The Trail Well Traveled
Rocky River Reservation runs through seven West Side suburbs, its course determined by its namesake northern-flowing river. The river is also responsible for the shale cliffs, sycamores and cottonwoods, floodplain valleys, wetlands and wildflower-filled meadows that are the Reservation's signature features. Flower fans favor the Mastick Wildflower Trail, located just south of the Mastick picnic area. A springtime walk on the trail (about three miles each way) winds visitors past pale white, speckled pink, earthy blue and shy violet blooms of all shapes and sizes.
Wild and Tame
Those who prefer guidance in their dealings with the outdoors should stop by the Nature Center. In addition to offering weekly wildflower hikes and flower-identification workshops, the Center's friendly, knowledgeable naturalists are often available for impromptu flora-and-fauna chats. The Nature Center is next to the Ron Hauser Memorial Wildflower Garden, where bloodroot, blue anemone, doll's eyes and several varieties of fern bloom around a short path.