Penitentiary Glen is a stop on the Lake Erie Birding Trail.

Penitentiary Glen has a variety of ponds, fields, and forest habitats and can be productive. The glen itself is a good place to find Louisiana Waterthrush.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation features 424 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and over 7.5 miles of hiking trails. The park is named for the deep gorge that divides it, which is easy to get into and difficult to get out of. Naturalists lead exciting programs year-round including nature-inspired events, programs, and classes. Picnic at the sheltered pavilion and listen to the sounds of nature.

In 1912, the Halle family, owners of the Halle Brothers Company in Cleveland, bought this property for their summer estate and working farm. The farm was managed by the Burnett family, who lived here year-round. The only remaining structure is the horse barn, which now houses the Nature Center. Wise use of the land has preserved this special area for today and the future.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation Trails
Glen Meadow Loop Trail – 0.55 miles – easy
Gorge Rim Loop Trail – 0.88 miles – easy
Halle Home Trail – 0.25 miles – easy
Kirtland Connector Trail – 1.5 miles – difficult
Rabbit Run Loop Trail – 2.83 miles – difficult
Red Fox Loop Trail – 1 mile – easy

A description with a map of a 4.7-mile loop hike in Penitentiary Glen is on the AllTrails website.