Posts with tag 'Outdoors'
5
Where to Cast a Line Around Northeast Ohio
There are few pastimes as simple, serene, and satisfying as fishing. Whether catching for sport or for feeding your friends and family, fishing is a fantastic outdoor activity that we can't get enough of. When we're looking to get in touch with nature, we grab our tackle boxes and head out to these great fishing holes around Northeast Ohio.
Headlands Beach State Park
9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
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Why not spend the afternoon fishing on the beach? As the longest natural beach in the Buckeye State, Headlands Beach State Park is a wonderful place for shore fishing. Lake Erie is full of fun fish to angle for, including coho salmon, bluegill, rock bass, sucker, and bullhead. Pack a swimsuit in your tacklebox so you can swim and sunbathe after you've reeled in a few crappie and trout.
West Branch State Park
5570 Esworthy Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266
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Located in Portage County, West Branch State Park features a 2,300-acre lake for both on- and off-water fishing. Whether you love relaxing on the boat with a line in the water or wandering a bank to find hidden fishing holes, West Branch State Park offers enough variety that you'll never tire of. With fishing gear and supplies available at the West Branch Marina, you can bring a few first-time anglers out with you and show them the ropes.
Springfield Lake
2459 Canfield Rd., Akron, OH 44312
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A hidden gem right outside of Akron, Springfield Lake Park is a gorgeous, well-maintained park that offers an abundance of shoreline. A popular park for family gatherings, we love taking the kids out to Springfield Lake for a day of fun. While you catch channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass, your kids can enjoy playing on the jungle gym. Keep in mind that this park can get busy throughout the summer months, so be sure to come early if you want to find a peaceful, secluded spot to cast a line.
South Bass Island State Park
1523 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
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Who says you can't turn a fishing trip into a vacation? When we want to get away from it all (without going too far from home, that is) we stay-put in Put-in-Bay. This lovely village on South Bass Island in Lake Erie is an exceptional place to spend a long weekend for relaxation, recreation, and reeling in a few fish. Grab your rod and stroll down to South Bass Island State Park and do a little fishing in the lake. This portion of the lake has an abundance of fish species to hook, including steelhead trout, yellow perch, walleye, and smallmouth bass.
Pymatuning State Park
6100 Pymatuning Lake Rd., Andover, OH 44003
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All anglers know that you don't need to rush to natural waterways to find a good fishing hole. Pymatuning State Park features the manmade Pymatuning Reservoir that offers the same level of quality fishing you'd find in other lakes around Ohio. Split across the Pennsylvania state border, fishing either side of the Pymatuning Lake will allow you to reel in bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie, and smallmouth bass.
Atwood Lake Park
9500 Lakeview Rd., Mineral City, OH 44656
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If you're looking for a cozy campsite for a weekend of fishing, Atwood Lake Park is calling your name. Grab the wife, the kids, and even the family dog so that you can all enjoy the many amenities of this family-friendly park, including the beach, basketball center, hiking trails, and volleyball court. For fishing, you can launch your boat from their courtesy dock or sit and fish off the pier.
Portage Lakes State Park
5031 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319
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A boat and a fishing pole are all you need for unlimited angling in Portage Lakes State Park. With the freedom to explore eight spectacular lakes, Portage Lakes State Park offers limitless opportunities to fish without venturing too far from downtown Akron. While you can head to any lake and cast a line, we encourage all anglers to do a little research before venturing out. For instance, Turkeyfoot Lake is a great place to snag both largemouth bass and sunfish, and while neighboring West Reservoir is also great for largemouth bass, the crappie numbers are quite low. We suggest looking at stock levels of fish in all of the lakes and planning your trip according to which fish you'd like to reel in.
Highlandtown Wildlife Area
18416 Steubenville Pike, Salineville, OH 43945
Hunting and fishing go together like peanut butter and jelly, and there's no better place to do both than in the Highlandtown Wildlife Area. An expanse of 2,265-acres awaits outdoor enthusiasts who help keep the great outdoors thriving by assisting with population control. The Highlandtown Wildlife Area Pond is best to fish in the late afternoon either from the banks or on the water. The bass and crappie in the pond can get quite large but do remember that this is a popular hunting area for locals and visitors alike. For a quieter trip, make sure you try to avoid the crowds by going in the off-hours.
