Medina, Ohio, is located roughly 30 minutes south of Cleveland, about 20 miles from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Miles and miles of trails are available for you to explore on foot. If you want to hike in this area, several clubs meet weekly or monthly. They include a group that first organized in the early 1900s. The hikes range from easy to strenuous, and many are available to members and nonmembers at no cost.
Walking the Dog
If you want a diverse group that has no set routine and is open to kids and dogs, the Northeast Ohio Hiking Club provides all this and more. Whether the hike is short and easy or long and strenuous, both you, your children and your four-legged friends are welcome. In 2010 this club had over 725 members, and events held included the first annual Brecksville Reservation Fall Picnic Hike, which drew 51 attendees.
A Walk in the Park
The Medina County Park District also offers different types of hiking activities. In 2010 the "Hiking for the Health of It" program was tailored for those individuals who wanted to walk at a brisk pace. Expect a more strenuous workout with some of the hikes taking place off-trail. The program is open to those 10 and older, and it is free. Through this monthly program you will enjoy different locales, and you don't have to register to participate.
Cleveland Hikes
Cleveland is located approximately 30 miles north of Medina. The Cleveland Hiking Club has over 900 members. Since its inception in 1919, the mission statement for this organization is simple: to promote and encourage outdoor activity and recreation. Unless the club states otherwise, the hikes are conducted at a pace of three miles per hour. You don't have to be a member to join in the hikes, which are available daily at no charge.
Hike and Bike
For those who want to vary things up a bit, the Medina County Bicycle Club offers the best of both worlds. During the regular season, members from five neighboring counties participate in weekly bike tours as well as annual invitational tours. This also includes impromptu tours, and this club caters to all types of bicyclists, including mountain bike racers. During off-season, members can hike or even ski cross-country instead of, or in addition to, the regular bike tours.
Natural Park Hikes
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located just 20 miles from Medina, offers over 125 hiking trails through diverse terrain such as fields, wetlands and woods. This includes the 19.5 mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail with 10 trailheads. Organized hikes are available from the park system, such as the 2010 Crazy Man's Hollow hike. This hour and a half trek led hikers on a journey off the beaten path in the park's Crazy Man's Hollow.
Member Comments