Posts with tag 'Hiking'
18
Bundle Up for a Winter Hike Around Northeast Ohio
No matter the season, Northeast Ohio features endless outdoor attractions for you to explore, whether you're in the mood for a quick, scenic hike or a longer journey that will lead you to some of the best views in all of Ohio. If you've only explored local trails during the warmer months, you're sure to love experiencing your favorite natural attractions framed by fresh snow, with quiet in the air and stunning scenery all around you. Ready to bundle up? Here are 8 of the best places for a winter hike around Northeast Ohio.
Rocky River Reservation – All Purpose Trail
Valley Pkwy., North Olmstead, OH 44070
One of the first Metro Parks established in the Cleveland area and still one of the largest, Rocky River Reservation offers sprawling outdoor beauty to explore during every season. If you're feeling adventurous, you can find countless trails that will take you through all of the gorgeous scenery that this park has to offer, from amazing shale cliffs to incredible views of the Rocky River from above. The All Purpose Trail is a great place to start if you're new to this park because it will take you straight to some amazing, elevated views.
Edgewater Park – Upper Edgewater Park Loop
Upper Edgewater Dr., Cleveland, OH 44102
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Featuring 9,000 feet of scenic shorelines along Lake Erie and nearly 150 acres to explore in total, Edgewater Park is an ideal choice when you want to enjoy a winter hike without leaving Cleveland. The Upper Edgewater Park Loop runs mostly along the waterfront, passing by Edgewater Beach, Edgewater Pier, and some lovely public art installations along the way. An icy Lake Erie also provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter nature photography.
North Chagrin Reservation – Squire's Lane Trail
3037 Som Center Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
For a quick, scenic hike with a truly impressive payoff at the end, try a trip along the Squire's Lane Trail at the North Chagrin Reservation. The trail checks in at just under a mile long each way, winding through the woods with a fairly flat, even surface. On a winter hike, you'll often find the forest covered in snow, creating beautiful scenes and providing plenty of peacefulness as you explore this relatively short trail in Willoughby Hills. At the end of the trail, you'll find the stunning Squire's Castle, which was built in the 1890s but looks as if it has been plucked straight from medieval times. It's an especially beautiful sight in the snow, making winter the perfect time to visit.
Munroe Falls Metro Park – Indian Spring Trail
521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls, OH 44262
If you want to experience a variety of habitats and ecosystems on one hike, then the Indian Spring trail at Munroe Falls Metro Park is an ideal destination. This 2.2-mile trail loops around the beautiful Indian Spring, passing through wetlands, ponds, and a stream as you explore. It's a great place to spot some local wildlife, both in the forests and wetlands areas. If you're bringing the kids along for your hike, there are also some fantastic sledding hills located within this park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Blue Hen Falls Trail
6974 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
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Covering more than 33,000 acres and featuring more than 125 miles of trails winding through vast natural beauty, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers more than enough to keep you exploring for many winters to come. One of the most popular trails in this large park is the Blue Hen Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall that's especially lovely to visit on a snowy hike. The address linked above is to the Boston Mill Visitor Center at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the perfect place to learn about the park, connect with the friendly, knowledgeable staff, and plan your next adventure.
Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park – Quarry Trail
5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
While natural beauty is abundant in Northeast Ohio, there are also some great hikes that challenge your expectations of what a trail can be. The Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park is one excellent example, traveling through what was once a quarry that helped supply raw materials for many of the region's industrial businesses. The quarry has since been converted into an outstanding park, and a hike here provides an interesting connection to local history to go along with plenty of natural scenery for a winter hike.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm – Seneca Trail
1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH 44313
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For a taste of nature in the heart of Akron, try a visit to the Seneca Trail at the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. The trail is more hilly than others on our list and provides some extra challenge, but it's still short enough at 1.5 miles to be a great fit for a winter hike. The trail winds through a pine forest, a beautiful prairie, and a suspension footbridge that offers some fantastic views of the park. There are also two shorter trails within the park if you're looking for more to explore.
Liberty Park – Ledges Trail
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087
At just over a mile long, the Ledges Trail at Liberty Park is an ideal choice when you're in the mood for a quick hike that doesn't compromise on scenery. The icy, snowy scenes on this trail make it a popular choice during the winter, with ice gardens, small waterfalls, and flowing creeks to enjoy along the way. Liberty Park is also pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend along on your next winter adventure in Northeast Ohio.
