As my son Tyler is recovering from major surgery (had a bone tumor removed from his tibia), I haven’t been able to stretch out on too many new rides, but today, I was able to ride out to the North Chagrin Reservation in Willoughby, Ohio. About a 10 mile ride from home. The North Chagrin Reservation is one of 18 Cleveland Metro Park Reservations, offering picnic areas, hiking, bike, walking trails along with many other amenities. The northern trail head is located just off State Route 6 in Willoughby (Lake County) and extends about 5 miles to the south, exiting onto Wilson Mills Rd., near the Lake-Cuyahoga Co. border.
You can rack up several more miles when utilizing the spurs throughout the park. Riding south, there is a general fall in elevation until you reach the southern terminus which is adjacent to the Chagrin River.
In respect to cycling, you have two options, ride on the park road, which is more suitable for moderate road biking, or take to the paved multi-use trail. The multi-use trail is by far more scenic, meandering through woods, ponds, waterfalls and meadows, but the draw back being that the trail is very popular with walkers and runners, so it can be a bit congested and it is only 7-8 feet wide.
I sampled several sections of the park and trails, then dropped down to Chagrin River Rd, the park’s eastern border to check out Squire’s Castle.
After Squire’ Castle I head from home making the climb back up from river level. The Cleveland Metro Parks, often referred to as the “Emerald Necklace” are truly gems for the communities of NE Ohio.
Nice day to be out spinning.
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