Massie Cliffside Preserve
A serene natural escape on South Bass Island, offering peaceful forest trails and stunning Lake Erie vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Massie Cliffside Preserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene natural escape on South Bass Island, offering peaceful forest trails and stunning Lake Erie vistas.
"A welcome nature break from the hustle and bustle of nearby Put-in-Bay."
Easy Nature Walk
Enjoy a short, pleasant walk through the woods to reach the scenic overlook. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
While beautiful, there are no tables for picnics, only benches. Bring your own refreshments. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cliffside Lake Views
East Point of South Bass Island
Breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Erie from the preserve's edge. A perfect spot for reflection.
Tranquil Forest Trails
Within the preserve
Meander through a beautiful, peaceful forest on well-maintained gravel paths. A refreshing nature walk.
Small Gravel Beach & Pier
Shoreline access
Access the lake via a small pier and a rough gravel beach, offering a different perspective of the cliffs.
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Planning Your Visit
Escape the Island Buzz
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Easy Nature Walk
Enjoy a short, pleasant walk through the woods to reach the scenic overlook. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
While beautiful, there are no tables for picnics, only benches. Bring your own refreshments. :water_wave:
Quiet Island Escape
A peaceful retreat from the busier parts of Put-in-Bay. Perfect for a moment of calm. :hibiscus:
Gravel Beach Access
Explore the small gravel beach and pier for a different view of the cliffs and lake. :fishing_pole:
Tips
from all over the internet
Easy Nature Walk
Enjoy a short, pleasant walk through the woods to reach the scenic overlook. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
While beautiful, there are no tables for picnics, only benches. Bring your own refreshments. :water_wave:
Quiet Island Escape
A peaceful retreat from the busier parts of Put-in-Bay. Perfect for a moment of calm. :hibiscus:
Gravel Beach Access
Explore the small gravel beach and pier for a different view of the cliffs and lake. :fishing_pole:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Massie Cliffside Preserve to be a peaceful, scenic spot offering beautiful Lake Erie views and a pleasant, easy walk through the woods. It's appreciated as a tranquil escape from the busier island attractions, though some note the cliffs aren't as dramatic as the name might suggest.
"This is about a third of a mile hike to a decent sized green space with benches and decent lake views. There is also a small pier with a small rough gravel beach where you can see the cliffs. Be warned these cliffs are not really impressive maybe 20 get high or so. It's worth seeing once but I likley wouldn't go back."
Josh
"This is a fun little walk through a beautiful forest. It had a nice park at the end and beautiful views of the lake. No tables, only benches in case you are planning to picnic there. We spent about 5 mins on top and headed back. Whole thing took about 20-30 mins."
Darcey Krogue
"Like most preserves on the island, it’s nestled in housing. The end of the trail at the cliffside is a great place to relax with a gorgeous view of the lake."
Thirteendays
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Massie Cliffside Preserve is located on the East Point of South Bass Island. You can reach it by car, golf cart, or bicycle from the main Put-in-Bay area. It's a scenic drive, and parking is available near the trailhead.
While there isn't direct public transport to the preserve itself, the main Put-in-Bay area is served by island ferries and local transportation options like trolleys and taxis. From there, you'd need to arrange further transport.
The preserve is a short drive from the main village of Put-in-Bay, typically around 5-10 minutes depending on your starting point on South Bass Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Massie Cliffside Preserve is a public preserve and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.
As a natural preserve, Massie Cliffside is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times, but it's best to visit when there's ample natural light.
The preserve is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather for exploring. Fall foliage can also be stunning.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally described as an easy, short walk through a beautiful forest. The trails are well-maintained and lead to the cliffside overlook. It takes about 20-30 minutes for the round trip. +1
While the preserve is named for its cliffs, reviews suggest they are not dramatically high, perhaps around 20 feet. The main draw is the expansive view of Lake Erie from the clearing.
There is a small gravel beach and pier, but swimming conditions can vary, and it's not a designated swimming area. It's more for lake access and enjoying the shoreline.
There are benches available at the overlook, but no picnic tables. If you plan to picnic, it's best to bring a blanket or be prepared to eat on the benches.
As a preserve, you might encounter various local flora and fauna. Birdwatching is often a popular activity in such natural areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliffside overlook offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Erie, especially during sunrise or sunset. The forest trails also provide beautiful natural backdrops.
Absolutely! The wide expanse of Lake Erie and the natural setting make it ideal for landscape photography. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens.
Drone regulations can vary by location and park. It's always best to check with local authorities or the preserve management for any restrictions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walk Enthusiasts
It’s an ideal spot for a short, refreshing walk that connects you with the island's natural landscape. 📸 Photographers
The preserve also offers opportunities for capturing the beauty of the forest trails and the unique perspective from the gravel beach and pier. It’s a place where you can capture the serene, natural essence of South Bass Island. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Preserve's Natural Beauty
The preserve offers a welcome natural respite from the more bustling attractions of Put-in-Bay, making it a favored spot for those seeking tranquility. The experience at Massie Cliffside Preserve is centered around its natural features. Visitors can enjoy an easy, short hike through a beautiful forest, with well-maintained gravel trails leading to the main attraction: the cliffside overlook.
This preserve is ideal for a brief visit, offering a peaceful interlude during an island getaway. It's a place to relax, enjoy the scenery, and connect with nature. While it may not be a destination for extensive activities, its serene atmosphere and beautiful lake vistas make it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring South Bass Island.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Many visitors appreciate this quiet escape, finding it a perfect spot for a moment of reflection or a brief nature break. Regarding amenities, the preserve is quite minimalist. There are benches available at the cliffside overlook, which are perfect for sitting and enjoying the lake views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit