When the weather starts to warm up in Cleveland, there’s nothing better than getting outside. In addition to your typical hike or picnic, here are some awesome destinations and experiences that’ll get your blood flowing while out in Mother Nature.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park We have a National Park right in our own backyard – you’re damn right it has perfect views. The views are great all year round. There’s so much to do there including hiking, biking, walking the towpath, checking out the Sandstone Bluffs, Brandywine Falls, the ledges, Blue Hen Falls, Beaver Marsh and much more. Credit: Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
Shooting Things at Mill Stream Run Mill Stream Run Reservation, Strongsville Who doesn’t like shooting at things once in a while? Cleveland has lots of options for archery and gun ranges. Although these two activities are something you’ll need your own equipment for (being that most are technically weapons for which you need the valid permits), they aren’t hard to obtain if you’ve got a clean background and an interest. The Cleveland Archery Club provides a target range during the summer months in the Metroparks, located in Strongsville at the Albion Woods/Mill Stream Run Reservation. Credit: Scene Archives
See the Chagrin Falls If you’re a fan of quaint downtown areas and beautiful drives, there’s nowhere better to visit than Chagrin Falls. And the actual waterfall that gives the name to the town is one of the most beautiful natural attractions around. Credit: Steven Miller/Flickr
Kayaking the River Cuyahoga River There are few better ways to enjoy the sights of Cleveland than traveling through its main waterway in a kayak. The mighty Cuyahoga winds through Northeast Ohio carrying gigantic ore ships and weekend travelers, but it also affords you, the novice outdoorsman, the chance to kayak alongside them. Whether you’re looking for a quick two-mile jaunt or a five-mile marathon down the river (which is very much clean these days, thank you very much), there’s an option for you. Check out 41 Degrees North, River Cruiser Kayaking or Great Lakes Watersports for an awesome adventure. Credit: Scene archives
Hike Chapin Forest Reservation 9938 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland With six miles of trail, this reservation is open year-round for entertainment. Hike, run or walk through the thick forest, or check out Lucky Stone Loop trail for a spectacular view of Lake Erie. Credit: Erik Drost/Flickr
Bike the Cleveland-Cliffs Bike Park In late 2022, another new addition to the Metroparks, the Cleveland-Cliffs Bike Park, opened. It’s the first public-use paved pump track in Northeast Ohio, with a professional paved jump line and a bike playground for kids and a competition course. Bikers from intermediate, to expert to beginner can all enjoy this awesome new destination. Credit: @CleveMetroParks/Instagram
See The Kelley’s Island Glacial Grooves Kelley’s Island Did you know that there was a National Natural Landmark about an hour’s drive (and a ferry ride) from downtown Cleveland? The Glacial Grooves of Kelley’s Island are 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and up to 15 feet deep. They were created by the slow movement of the massive glacier that created the Great Lakes and Lake Erie Islands and are a site to see! Credit: Scene Archives
Velodroming 5033 Broadway Ave., Cleveland If you’ve driven through Slavic Village at all during the past few years, you’ve probably noticed that wooden stadium-thing on Broadway. What is it? It’s a Velodrome, constructed for outdoor Olympic-style competitive cycling, and it’s really freaking cool, one of only a handful in the United States. Credit: @ClevelandVelodrome/Instagram
Visit Holden Arboretum 9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland Out east in the Kirtland/Mentor area, you’ll find Holden Arboretum, home to over 3,500 hundred acres of trees, plants, wildlife and scenic views. Holden is one of the outdoor gems of Northeast Ohio. Credit: Erik Drost/Flickr
See the Lighthouse in Marblehead Marblehead boasts one the best scenic lighthouses in Ohio, perfect for taking in a spring sunset and seeing the Fall colors surrounding Lake Erie, but it’s really beautiful any time of the year. Credit: Shell24_7/Flickr
See the Views at Lake Erie Bluffs 3301 Lane Rd., Perry Lake Erie Bluffs provides a combination of wetland hiking and dry trails and it’s the perfect place to take a hike and enjoy the scenery. It also has some of the most beautiful lookout spots in the whole state. Credit: Lauren Delgado/Flickr
Swim in Nelson Ledges Quarry Park 12001 State Rt. 282, Garretsville About 40 miles East from Cleveland on 422, you’ll find Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, where you’ll find one of the best campgrounds and natural sights around. Whether you just went to go camping, jump off the quarry or see some live music, you should visit this place. In August alone, there are three music festivals at the park. Credit: @NelsonLedgesQuarryPark/Instagram