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park
301 Huntington Beach Dr., Fairport Harbor, OH 44077
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The vast Lake Erie has too many great fishing spots to list, but we thought we'd leave you with just one more before you grab your reels and head out. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park features the T-shaped Harbor View Boardwalk offering great views of Lake Erie and leads you to the lighthouse, which is where locals say the best fishing holes are located. Along with a fishing pier, there are also fishing charters available. If you've never fished but would love to give it a go, chartering your own private fishing boat for a few hours on Lake Erie will surely get you hooked!
Reel 'Em In
Where's your favorite fishing spot around Northeast Ohio? Drop us a line in the comments and tell us which fishing holes we should check out next!
8
Northeast Ohio: Stark County Is a Walk in the Park
Are you feeling cooped up at home and need a bit of fresh air? Take advantage of Stark County's beautiful outdoor spaces and go for a relaxing walk. We're surrounded by picturesque trails that offer unspoiled areas where we can clear our heads and forget about life for a while. Spend a few hours strolling these Northeast Ohio walking trails and parks.
West Branch Trail
1305 Stadium Park Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
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The West Branch Trail, running along the West Branch of the Nimishillen Creek, is a fantastic trail to walk if you want to get up close and personal with a few Stark County landmarks. This trail is just under four-and-a-half miles long and connects to seven parks, including what once was Mother Goose Land and Covered Bridge Park. Great for running, biking, hiking, or walking your dog the West Branch Trail
Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail Park
Lake Lucerne Trailhead, 7975 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
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While you may not want to walk the full 25 miles of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, you can explore the Congressman Ralph Regula trail at one of 14 trailheads. We suggest taking on the Canal Fulton northern section at the Lake Lucerne Trailhead. This trailhead offers a convenient place to park and walk then cast a line when your return.
Devonshire Park and Trail
4679 South Blvd. NW, Canton, OH 44718
Get off of the beaten path and get close to wildlife at the Devonshire Park and Trail. This trail extends only a little longer than a half of a mile and runs on mowed grass to offer an easy opportunity for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Fishing is also permitted at this park, but these conservation lands are also great for children to enjoy with their parents.
Hoover Trail
Hoover Community Recreational Complex, 1325 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
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Although the recreation complexes may be unavailable, you can still find plenty of space to roam on the Hoover Trail. Park at the Hoover Community Recreational Complex and walk along the 5-mile trail that connects with other areas of the Hoover District. Animal sightings are common along this trail during all seasons, so be sure to take it slow and keep your eyes open!
Mahoning Valley Trail
Deer Creek Reservoir, 14514 Price St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
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If you've ever wanted to get a closer look at the Mahoning River, head over to the Mahoning Valley Trail. You can start your hike on this scenic trail at the Deer Creek Reservoir and enjoy a 4-mile walk over boardwalks, bridges, and along the Mahoning River. There are a few picnic areas around the trailhead as well where you can have lunch as well.
Nickel Plate Trail
2923 Pinevale Ave. NE, Louisville, OH 44641
The Nickel Plate Trail is a great mix of urban and rural landscapes. Stretching four miles with its recently added section, most of this trail is unpaved gravel or unimproved natural surface, making it a little more of a challenge than a typical stroll would entail. There are often horses on the trail, and with private property surrounding much of the area, it's best to remain on the trail and stay visible to other passersby.
Pioneer Trail
2600 Harvard Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44709
Another small trail in the Canton area, the Pioneer Trail is just over one-mile long and takes hikers towards the campus of Malone University. Unlike some of the flatter trails of the area, the Pioneer Trail features inclines and declines throughout, making it a good trail for runners, more active hikers, and bikers.
Sandy Valley Trail and Waynesburg Park Loop Trail
262 Maple St., Waynesburg, OH 44688
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For those who would like to get a few laps in, the Waynesburg Park Loop Trail is perfect. Short and sweet, this trail circles the park. You can add three-quarters-of-a-mile to your exercise by walking the Sandy Valley Trail.
