The reservation occupies the footprint of Cleveland's original municipal zoo, which operated in this valley until the 1950s.
Big Creek, which runs through the reservation, is a primary tributary that eventually drains into the Cuyahoga River.
The park contains the 'Big Creek Parkway,' which functions as both a vehicular road and a recreational thoroughfare for cyclists.
It serves as a critical stopover point for migratory birds moving through the industrial corridors of Cleveland.
The reservation features a connection to the extensive 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail system.
Brookside Reservation is a 135-acre urban green space managed by Cleveland Metroparks, situated within the Big Creek valley. The park features a complex network of multi-purpose trails, including a portion of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, connecting urban neighborhoods to regional greenways. It is built on land that historically functioned as the site of the former Brookside Park Zoo, the precursor to the modern Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The terrain is characterized by dramatic elevation changes that offer views of the Big Creek watershed and surrounding woodland habitats. Visitors have access to baseball fields, playgrounds, and a dedicated off-leash dog area. The reservation serves as a key recreational node linking the Cleveland neighborhoods of Old Brooklyn and Clark-Fulton.
The bridge crossing over Big Creek provides a panoramic view of the wooded valley floor.
Use the trailheads near the dog park to access the lower valley paths quickly.
Carry bug spray during late spring and summer due to the proximity to the creek.
Check the Cleveland Metroparks website for trail closures before cycling, as some sections may be affected by seasonal flooding.
Do not attempt to hike off-trail in the steep ravine sections, as the slopes are prone to erosion.
Leash laws are strictly enforced outside of the designated off-leash area; cyclists must yield to pedestrians on shared paths.