Hike and check out the Waterfall at Mill Creek Falls 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted Located in the Garfield Park Reservation area of the Metroparks, Mill Creek Falls has the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga County. And the views are breathtaking. Credit: @CleMetroparks/Instagram
Go Surfing at Edgewater Catching waves on Lake Erie seems like an urban legend, but trust us, it does happen! While winter is the best (and most insane) time of year to get some big surf action, there’s still plenty of water to ride around on in warmer months. Since all of our local waves are caused by wind, you’ll have to wait for the proverbial perfect storm to get some serious action. Edgewater is the best place to go. Credit: @OhioLakeSurf/Instagram
Explore Gorge Metropark and Mary Campbell Cave 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls The Gorge Metropark offers activities for every season, but the sights are certainly one of the biggest draws. Explore the miles of trails which include access to Mary Campbell Cave and a clear view of the Cuyahoga River. Credit: Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr
Hike South Chagrin Reservation 37374 Miles Rd, Bentleyville Expanding through Moreland Hills, Bentleyville, Chagrin Falls and Solon, this beautiful Metroparks reservation is known for Henry Church Rock (formerly Squaw Rock), a rock formation carved in 1885 that runs along the picturesque Chagrin River with an awesome waterfall. Credit: Daniel Frost/Flickr
Skydiving in Rittman 11679 Blough Rd., Rittman If you’re really looking to get some adrenaline pumping through those veins, maybe this summer’s the one to finally grow a pair and skydive. AerOhio in Rittman offers two choices for beginners: a tandem dive, in which you dive with an instructor attached to you, or an advanced free fall, in which you dive alone with instructors by your side — the latter requires a longer class time and has a higher price tag than the former, but maybe the feeling of independence it yields is worth it (you’ll look way more badass in the pictures). Credit: @AerOhio/Instagram
Visit Blue Hen Falls 2001 Boston Mills Rd., Brecksville Blue Hen Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It requires a short walk, less than a half mile, if you park at the trailhead, and the view is spectacular. Credit: Daniel Frost/Flickr
Explore Nature at Mentor Marsh 5185 Corduroy Rd., Mentor This marsh is a mixed swamp forest, one of the last of its kind in the Lake Erie region. There is also a sugar-maple forest bordering the marsh, a beautiful scene during a hike. If you are taking a larger group or need a little guidance, family nature hikes are offered each week. Credit: Erik Drost/Flickr
Canoe in Loudonville Loudonville is nicknamed the so-called “Canoe & Camp Capital of Ohio.” You can see beautiful river views here and get a crisp breeze from the lake that feels just like fall no matter when you go. Credit: Calvin Faunus/Flickr
Explore the Redline Greenway A new Cleveland gem opened in 2021 and the two-mile trail connecting the Zone Recreation Center and the West bank of the Cuyahoga is already one of the most popular routes in the Metroparks. The western portion of the trail abuts I-90, but once you get past the exchanges at W. 44th and W. 41st, you descend into a scenic, shaded ride along the train tracks. The whole thing is safe, clean and beautifully landscaped and with Ohio City at one end and Detroit-Shoreway on the other, there’s no shortage of places to stop for a bite or a brew as you enjoy your afternoon. Credit: Sam Allard
Hike Walter Best Wildlife Preserve 11620 Ravenna Rd., Chardon This small preserve, part of the Geauga Park District, has gorgeous views for miles. What better time to check them out than the changing of the seasons? Credit: @adventuring_in_the_meowtains/Instagram
Zip Line and Ropes Course at the Metroparks 16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville Head to the Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville for ziplining and a ropes course. The Metroparks has teamed up with ziplining company Go Ape to give you beautiful views of the parks from above. Credit: Scene Archives
See Whipps Ledges Hinckley Lake Loop Trail You will find the famous Whipps Ledges at Hinckley Reservation. These rock formations are natural and breathtaking. Spend an afternoon hiking and end the day relaxing by Hinckley Lake. Credit: Chuck Allen/Flickr

Additional Slideshows

Scene's award-winning newsroom oftentimes collaborates on articles and projects. Stories under this byline are group efforts.