Winter Discoveries
With so many trails to choose from, there are hikes to be enjoyed this winter no matter your experience level and tastes. So what wonders will you discover on Northeast Ohio trails this winter?
16
Celebrate Great Outdoors Month at These 9 Ohio Destinations
June is Great Outdoors Month, and Ohio is a particularly beautiful place to spend some time outside in June. In every corner of the Buckeye State, an endless array of parks, lakes, rivers, and trails are just waiting to be explored. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure this month, be sure to check out these wild destinations in Ohio!
Geneva State Park
4499 Padanarum Rd., Geneva, OH 44041
Overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Erie in Northeast Ohio, Geneva State Park is one of the state's true gems when it comes to summer fun and relaxation. Geneva State Park includes a sandy swimming beach, beautiful picnic areas, and a campground with nearly 100 sites for tents and RVs. But one of the park's greatest attractions is fishing. Lake Erie provides some of the best fishing in America for walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, and other species. You'll find a marina and boat launch facilities along with a fishing pier and ample open shoreline in Geneva State Park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
5793 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park feels worlds away from civilization despite being less than an hour from major cities like Cleveland and Akron. It is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular outdoor attractions in Northeast Ohio. Spanning more than 50 square miles, the park follows the course of the Cuyahoga River through its namesake valley, providing a haven for native plants and wildlife. You can explore more than 125 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails within the park, including the beautiful Towpath Trail, which follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. If you're experiencing Cuyahoga Valley National Park for the first time, the Boston Mills Visitor Center is a great place to start.
Rocky River Reservation
Valley Parkway, North Olmsted, OH 44070
One of 18 reservations that make up Cleveland's extensive Metroparks system, Rocky River Reservation is a long, narrow park that follows the meandering course of the Rocky River. Trails and other attractions draw visitors to both sides of the river, which is a prime waterway for fishing and paddling. But what makes the Rocky River Reservation really stand out is its equestrian trails, which stretch for miles through the riverside forests. It's one of the best destinations in Northeast Ohio for horseback riding. Rocky River Stables offers riding lessons and guided horseback riding trips.
Alum Creek State Park
3305 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
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A popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports of all kinds, Alum Creek Lake is one of Ohio's largest reservoirs and is located just minutes from Columbus. The lake is long and narrow, making it ideal for water skiing and personal watercraft, but it also has plenty of secluded coves and shorelines perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Campgrounds, picnic areas, fishing access, and a swimming beach are located within Alum Creek State Park. Alum Creek Lake can get a little busy on summer weekends, so it's always a good idea to visit mid-week if you want to beat the crowds.
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
7925 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43235
We hope you aren't afraid of heights! ZipZone Outdoor Adventures offers one of the most thrilling, adrenaline-fueled outdoor adventures in Ohio, and you can experience it all without leaving the Columbus city limits. ZipZone provides a wide range of aerial thrills, including zip line tours high in the forest canopy, and an exciting treetop obstacle course with five routes and over 60 challenge elements. There's a ground-level kids' park as well, making ZipZone a great option for the entire family.
Hocking Hills State Park
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The entire Hocking Hills region has a reputation as one of Ohio's great outdoor playgrounds, a haven for everything from hiking and paddling to camping and fishing. Hocking Hills State Park, just over an hour southeast of Columbus, is one of the region's great destinations to enjoy all of the above. The park's rugged landscape includes towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and dense, shady groves of hemlock trees crisscrossed by hiking trails. Campsites and cabins are available too.
Little Miami National Scenic River Trail
211 Railroad Ave., Loveland, OH 45140
Flowing between Dayton and Cincinnati, the Little Miami River was one of the first streams in America to be designated a National Scenic River. It's one of Ohio's most beautiful paddling destinations, meandering through mile after mile of forests and farmland. The community of Loveland, OH is a popular place to begin paddling trips on the river. Guided trips and gear rentals are available through Loveland Canoe & Kayak. For anyone who prefers to stay on dry land, the river is paralleled by the 78-mile Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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Always one of Cincinnati's biggest summer attractions, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is operated with a commitment to inspiring visitors and helping preserve wildlife. One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., it's been open since 1873 and is currently home to the world-famous hippo Fiona. The adjoining botanical gardens are just as impressive, displaying a spectacular variety of Ohio native plants and trees, as well as non-native plants from around the world. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is frequently ranked among the best Zoos in America, although the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium gives it a run for its money!
