Parma’s Hidden Gem

One of Parma’s hidden gems is the West Creek Reservation, located at 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr. This 469-acre reservation is home to floodplains, babbling brooks, a valley of rocky gorges, and forest-draped hillsides.

A part of Cleveland Metroparks, West Creek Reservation invites the cyclist, hiker, picnicker and birdwatcher to a varied upland and wetland landscape. Nesting birds include red-tailed hawks, wood ducks and screech owls, and migratory species such as American redstart, indigo bunting, Lincoln’s sparrow and great crested flycatcher can be found there.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of West Creek Reservation is the discovery of new urban watershed stewardship techniques. The developed and restored natural areas of the reservation are a living laboratory supplying data and demonstrating real-world solutions for stormwater and pollution control.

One of the newest picnic shelters in Cleveland Metroparks, Keystone features an oversized fireplace and stormwater control features for which the Watershed Stewardship Center (WSC) is known. The WSC, hiking and all purpose trails are all easily accessible from here.

Situated on the all purpose trail just south of the WSC, Bluebird Point Overlook provides excellent opportunities to view wildlife on this former landfill. A restored meadow dotted with bird houses serves as a welcome habitat and breeding ground for bluebirds, tree swallows and other cavity nesting birds.

Bluebird Point is a trail head parking lot where guests can directly access the all purpose trail. Not far from this point of departure is the WSC and natural surface trails: Lookout Ridge Loop, Skinner’s Run, and Jewelwing Loop. Bluebird Point offers tremendous bird watching opportunities.

Center Park Trailhead and Center Park Picnic Area are located at the western boundary of West Creek Reservation, serving the adjacent Parma neighborhood.

The Grassroots Gorge Overlook is located at the terminus of the all-purpose trail and offers scenic views of West Creek.

Skinners Run Trailhead at Dentzler Road offers a steep gravel-stone approach into the forested floodplains of West Creek. The trailhead connects park users to additional natural surface hiking and mountain bike loop trails.