For a little inspiration we have assembled a collection of a few tours we have run in the past. Remember we do custom tours and are able to customize for any occasion; these are just possibilities.
Hike Bike Paddle Tube Dog History
Hike
- The Gorge- Cuyahoga River
Mary Campbell Cave, Gorge Metropark
Cuyahoga River takes many shapes along its 100-mile course, yet perhaps the most stunning section is the falls and gorge in Summit County. Adventurers will hike the Gorge trail with its stunning rock formations, caves and Native American folklore. Then it’s a drive uphill to the High Bridge Park for viewing the rapids and a stroll through the village to see the progress of the river’s recovery from the recent removal of two dams. Gourmet pick-me-up served nearby.
- Lake Erie Beach & Nursery Tour
Stonehenge!? Ohio style! Head east to a place where the woodland meets the beach and the sand meets a layer of lake-tumbled stones. We’ll hike through the woodland and stroll along the beach. Kite flying optional, if the wind blows. Then we’ll take a driving tour through one of Lake County’s finest nurseries. See how your landscape plants get to your yard from seed and cutting to commercial grade stock. Klyn Nursery has been in operation since 1921. We’ll tour this 250+ acre Perry site which was acquired in 1960. Owner Bill Hendricks, arguably the best plants-man in Ohio, will be our host. Refreshments and conversation follow.
Approximately 1 mile total hike on asphalt trail, beach and steps. Very easy stroll. Steps to and from the beach require moderate energy.
- Squaw Rock to Quarry Rock Ravine Climb & River Splash
Tackle this short (0.6 mi.) yet technical hike down the ravine edge to the Chagrin River and a unique Stone carving, Squaw Rock, followed by a gentler and scenic hike (0.8 mi.) through a Hemlock woodland to the historical Rock Quarry for snacks & scenery. Plan to get a little bit wet. - CVNP Falls-to-Falls II Blue Hen to Buttermilk + Ledges
Two waterfalls, one hike – not long yet a bit technical. Expect to get your feet wet. The hike to Buttermilk Falls has three stream crossings and a few tricky foot holds. We’ll trek by van up to the short Ledges trail for a gourmet snack overlooking the valley with its stunning view.
Bike
- Urban Nature Bike Ride – Towpath and Cleveland Industrial Flats
Explore Cleveland’s industrial heritage on your bike. We’ll start on the Towpath in Cuyahoga Heights and ride north, stopping along the way to explore the interpretive displays of steel, oil and aluminum heritage of the Canalway. Then, we’ll ride on-road a bit exploring the route of the future continuation of the Towpath Trail. We’ll work our way to the Scranton Road segment with its beautiful wild flower and fish habitat restoration and explore the recently opened portion of the new Cleveland Foundation Centennial Trail. We’ll enjoy hearty snacks along the water’s edge. Total ride is about 12 miles, mostly flat and all but about 3 miles are on off-road trails. There is one short yet steep hill up into Tremont and some on-street riding. This adventure can be shortened if desired.
Paddle
- Paddle the Tusc R & Zoar Wine Tasting
Venture south to Tuscarawas County, paddle the Tuscarawaras River and explore one of the mighty flood-control levees. Lunch and snacks served along the trail and then we wrap up the day with a light wine tasting at the Historic Zoar Tavern. - Cuyahoga River Paddling Tour
The middle reach of the 100 mile Cuyahoga River is a scenic, natural meander through rural communities. Adventurers will paddle a 4.5 mile stretch starting in Kent, OH. After a gourmet snack along the river’s edge, we’ll take a quick drive and short, easy hike for the most stunning view of the Cuyahoga River and valley to inspire a longer, more adventurous paddling trip!
Tube
- Family Tubing on the Cuyahoga River
Cool off with a fun and casual float on the Cuyahoga River through downtown Kent, OH. Adventurers carry their tubes upstream and float down – as many times as you can! Splashing is followed by a stream –side snack of goodies and beverages. FAMILY FRIENDLY!
Dog
- Pups on the Path I – Garfield Park to Mill Creek Falls
A short evening hike with your canine companion! Humans without dogs also welcome. The Garfield Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks showcases the turn of the 19th century era with links to the estate of President Garfield’s family. A comfortable 1.4 mi. hike from the reservation along the hidden Mill Creek brings us to Mill Creek Falls, Cuyahoga County’s tallest waterfall for a sunset snack. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
History
- Urban “Restore”-ies Tour
(Restore-ies: Restoration Stories in an Urban Setting)
Three waterways – West Creek, Mill Creek and the mighty Cuyahoga River – all with stories of environmental degradation, aesthetic neglect or threat of over development. Adventurers will explore Cleveland Metroparks newer West Creek Reservation, Watershed Stewardship Center. This real estate, part woodland, part closed landfill was heading towards development when citizens activated to save it as natural space. Roughly twenty years later, this 324 acre reservation opened as a watershed-oriented education and stormwater techniques demonstration center. We will hike approximately 2 miles of all-purpose and primitive trails. Mill Creek Falls was rediscovered in the early 1990’s. The auto junk yard which enveloped it was relocated and a boardwalk constructed to show off Cuyahoga County’s tallest waterfall. Here adventurers will stroll the boardwalks and short paths and enjoy a gourmet snack in the “Yard.” The Cuyahoga River, once famous for burning, has made a tremendous comeback. The Scranton Peninsula section has recently undergone a transformation creating a greenway with the northernmost segment of the towpath and a fish habitat restoration. Adventurers will stroll the trail, view the fishing pier and take in the river’s edge.
Easy hiking, approximately 3 miles total, mostly flat, mostly all-purpose trails.