With a national park, four park districts, and many wildlife refuges and other local parks, the opportunities for a beautiful summer hike in the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area are literally all around us.

Whether you’re just starting on your hiking journey or a professional adventure seeker, the following parks and trails offer something for every skill level alongside some really beautiful scenery (if we do say so ourselves).

A few of our favorite resources to visit before you go:

• American Hiking Society: The 10 Essentials – Make sure you have your essentials for a safe and successful hike.
• Guidelines to Leave no Trace – “Leave what you find, take only photos and memories.”
• National Park Service: Hiking Etiquette – Don’t be a jerk on the trails! 

Ready to start hiking? Here are just some of our favorite spots. (There are so many beautiful trails, we couldn’t possibly list them all here!)

Centennial Lake Link Trail

Located on the west bank of the flats in Cleveland, the Lake Link Trail is built on what was once the Cleveland-Mahoning Railroad line. A bridge connecting the trail to Wendy Park on Whiskey Island is currently underway and will open soon, making this a great hike to add to your list!

Bedford Reservation

Located in Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood, Valley View, and Walton Hills, Bedford Reservation gives the appearance of a continuous forest of large trees and challenging terrain. The reservation offers trails and picnic areas and includes Shawnee Hills Golf Course as one of its attractions.

Cascade Valley Metro Park

This 526-acre park includes more than seven miles of hiking trails in central Summit County. The Chuckery Area contains several unique features, including a prairie and a meadow, each with unusual and rare plants.

Tree Farm Trail

Stroll the grounds of this historic site of the large-scale, experimental farm established by Barberton town founder Ohio Columbus Barber. You’ll find 17 acres and 23 brick farm buildings remain, and visitors are welcome to explore and hike the grounds at any time.

Quail Hollow State Park

Quail Hollow Park features over 700 acres of rolling meadows, marshes, pine, and deciduous woods surrounding a 40-room house. Scenic woodland trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Plus, gardens and the Manor House offer a variety of natural and cultural experiences for visitors. 

Petros Lake Park

With 127 acres of water and rolling meadows, Petros Lake is a perfect spot for a sunny summer hike. The park has four hiking trails, including the 1.2 mile Petros Lake Loop Trail that will give you a beautiful overview of all the park has to offer.

Norma Johnson Center

Located just outside the bounds of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, the Norma Johnson Center is home to more than three miles of scenic hikes surrounded by a plethora of wildlife and natural scenery. Take a hike here and see how many different creatures you can find!

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

We couldn’t leave this staple of the Ohio & Erie Canalway off the list! With 90 continuous miles of trail completed from Cleveland to New Philadelphia and scenery ranging from city skylines to dense forest, there is something for everyone along this corridor.