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

The Stinchcomb-Groth Memorial, a 30-foot tower made of cinder block and sandstone, was dedicated in 1958 to the first two directors of Cleveland Metroparks, William Stinchcomb and Harold Groth. Together, these two men were responsible for establishing 18,000 acres of parkland and 84 miles of the parkway.

Follow the nearby River Overlook Loop Trail for a beautiful view of the Rocky River Valley. Wander along the path to the overlook and gaze down at the first Cleveland Metroparks land purchased – a 3.8-acre parcel purchased in April 1919 currently located under the Hilliard Road Bridge.

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.