Sippo Valley Trail
2069 Skyland Ave. NW, Massillon, OH 44647
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A much longer trail that connects to the Towpath Trail, the Sippo Valley Trail stretches ten miles. It begins as an asphalt trail but does transition to limestone farther down. You'll walk parallel to Sippo Creek, and most of the trail is relatively flat, offering a simple but long trek between the trailheads.
Iron Horse Trail
1141 W. Beech St., Alliance, OH 44601
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Once a railroad right-of-way, the Iron Horse Trail now offers four-and-a-half miles of biking and hiking space for people and their pets. With a trailhead at the First Christian Church and an adjacent neighborhood, the Iron Horse Trail is convenient for Alliance families to access.
Cook's Lagoon and Trail
1819 Mahoning Road NE, Canton, OH 44705
Cook's Lagoon is a popular fishing hole, but it's a nice walking trail with benches and an easy walk for those who want to stroll at their own pace.
Molly Stark Park
7900 Columbus Rd. NE, Louisville, OH 44641
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Get your fill of trails at Molly Stark Park. In the process of becoming a 35-acre park with hiking trails, gardens, and plenty of outdoor space to explore, Molly Stark Park is a great place to find fresh air close to home. Be sure to research the history and mysteries of the Molly Stark Park building to understand why it was a significant hospital for the treatment of Tuberculosis.
Social Distancing in Serene Surroundings
Where do you love to get away and embrace a nature hike? Tell us in the comments below.
27
Take a Sunday Drive Around Cincinnati
Do you ever come down with a case of wanderlust, but vacation just isn't in the cards right now? With as little as one day and one tank of gas, get away from it all and take one of these fascinating trips around the Cincinnati area.
Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County
6282 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005
Quilts have a nostalgic appeal that instantly creates a homey feeling of comfort. Enterprising crafters have taken "quilting" to a new level, and many of their works make up the Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County. Donna Sue Groves, a representative of the Ohio Arts Council, inspired the project with a quilt square painted on the side of a barn in Adams County to honor her mother. Boone County's collection, sponsored by the Florence Women's Club, features more than 60 barn squares in traditional and contemporary patterns.
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
4521 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232
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It may seem a more appropriate site for Halloween visits, but Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is not your everyday cemetery. Established in 1845, Spring Grove is the second-largest cemetery in the United States and one of only seven to hold the designation of National Historic Landmark. In addition to the burial grounds, Spring Grove includes a stunning 733-acre arboretum with an extensive collection of flowering trees, shrubs, and perennials. Download a map from the website and tour the grounds by car or foot. Hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
Riverside Dr. and Greenup St., Covington, KY 41011
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Sneak in some local history with a family visit to view the impressive artwork along the Riverside Drive Statue Tour in Covington's Licking Riverside Historic District. Start with the statue of John A. Roebling at the foot of the bridge spanning Cincinnati and Covington that bears his name. As you make your way along the riverfront, you'll pass impressive historic mansions along with statues of notable figures such as Captain Mary B. Greene, first licensed riverboat captain along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and James Bradley, a former slave who became one of the first black students at Oberlin College.
Eden Park Tour
1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Iconic Eden Park may define Cincinnati more than any other area in the city. Its name is taken from "Garden of Eden," as it was called by original owner Nicholas Longworth. Start your tour at Elsinore Arch, a stately structure built as a valve house for Cincinnati Water Works that also serves as the entrance to Eden Park. Other stops include Mirror Lake, a reflection pool with a 60-foot fountain, and Presidential Grove, which features a tree dedicated to each president of the United States. Hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
"Secret Cincinnati" Tour
229 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, KY 41073
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Once you've seen the traditional Cincinnati sites such as Great American Ball Park and Fountain Square, it's time to check out the lesser-known but equally interesting spots. The "Secret Cincinnati" Tour is based on Kathryn Witt's book, Secret Cincinnati: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. Start at Petri's Flowers Building, where a whimsical mural imagines characters from artistic masterpieces enjoying a "Garden Party at the Taft." Other visual treats along the way include a Western mural adorning a park in Old Seminary Square and St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, with an exterior designed to resemble iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
City of Sculpture
1 High St., Hamilton, OH 45011
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Hamilton's commitment to culture led then-Governor Bob Taft to officially recognize it as the "City of Sculpture" on August 16, 2000. Community members founded a non-profit group under the same name to continue installing sculptures from local and national artists in various public spaces around Hamilton. One of their projects involves teaming up with Leadership Hamilton to provide a series of sculptural bike racks throughout the downtown area and along Main Street. After spotting the sculptures around town, finish your tour at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, featuring more than 80 sculptures in a beautiful natural setting. The park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for kids aged 6-12.
