My Mountain Overlook: The Hidden Gem of Brecksville Reservation

Hiking to My Mountain Overlook in Brecksville Reservation is a short, peaceful escape into one of the park’s lesser-known scenic spots. Tucked away along the Buckeye Trail, the quiet overlook offers a serene view of the surrounding forest and Chippewa Creek Valley, making it a perfect detour from more popular hikes in the area. With easy access from the multiple starting points, the hike is ideal for those looking to enjoy solitude and a quick nature break away from the crowds—all within the beauty of Cleveland Metroparks.

Trailhead elevation 741'

Water none

Don't miss adding it on as a detour from the Deer Lick Cave Loop

Hiking to My Mountain Overlook

It’s a cold, late-October afternoon, and between work visits I decide to grab lunch and take a short walk up to My Mountain Overlook for a few minutes and a quick bite to eat. There are several ways to reach the overlook, but the shortest route starts at the Plateau Picnic Area off Chippewa Creek Drive—about a mile east of the parking area for more popular trails like Deer Lick Cave and the Gorge Trail.

After parking, I head toward the main road and find the trailhead on the right side, marked by a long wooden staircase climbing a modest slope.

A brief but steady 0.1-mile ascent brings me to the top of the hill, where the forest bursts with peak fall color—brilliant yellows glowing in the afternoon light.

Just beyond, a signed junction points toward a narrow, 300-foot-long boardwalk that traces the edge of a shallow ravine.

Past the boardwalk, the blue-blazed Buckeye Trail winds gently uphill through the woods, slowly working its way toward the overlook.

Before long, I arrive. My Mountain Overlook faces north, offering a quiet, modest view. It’s not the most dramatic view in the reservation, but the stillness here is unmatched. Chippewa Creek flows below, and after recent rains, I can hear the roar of the water through the trees. I sit on one of the two wooden benches, unwrap my lunch, and relax for a few minutes without anyone else around.

After a fifteen minute break from the chaotic day, I return the way I came. It's a very short walk, probably too short to be considered a hike, but it delivers exactly what its name suggests—a peaceful perch above the forest with no crowds in sight. The route from the Plateau Picnic Area is the quickest way up, though you can also reach it via the White Oak Loop or as a short detour from the Deer Lick Cave Loop. Facing north, it’s not ideal for sunrise or sunset views, but if solitude is what you’re after, this is the spot to find it.