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
At 1,500 acres. Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati's largest park. It was also, at the time of its establishment in 1911, one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in U.S. history. Today, the park offers some of the best opportunities for Cincinnati residents to get off the grid and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Mt. Airy forest is home to many miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, a dog park, disc golf course, and Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse.
Share Your Adventure
Ohio is filled with incredible destinations where you can immerse yourself in the natural world. Be sure to tell us all about your Great Outdoors Month adventures in the comments section!
5
9 Ohio Trails to See Wildflowers in Bloom
Spring is in the air, which means Ohio's wildflower season has just begun. In parks and preserves all over the Buckeye State, the first flowers of the year have already started to bloom.
But the great thing about wildflowers in Ohio is that they don't all appear at once. We get to experience a rainbow of color that changes with the seasons. These wildflower hikes offer opportunities to see a dazzling array of native wildflowers throughout the spring and well into summer.
California Woods Nature Preserve
5400 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230
Southern Ohio parks tend to see the state's earliest spring wildflower blooms, and California Woods Nature Preserve is a prime spot to see early spring flowers in Cincinnati. This Hamilton County preserve encompasses 113 acres of forests, with steep ravines and shady woods that harbor diverse spring bloomers. Visit in May to see Virginia spiderwort and fire-pink in bloom, along with the yellow blossoms of cinquefoil and trout lilies. California Woods is home to an extensive trail system, and the 1-mile Junction Loop is a great place to start. Stop back in summer to explore the preserve's butterfly and hummingbird garden!
Three Creeks Metropark
3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
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One of the several picturesque Metroparks in the Columbus area, Three Creeks Metropark has a reputation as one of the most beautiful destinations for wildflower hikes in Central Ohio. This 1,053-acre park takes its name from the spot where Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks meet, and the area around the confluence of these three streams offers a diverse bounty of spring blooms. The 1-mile Confluence Trail meanders along the creek banks, and you may spy flowers including yellow and white trout lily, Dutchman's breeches and spring beauty, among others. The nearby Bluebell Trail abounds in its namesake flowers, and the small maroon blossoms of sessile trillium are also a common sight.
Wilson Nature Preserve
4082 OH-132, Batavia, OH 45103
Less than 30 minutes from Cincinnati in the small town of Batavia, OH, the James L. and Frances Wilson Nature Preserve spans 145 beautiful acres along the banks of the Little Miami River, including a 25-acre river island. Three miles of trails traverse this picturesque woodland, the ground often carpeted in spring wildflowers. Eagle-eyed hikers can spot several different species of trilliums here. Picnic areas and additional trails, including the aptly named half-mile Wildflower Trail, are available in the neighboring Sycamore Park.
Wildcat Hollow Trail (Wayne National Forest)
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Few places in Ohio offer a more immersive nature experience than Wayne National Forest, which spans a quarter of a million acres among the Appalachian foothills in the southeastern part of the state. There are endless wild experiences to be had here, but if spying spring and summer wildflowers is your goal, head to the Wildcat Hollow Trail. This 17.5-mile loop meanders through diverse woodland and meadow habitats, including carpets of the endangered running buffalo clover, and dense thickets of native rhododendrons in full bloom. The trail is about a 90-minute drive from Columbus, and worth every second of the journey.
North Kingsville Sand Barrens
A stone's throw from the shores of Lake Erie, the North Kingsville Sand Barrens represents a unique landscape of fossilized dunes that supports many plants and animals seen almost nowhere else in Ohio, including the endangered blue bead lily. The spectacular blooms of native blue lupine, which appear in late May and early June, are especially enchanting. This 174-acre property is managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and offers some of the most spectacular wildflower blooms in Northeast Ohio.
