For those of you new to the Merriman Valley and the Cuyahoga Valley, you might see lots of shopping and dining locations near Liberty Commons, but the area also has many perfect outdoor recreational areas for the summer. With tons of running and biking trails as well as numerous nature preserves and parks to explore, the Valley has lots of options for you no matter what you want to do or who you’re with this summer.
With so many options for metro parks, it’s not feasible to list them all in one spot. A highlighted list with some of the more diverse options within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a better way to show that this summer, you need to check out the Merriman Valley.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is extremely large and dotted with metro parks skirting the Cuyahoga River which runs between Cleveland and Akron. These parks include several waterfalls such as the Brandywine Falls and towpaths including the Erie Canal’s original towpath. The park is also noted for its railroads.
For those looking for picturesque hiking and photo opportunities, Brandywine Falls is one of the must-go destinations within the parks in the Cuyahoga Valley. With a beautiful view of a gorge and a 65ft high waterfall viewable from two boardwalks above and below, you can find this space quite charming and amazing to be in.
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly place to hike and picnic, the Cascade Valley metro park is one of the best within the National Park space. Featuring fishing spots, hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports areas along with shelters and restrooms, it’s a great place to visit, even if your family has a few four-legged friends along for the ride.
Another great spot for your family and pet to go to is the O’Neil Woods Metro Park. Even without a pet, it’s a great place to birdwatch. This 295-acre former farm is full of amazing spots to relax and enjoy nature.
If you’re looking for a spot with a more unique outdoor sports setting within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Hampton Hills metro park offers an archery field, so you can try your hand at being a sharpshooter. The rest of this metro park is also great for hiking through nature.
The Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park is a larger park with accessible river fishing locations and picnic spaces in a peaceful forest. It also offers a variety of hiking trails with variety and diversity.
For those looking for variety and more natural settings, the Bath Nature Preserve has the standard hiking and fishing options many other locations offer. However, unlike many of the other parks, the Bath Nature Preserve offers equestrian trails, as well.
If you’re thinking you want to explore the wilderness this summer, the Cuyahoga Valley and its surrounding areas have so many offerings from hiking and biking to unique opportunities as well. Get out there and explore it all while the warm weather is here.