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
20 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Not all art galleries are behind four walls. ArtWorks is a non-profit organization helping to make Cincinnati a diverse and vibrant open-air art gallery. The Public Art program matches youths aged 14-21 with professional artists who serve as mentors. Since 1996, members of ArtWorks have created more than 12,500 projects, of which one of the more notable works is the "Sing the Queen City" sculpture greeting people entering the city on the Roebling Bridge. Visit the website and download the convenient map of self-guided walking tours.
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S., Logan, OH 43138
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With five separate sections offering a diverse range of landscapes and features, Hocking Hills State Park is like Mother Nature's amusement park. More than 330 million years ago, the area was submerged beneath the Atlantic Ocean. As the waters receded, various natural wonders carved out by a melting glacier came into view. Get a brisk workout on the hiking trails that's rewarded with breathtaking sights of cliffs, waterfalls, caves, and sweeping panoramas. Hours are dawn to dusk year-round.
Columbus, IN Art and Architecture Tour
506 5th St., Columbus, IN 47201
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When you hear "Columbus," you probably think automatically of Ohio. But the "other" Columbus, across the Indiana state line, has been named one of America's top historic destinations by National Geographic Traveler. Columbus has been dubbed "Athens on the Prairie" thanks to the city's unique mix of public art and modern architecture. The visitor center boasts a Dale Chihuly chandelier, while the library was designed by I.M. Pei and features a Henry Moore sculpture adorning its outdoor plaza.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
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Cincinnati is a bustling urban center, but a peaceful oasis is only 15 minutes away. At 1,459 acres, Mt. Airy Forest is the largest facility in Cincinnati's park system. Along with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, Mt. Airy has Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible treehouse. The arboretum features 30 acres of gardens, several gazebos, and a scenic lake. Bring Fido along for a romp in the enclosed dog park. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy at one of 23 picnic areas. Mt. Airy is open daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Hit the Road, Jack
What's your go-to carpool karaoke song?
20
Explore These Bike Trails Around Columbus
When you need a breath of fresh air far from the city crowds, you'll find ample space to roam in Columbus. With many miles of bike paths and trails, our city has a lot to offer for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Columbus is also a major hub for state-wide trails and greenways, some of which stretch for hundreds of miles across the Buckeye State. These bike paths in the Columbus area offer ample opportunities to get outside, get in shape, and simply enjoy the greener side of Central Ohio.
Alum Creek Trail
Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125
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A favorite multi-use trail that stretches roughly 25 miles across Franklin County, the Alum Creek Trail offers a well-maintained hard surface for hikers and cyclists. The trail follows the picturesque Columbus river corridor, from Westerville to Three Creeks Park, passing through several parks and neighborhoods along the way. Construction on the trail was completed in 2015, and the Alum Creek Trail has quickly become the go-to destination for Columbus residents looking to get outside.
Olentangy Trail
Whetstone Park, 3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210
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The Olentangy Trail is a great place to go for a bike ride, but for many first-time visitors to Columbus, its central location makes it one of the most popular ways to explore the city on foot. The trail connects the community of Worthington to downtown Columbus, meandering through several neighborhoods along the banks of the Olentangy River. Along the way, the Olentangy Trail passes through the Ohio State University campus, with trailheads at Whetstone Park as well as several other major city parks.
Scioto Trail
Scioto Trail Park, 2951 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207
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The first greenway ever built in Columbus, the Scioto Trail has been a treasured resource for hikers and cyclists in the city since 1976. It's still a favorite local bike path, with sections on either side of the Scioto River, including the downtown riverfront, where you can get a great view of the Columbus skyline. The most well-known section of the path is the Scioto Mile, which includes a string of prominent parks, promenades, and landmarks. Near the south edge of Downtown Columbus, the trail traverses the beautiful Scioto Audubon Park, including a trailhead at the Audubon Nature Center. The Scioto Trail also directly connects to the Olentangy Trail.