Holden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
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The Holden Arboretum is a 3,600-acre wonderland for anyone interested in unique plants and flowers. Home to diverse gardens, collections, and ecologically sensitive habitats, it's one of the largest arboreta in the state and home to a vast network of walking paths. Keep an eye out for native beauties like marsh marigolds, trilliums, and Virginia bluebells. Just 30 minutes from Cleveland, the arboretum is one of the best places to see native wildflowers in Northeast Ohio. They even have an annual plant sale in early May, where you can purchase native wildflowers reared at the arboretum to transplant into your own garden.
Edge of Appalachia Preserve
4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd., West Union, OH 45693
A 16,000-acre preserve dedicated to restoring Southern Ohio's Appalachian landscape, the Edge of Appalachia Preserve's dense forests and vibrant meadows are home to many plant species that are found almost nowhere else in the state. It's a truly unique and beautiful place to go looking for native wildflowers. Be sure to explore the Lynx Prairie Trail, which offers a glimpse at rare species like Indian paintbrush, western sunflower, and the endangered scaly blazing star.
Bigelow Cemetery State Nature Preserve
600 Rosedale Rd, Irwin, OH 43029
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Although it spans just half an acre, Bigelow Cemetery Nature Preserve is a unique and special place. This small park 30 minutes outside Columbus has never been grazed or plowed, a fact that becomes all the more striking when one looks out at the cultivated farmlands that surround it. This small plot of land was first used as a cemetery in pioneer times, and the grave markers dating back to the 1800s still stand among the tall prairie grasses and blooming wildflowers, giving it an almost dreamlike appearance. The blossoms are frequented by hummingbirds and butterflies and reach their peak in July and August.
Brecksville Reservation
9000 Chippewa Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
The largest of Cleveland's 18 Metroparks, the Brecksville Reservation is home to the striking Chippewa Creek Gorge, as well as a section of the 1,400-mile Buckeye Trail, which forms a circular loop through the entire state of Ohio. The Brecksville Reservation is a great place for a spring wildflower hike, with prolific blooms of trout lily, great white trillium, marsh marigold, spring beauty, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and many other species. The 0.75-mile Wildflower Loop Trail packs a lot of great flora into a short, sweet hike.
Walk on the Wild Side
Ohio has hundreds of amazing parks and trails where you can see blooming wildflowers throughout the spring and summer months. If we forgot to mention your favorite place, be sure to let us know in the comments below!
16
8 Spots to Spot Pawpaw Trees Around Cincy
We love our pawpaws here in Cincinnati. Farmers sell them at local markets. Clever cooks make pawpaw chutney and jam. Local craft brewers even make small-batch pawpaw beers when the fruit is in season. It's a unique fruit, with a creamy avocado-like texture and a flavor that some describe as a cross between mango and banana. But if you're not from Ohio or Kentucky, there's a good chance you've never heard of one of America's most abundant native fruits.
That's probably because of their brief season, short shelf life, and readiness to bruise make them all but impossible to ship outside their native region. But if you live in Cincinnati, there's a good chance you have pawpaws growing right in your own backyard. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees at these beautiful Cincy area parks this fall.
French Park
3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237
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Once the vast estate of Herbert Greer French, the land now known as French Park has been a popular hiking spot in Cincinnati for the better part of a century. In addition to the park's handsome brick manor, the park includes 275 acres of woods, wetlands, and meadows with a lovely 2.9-mile loop trail. The terrain is moderately hilly, and pawpaw trees are fairly common understory plants along the trail. Watch for the trees' distinctive large, oblong leaves, and for the fruit itself, which is green, kidney-shaped, and grows in clusters.
Sharon Woods
11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
A beautiful 730-acre park just 25 minutes from the heart of Cincinnati, Sharon Woods is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. The park also includes a small lake that offers great fishing and kayaking opportunities. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees along the lakeshore as you paddle around! They love to grow in wet, low-lying areas. Sharon Woods is home to several beautiful hiking trails as well, including a 2.6-mile paved pathway that encircles the lake. Pawpaws have also been seen growing along the 0.7-mile Gorge Trail.
