Hinckley Reservation454

Something of an anomaly - a Cleveland Metroparks property situated inside Medina County - Hinckley Reservation draws buzzards as well as human park visitors.

In what may be Cleveland's answer to the swallows of Capistrano, the buzzards return each March 15 (from their winter in Florida) to Hinckley's Buzzard Roost, and it's reason for a party. (A very early party - the "official buzzard spotter" takes his perch at 6:30am.)

Thousands of people turn out to watch the buzzards return at the appointed day and time, but to make things easier on late risers and those of us with day jobs, Cleveland Metroparks holds events on an annually designated "Buzzard Sunday," too.

However celebrated, the buzzards are hardly Hinckley's only attraction. In the winter, Hinckley Lake is a popular destination for ice fishing and skating; in warmer months, (non-motorized) boating is the preferred activity.

Hiking and picnicking are popular at Hinckley Reservation, too, but hikers should note that the Whipps Ledges trail is not for toddlers or other not so sure-footed types.

History buffs appreciate the Worden Heritage Homestead, and the stories there about the unusual carvings visitors see at Worden's Ledges.

We like Hinckley Reservation most in the summertime, mostly because of Ledge Pool and the "Dive-In Movies" held there several times each year. The pool is clean, heated, and open to the public (with a season pass or daily admission fee).

Because it's about a 45- to 50-minute drive from many of Greater Cleveland's suburbs, a day at Hinckley Reservation feels like a mini-vacation, takes less than a tank of gas, and (in our opinion) is more relaxing than an amusement park excursion. Pool amenities include a changing/bath house, picnic tables, grills, and concessions; season passes may be purchased through Cleveland Metroparks.

Swimming and lifeguarding lessons are offered at the pool each year - for more information, call 330.239.2911 - and swimming is also available in Hinckley Lake by the dam, in what many refer to as the "spillway area." Guards are on duty during the summer.