Rocky River Reservation is a stop on the Lake Erie Birding Trail.

The South Mastic Picnic Area has been a location for many years for the Cleveland Area Spring Bird walks in April and May. Over 175 bird species have been observed in this area.

The South Mastic Picnic Area features a fishing area, shelter house, ball field, public telephone, physically challenged access, decorative fountain, grills, parking, and restroom facilities.

South Mastick Picnic Area is located off Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, south of Puritas Road and Mastick Road in Fairview Park.

Rocky River Reservation is located in Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River. The first land purchased for Cleveland Metroparks can be seen from the Stinchcomb-Groth Memorial.

The character of the reservation is strongly influenced by the Rocky River. Massive shale cliffs rise above the willows, sycamores, and cottonwoods, and many trails wind through the valley’s deep floodplain forests, meadows, and wildflowers. Wildlife is common in the valley and visitors can expect to see numerous bird species and some common Ohio mammals year-round, including the white-tailed deer. Visit Rocky River Nature Center to learn more. The reservation includes three golf courses: Big Met, Little Met, and Mastick Woods.

The Rocky River Valley was settled early in this area’s history and reflects many of the sights common to the first settlers. Frostville Museum, an affiliate of Cleveland Metroparks, illustrates how the 1800s settlers lived and worked in the Rocky River Valley.