Shawnee Lookout
2008 Lawrenceburg, North Bend, OH 45052
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Tucked away in Ohio's southwestern-most corner, Shawnee Lookout offers rich history and splendid scenery. The park overlooks the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys, with some truly exceptional views, especially as the leaves begin to change in fall. Shawnee Lookout is most famous for its Native American earthworks and historic Springhouse School and Log Cabin, but also offers a wealth of peaceful hiking trails where you can often spot pawpaws in bloom. Keep an eye out for the fruit along the 1.4-mile Miami Fort Trail in particular.
Ault Park
5090 Observatory Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Most Cincinnatians know Ault Park as the site of local events like the Concours d' Elegance Car Show and the city's annual 4th of July festivities. Although the spectacular open-air pavilion and gardens of Ault Park may be the most well-known features of this Cincinnati green space, there's more to explore when you go off the beaten path. The more secluded corners of Ault Park offers a maze of nature trails that traverse shady woods, hills, valleys, and streams. Pawpaws are a common sight along many of the trails, particularly low-lying areas along the Valley Trail and Brook Trail.
Burnet Woods
3251 Brookline Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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Pawpaws grow profusely along the shady slopes of Burnet Woods, one of Cincy's most deeply forested parks. Located a stone's throw from the University of Cincinnati campus, Burnet Woods encompasses 90 acres of quiet woodlands that are popular among locals for bird watching and dog walking. It won't take you long to spot pawpaw trees along the park's shady hiking trails. They're especially common near the small lake at the heart of Burnet Woods, which is also a great spot for catch-and-release fishing if you're so inclined.
Caldwell Preserve
430 W North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45216
Caldwell Preserve, also known as the Caldwell Nature Center, is a great place to experience the landscape of Ohio as it may have looked before settlers arrived. A mix of old-growth forest and newer plantings, the preserve includes some dense stands of pawpaw trees, often shaded beneath a towering canopy of mature beech, walnut, and oaks. Keep an eye out for pawpaws as you hike the nature trail through the Mill Creek Valley.
Rowe Woods
4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150
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One of a handful of properties across Hamilton County that are collectively managed as the Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods spans over 1,000 acres just east of the city. It's a spectacular resource for nature lovers, including a 65-acre tract of old-growth forest and 14 miles of hiking trails that explore a wide range of habitats. The woods are popular among bird watchers and wildflower aficionados, and there are plenty of opportunities to see pawpaws here. Keep in mind that harvesting and foraging are not allowed; look but don't pick! Admission to Rowe Woods is free for Cincinnati Nature Center Members, and there is a small fee for non-members.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Spanning approximately 1,500 acres, Mt. Airy Park has the distinction of being Cincinnati's largest park. It's also one of the oldest urban reforestation parks in America and has been one of Cincinnati's most prized outdoor resources since 1911. The park includes many miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, all of which traverse an amazing diversity of habitats, from hardwood and conifer forests to meadows and wetlands. You can frequently spot pawpaws along the shady wooded slopes leading down to creek bottoms.
Savor the Flavor
Pawpaws are ripe for only a brief time, so don't miss it! Here in the Cincinnati area, the fruit is usually in its prime in late September, though it can be a little different every year. If you find some in a park we forgot to mention, be sure to let us know in the comments section below!
7
Northeast Ohio: 10 Places to Find Hidden Treasure on Your Next Hike
When you were a kid, did stories of hidden treasure capture your imagination? While you may not find jewels and gold coins, geocaching is a fascinating way for kids of all ages to enjoy the thrill of discovering secret treats.
New and experienced geocachers will get hours of entertainment exploring these popular trails around Northeast Ohio.
Bedford Reservation All-Purpose Trail
18753 Egbert Rd., Bedford, OH 44146
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Located fewer than 20 miles from Cleveland, Bedford Reservation is a perfect spot for a quick getaway. The 7.6-mile all-purpose trail winds through the wooded 2,200-acre grounds, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as geocaching. Don't miss scenic Bridal Veil Falls or the Tinkers Creek Gorge Overlook. Sheltered picnic areas are available. Park hours are 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Bike and Hike Trail
Summersweet TR, Walton Hills, OH 44146
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If you're looking for a more vigorous outing, the simply-named Bike and Hike Trail is accessible just across the street from the Alexander Road trailhead of Bedford Reservation's APT. The 34.2-mile trail spans Cuyahoga, Portage, and Summit counties, passing through both rural and suburban territory. Converted from two former railway lines, the route features some gently rolling terrain to add interest without being too strenuous.