Heritage Trail
7262 Hayden Run Road, Hilliard, OH 43026
Following an old abandoned rail line from Old Hilliard to Cemetery Pike, the Heritage Trail one of the less-used bike paths in the Columbus area. That makes it a great place to beat the crowds, although the Heritage Dog Park at one end of the trail does make it a popular spot for dog walking. Paved, well maintained, and easy to follow, it's a great place for an afternoon bike ride, passing through about 7 miles of fields and farmlands just outside Columbus.
Blacklick Creek Greenway
Three Creeks Metropark, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125
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Running parallel to its namesake creek for most of its 18-mile length, the Blacklick Creek Greenway stretches from Reynoldsburg to Groveport on the southeastern edge of Columbus. There are several parks and trails in the Columbus area where you can hop on the Blacklick Creek Greenway, but a favorite spot is Three Creeks Metro Park. This park marks the spot where the Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks join; and it's also home to sections of both the Blacklick Creek Greenway and the Alum Creek Greenway.
Chestnut Ridge Mountain Bike Trail
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Road NW, Carroll, OH 43112
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While many of Columbus' bike paths are great for easy rambles along relatively flat, paved trailways, the mountain bike trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park offers something a little more extreme. Just a few miles southeast of Columbus, Chestnut Ridge is actually the first ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, and the Chestnut Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is a great place for an intense mountain biking experience. The trail runs a little over 9 miles through deep woods, with many steep climbs and descents, along with a few bridges and some steep, banked turns. The trail is divided into two loops, one for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers, and the other for experienced cyclists only.
Big Walnut Trail
Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH 43081
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The Big Walnut Trail stretches a little over 10 miles through several Columbus area parks, including Inniswood Metro Gardens, a lovely botanical garden and nature preserve that's open free of charge seven days a week to the general public. Popular for jogging and dog walking as well as biking, the Big Walnut Trail is a paved multi-use trail that also offers expansive views of Hoover Reservoir and the parks along the lakeshore.
Camp Chase Trail
Battelle Darby Creek Metropark, 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
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Just over 16 miles long, the Camp Chase trail runs between the cities of London and Columbus, acting as a connector between Madison and Franklin counties. The trail is relatively level and easy for biking, consisting of paved double-track that follows the course of a railroad line. In addition to being a great biking spot for Columbus residents, the Camp Chase Trail is also a crucial link in the much longer Ohio to Erie Trail, which stretches 326 miles across the state of Ohio from southwest to northeast.
Hit the Trails
Did we forget to mention your favorite trail? Be sure to let us know in the comments section!
4
Cleveland: Where to Train for Your Next 5K
Lace-up your running shoes and fill up your water bottle — it's time to train for your next race! As the warm weather slides into Northeast Ohio, the many trails and pathways around the region are shaking off their snow and inviting runners to go the extra mile in preparation for 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathon races! Even if you're not training to beat your record time, frequent running will keep your form consistent and help you complete each race you enter. Check out these trails located in a few of our favorite green spaces around the Cleveland area.
Big Creek Reservation
4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144
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The fishing, sledding, and picnicking at Big Creek Reservation are all enjoyable, but the gem of the park has to be the gorgeous Lake to Lake Trail. Connecting Lake Isaac to Lake Abram, this 2.4-mile all-purpose trail crosses through the wetlands and provides a steady pathway for runners entering into their first race to gain their footing.
Punderson State Park
11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065
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Just a short drive from downtown Cleveland is Punderson State Park. While others boat on Punderson Lake or play golf, you can take advantage of nearly 11 miles of trail. Of the eight trails in the park, the farthest is 2.2 miles, while the shortest is a simple 0.1 mile — most hover been 0.75 and 1.2 miles. With such easy and accessible trails available, this is a great place to get a quick run in before you enjoy the park's other amazing amenities.
North Chagrin Reservation
Cleveland Metro Park Drive, Mayfield Village, OH 44143
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The North Chagrin Reservation is a fantastic place for runners who love adventure. Within the reservation is Foster's Run, a stunning trail that connects a newly constructed all-purpose trail with an old roadway. Although this trail connects the Wilson Mills Road Trailhead parking lot with the Forest Picnic Area, you can choose to jump on the Buckeye Trail or Bridle Trail to extend your run. There's also a physical fitness trail on the reservation that offers additional opportunities to exercise.
