Cascade Valley Metro Park (Valley View Area)

Natural Restoration

The Valley View Area is a recently developed section of the park, opened to the public in 2024. This 200-acre area was formerly a golf course that was acquired by Summit Metro Parks in 2016.

Since acquisition, the area has undergone extensive ecological restoration to transform the landscape back to its natural state. Where once only 100 species called the golf course home, the restored area now supports nearly 1,000 species of plants and wildlife.

River Connection

One of the key features of the Valley View Area is its connection to the Cuyahoga River. As part of the restoration efforts, nearly one mile of the river has been returned to its natural state.

This restoration has significantly improved this section of the waterway, benefiting both people and wildlife downstream. The park offers scenic vistas of the Cuyahoga River Valley and provides free public access to the river itself.

Trails and Connectivity

Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that wind through the restored natural areas, including meadows, wetlands, and forested sections.

The trail system connects to the larger network of trails within Cascade Valley Metro Park and extends to neighboring parks, creating a contiguous green space of nearly 1,900 acres.

Amenities

In addition to its natural features, the Valley View Area includes several visitor amenities. A renovated historic barn serves as a focal point of the area.

New facilities such as restrooms and an open-air shelter have been added to enhance the visitor experience.