Berlin Lake Trail
When it opened in 2011, Berlin Lake Trail revealed some stunning waterfront views that were previously unavailable to the public. At a length of 2.25 miles, the crushed-limestone trail provides a satisfying hike for any level of experience. Visual highlights include the renovated train trestle bridge and frequent appearances of herons, eagles, and ospreys. Leashed dogs are welcome, so Fido can join in the hunt.
Bridgeway Trail
2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, OH 44055
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It's wheels down on Bridgeway Trail, where inline skaters and bikers join hikers and runners. Located in Black River Reservation, the 4.5-mile path extends from Day's Dam to the High Meadows picnic area. The trail passes through peaceful meadows and wooded areas, as well as across a 1,000-foot bridge spanning the Black River. Look for interpretive signs along the way with fascinating information about the area's natural history. The Black River Reservation is open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week.
Bruce G. Rinker Greenway
610 S.O.M. Center Rd., Mayfield, OH 44143
The charming Mayfield Village setting of Bruce G. Rinker Greenway gives the trail a neighborhood feel. Known simply as the Greenway upon its opening in 2014, the site was later renamed after a former mayor of the village. The route passes community landmarks such as the fire station, elementary school, and library, along with a wetland preserve.
Euclid Creek Reservation All-Purpose Trail
850 Euclid Creek Pkwy., Cleveland, OH 44121
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Euclid Creek Reservation is situated on the site of the once-thriving ghost town of Bluestone. The village name was taken from the substance excavated at the nearby quarry, the remains of which can still be seen from the All-Purpose Trail and the picnic area. While the APT runs a total of 3.5 miles, the two segments are currently disconnected, with the longer section reaching 2.75 miles. The trail parallels Euclid Creek, with a dense line of trees offering welcome shade. Euclid Creek Reservation hours are 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Garfield Park Reservation All-Purpose Trail
11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, OH 44125
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Since 1895, Garfield Park Reservation has been a popular spot for residents and visitors of Northeast Ohio. The All-Purpose Trail's main attraction is Mill Creek Falls, but hikers also enjoy spotting pieces of historical stonework that date back to the 1930s. Spacious woodlands and wetlands hold the perpetual promise of exciting wildlife sightings. Garfield Park Reservation is open daily from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Lake to Lake Trail
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The self-descriptive Lake to Lake Trail is a 2.4-mile, universally accessible all-purpose trail stretching from Lake Abram to Lake Isaac. At 175 acres, these two form the largest glacial wetlands in Cuyahoga County and vital homes for local wildlife. Most of the trail is paved or boardwalk, although there is a small section on pavement alongside Hepburn Road. Lake to Lake Trail is part of Big Creek Reservation, which is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Each year, more than 2.5 million visitors get a glimpse of Northeast Ohio's past at the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Already numbering an ambitious 81 miles, the trail will eventually come in at a total of 110 miles, extending from Cleveland to New Philadelphia. As denoted by "Towpath" in the name, the trail is intended to trace the route of a historical canal where mules pulled boats. The current trail runs through Cuyahoga, Stark, and Summit counties and passes through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Portage Hike and Bike Trail
1557 Lake Rockwell Rd., Kent, OH 44240
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Between the urban areas of Kent and Ravenna lie 10 miles of woods and meadows forming the Portage Hike and Bike Trail. One of the more picturesque sections of the trail borders the southern edge of Towner's Woods Park in Franklin Township. In addition to its natural beauty, the park features an ancient Native American burial ground on the shores of Lake Pippen.
Geocaching Tips
- On state or municipal property, observe the rules and regulations of Cleveland Metroparks and other governing organizations.
- Download the Geocaching app for valuable instructions and hints. This is also a great way to become a member of the geocaching community.
- Don't bury items or hide them in any way that requires hunters to disturb the environment, whether it's natural or man-made.
- Don't hide food and other perishable items.
- Don't hide dangerous or illegal items. Remember that geocaching is a family-friendly activity.
- Use transparent containers and label them clearly as geocaches.
- Be mindful of appropriate social distancing protocols.
Hide and Seek
What item would you put in a geocache container to best represent Northeast Ohio?
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