North Chagrin Reservation--Sylvan Loop

North Chagrin Reservation--Sylvan Loop

Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094

North Chagrin Reservation Official Website
North Chagrin Reservation map

Also, see all the hotspots at:
Chagrin River Corridor Important Bird Area

About this Location

The Sylvan Loop Trail, .4 mile, is accessible from the Trailside Musuem Site.

About North Chagrin Reservation

See all hotspots at North Chagrin Reservation

Since the 1920s, North Chagrin Reservation has been a special combination of outdoor recreation areas and wildlife sanctuaries. An interesting feature of the reservation is Squire’s Castle. Built at the turn of the century by F.B. Squire, it was to serve as the gatehouse of his country estate, but plans for the remainder of the estate never materialized.

Located in Mayfield Village, Willoughby Hills, and Gates Mills, the reservation includes a nature center and nature education building, a number of trails, and picnic areas. Sanctuary Marsh and Sunset Pond are both popular areas to observe waterfowl. The reservation is also home to Manakiki Golf Course, located off SOM Center and Eddy roads in Willoughby Hills.

The Nature Center overlooks Sanctuary Marsh, where native plants create a fine wetland community attracting a host of waterfowl, mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, songbirds and shorebirds. Marsh wildflowers bloom throughout the spring and summer. Take a trip across the 300-foot boardwalk for an especially beautiful experience. Nearby, Sunset Pond is known throughout the area as a home for Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, and rare black ducks. The trails surrounding North Chagrin Nature Center are paved for easy access to all visitors.

Located near North Chagrin Nature Center is the Nature Education Building. This satellite facility can be reserved by teachers as a field classroom. The facility is also open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 4:30 pm to park visitors. Enjoy the wildlife observation window, where one-way glass permits up-close observation of birds with an audio system that brings the sounds of nature indoors. Step into the Forest Nightlife exhibit where nocturnal animals and night sounds surround you. Live owls offer visitors the rare opportunity to learn more about these secretive nocturnal birds of prey.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

  • Roadside viewing

Content from North Chagrin Reservation Official Website and Ohio Ornithological Society