre pond.
David Dombrowski/AllTrails The land around the lake continued to flourish and the lake itself soon began attracting wildlife.
Today, this landscape is named for that individual and it’s truly unique.
Al Miller/Google Images In a partnership with Wickliffe City Schools’ Board of Education, Lake Metroparks leases and manages this tiny, 69-acre park. Since it opened in 2012, it has only grown in splendor.
Pete’s Pond Preserve can be accessed via a trail by the high school parking lot — certainly not the type of place one would expect to find such serenity.
David Dombrowski/AllTrails As soon as you step away from the concrete, you’ll embark on a hike that leads you straight to the park’s namesake body of water.
Your time in the park may be a bit short, as there are less than 2 miles of trails in this park…
Jim Marquardt/Google Images In fact, a round-trip hike on the park’s main trail comes out to around two miles.
…but if you visit during the fall, you’ll definitely want to stay for a spell to soak in the gorgeous colors.
Jim Marquardt/Google Images The hues of autumn, in the totality of their glory, reflect brilliantly along the calm waters of the pond. If you are lucky, you might spot waterfowl or deer basking in the sunlight during your visit.
The primary path through the park, Carriage Lane Trail, is a loop that’s easy to hike so while it’s perfect for school-aged kids on a field trip, it’s also ideal for burgeoning hikers.
Jim Marquardt/Google Images Are you aiming to become more active? This easy and rewarding hike is a great place to start developing your skills. — it even has an elevation rise of about 144 feet! You can find an interactive trail map here.
If you’re looking to treat yourself this fall, skip the tempting Halloween candy and opt for a hike through the opulence of fall foliage.
Jim Marquardt/Google Images
David Dombrowski/AllTrails
The land around the lake continued to flourish and the lake itself soon began attracting wildlife.
Al Miller/Google Images
In a partnership with Wickliffe City Schools’ Board of Education, Lake Metroparks leases and manages this tiny, 69-acre park. Since it opened in 2012, it has only grown in splendor.
As soon as you step away from the concrete, you’ll embark on a hike that leads you straight to the park’s namesake body of water.
Jim Marquardt/Google Images
In fact, a round-trip hike on the park’s main trail comes out to around two miles.
The hues of autumn, in the totality of their glory, reflect brilliantly along the calm waters of the pond. If you are lucky, you might spot waterfowl or deer basking in the sunlight during your visit.
Are you aiming to become more active? This easy and rewarding hike is a great place to start developing your skills. — it even has an elevation rise of about 144 feet! You can find an interactive trail map here.
There is much autumnal splendor awaiting you at Pete’s Pond Preserve, even though this small 69-acre park has effortlessly flown under the radar since its opening. Who will you be taking on this colorful hike with you?
Want to take a road trip through the loveliest foliage in Greater Cleveland? Click here for the full article.
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Address: 2255 Rockefeller Rd, Wickliffe, OH 44092, USA