Acacia Reservation
26899 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
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Looking for a place to run with nature while doing so on a paved path? Acacia Reservation sounds like the spot for you. Their 1.7-mile paved loop trail offers an opportunity to tackle a manageable run or work on your stamina with multiple laps.
Springfield Bog Metro Park
1400 Portage Line Road, Akron, OH 44312
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The Springfield Bog Metro Park is home to the Prairie Trail, an easy 1.6-mile jaunt that leads runners through a gorgeous prairie. This park is less than a decade old and was once unused farmland. As you run, you'll see more than 40 species of plant wave to you as this beautiful new boggy area continues to thrive.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141
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The parks and reservations above offer fantastic trails that will surely help you get in shape for your 5K, but we've saved our top pick for last — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This massive park connecting Akron and Cleveland offers up over 125 miles worth of hiking trail for you to break in your running shoes and set your sights on breaking every goal you set. With so many trails to choose from, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know this park inside and out. Here are a few of the trails we suggest you conquer in each area of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Kendall Lake Area Trails
The trails in the Kendall Lake Area are practically built for runners who want to gradually increase their goals. We like to think of them as perfect markers to help track our progress. The Lake Trail is an easy one-mile trail while the Cross Country Trail is a little more challenging at 2.5 miles. Did you guess that the third trail, the Salt Run Trail, was 3.3 miles and the most challenging? Master each one individually, then combine them to really test your limits!
Ledges Area Trails
Here are two sets of trails for two types of runners. Those who are shaking off the rust or are running for their first time will love the easy Forest Point Trail and Haskell Run. Both are only half-of-a-mile long and hardly have an elevation change. The other two trails, Ledges Trail and Pine Grove Trail are each 2.2 miles long and offer a moderate challenge. We love running the longer trails for endurance and hitting the shorter trailers hard for an explosive final sprint to the finish!
Cuyahoga Valley Trails
The Cuyahoga Valley Trails tackle three areas of the park from Station Road to Boston to Everett. Their four loop trails have the following distances: Station Road Bridge to Red Lock 10.3 miles, Red Lock to Boston 8.1 miles, Boston to Peninsula 7.4 miles, and Peninsula to Hunt Farm 9.4 miles. While trekking through these areas, you'll use different pathways including the statewide Buckeye Trail, the Valley Trail, and Towpath Trail. These runs can be quite tiresome, especially if you're still getting into the groove of long-distance running. Thankfully, there are many parking lots lining the trails, which allow you to carve out small sections of them and gradually increase your out-and-back distance when you're comfortable.
Oak Hill and Plateau Trails
If you follow Oak Hill Road north just past the Cuyahoga Valley Environment Education Center, you'll be able to access the Oak Hill Trail and the Plateau Trail. Both trails are loops, with the Oak Hill Trail labeled an easy trail at 1.8 miles and the Plateau Trail stretching just under 5 miles, with a moderate to difficult ranking. Either trail alone offers a solid run; however, what we like most about this duo is the Oak Hill Trail connects to the Plateau Trail at six spots. If 5 miles is too much yet 2 miles is too little, you can break off of the Oak Hill trail, run through sections of the Plateau Trail, then jump back on the Oak Trail to finish. This allows you to make the Oak Hill Trail stretch as far as you desire.
Wetmore Area Trails
The Wetmore Area Trails are quite scenic, so much so that when we aren't training for a race, we love to take the slow route via horseback. You can access five trails from the Hunt House right on Bolanz Road — Wetmore Trail, Butler's Trail, Langes Run Trail, Tabletop Trail, and Valley Trail. Butler's Trail is a quick and easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail while the Tabletop Trail is a little longer at 0.75 mile that acts as a short cut through the Wetmore Trail. The Wetmore Trail and Langes Trail are longer, at 4.5 miles and 3.5 miles respectively, and offer a moderate to difficult run. However, we suggest that marathon runners set their sights on the 19-mile Valley Trail. It's quite a trek, but uninterrupted paths with ranging levels of difficulty offer a chance to really test your strength and stamina.
On Track
Where are your favorite places to run free around Cleveland? Let us know in the comments below!
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