The weather is getting warmer and the snow and cold weather is finally gone. It's time to do something outdoors! Who says you have to spend a penny to have fun in Akron? The truth is you can have a blast outside for absolutely nothing. That's right: nada. So in this post I'm going to share with you three activities you'll enjoy and you don't even need to bring your wallet.
Visit The F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
If you've never heard of it, the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm has a fantastic visitor center, a butterfly exhibit, several ponds and more. There are also some fanastic hiking trails, including the .6 mile Cherry Lane Trail .9 Fernwood Loop and 1.4 mile Seneca Trail. Here's a quick breakdown of each of these trails: Cherry Lane Trail is an easy-to-travel loop that connects to Fernwood Trail at a 110-foot-long suspension bridge, taking visitors across a 45-foot-deep ravine. This trail is rated a 1 for easy. Fernwood Trail is a moderate loop that connects to Cherry Lane Trail at a 110-foot-long suspension bridge, taking visitors across a 45-foot-deep ravine. This trail is rated a 1 for easy. Seneca Trail is a mostly unpaved loop leading visitors past pines, a deciduous forest and through an open prairie. Portions of the trail may be considered strenuous due to hilly terrain. That's why it is rated a 2 for moderate. There is also an herb and rock garden with some beautiful fountains. Keep an eye out and you'll probably see a few turtles basking in the sun or peaking up through the water.
Follow The Ohio And Erie Canal
The Towpath Trail follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Ohio was once a sparsely settled wilderness where travel was difficult and getting crops to market was nearly impossible. However, the canal opened up new opportunities as there was now a route leading to Cleveland on Lake Erie and to Portsmouth on the Ohio River. The canal was an absolute gamechanger as it opened up Ohio to the rest of the country. As you explore the Towpath Trail, you will find that not much has changed there over the years other than the natural beauty of the area.
You can also bike or hike the Towpath Trail. It's important to note that the trail is open 24 hours, and features multiple access points. The trail is also wheelchair and stroller accessible. If you'd like to plan your trip, here's a link that has a map of the entire Towpath Trail. One great thing about the Towpath Trail is that many parts of it are shaded. So you are visiting on a hot day, the trees on the trail will help keep you cool and out of the blistering sun.
Visit Brandywine Falls
There's nothing like enjoying the sound of a rushing waterfall on a hot day. Brandywine Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This waterfall features a 65-foot drop, and there is a great observation area which is wonderful spot to take a picture. The Brandywine Falls parking area serves both the Summit Metroparks Bike and Hike Trail and Brandywine Falls, making it a very busy location. It's probably wise to visit during the week as opposed to during the weekends, if possible.
Have you visited these locations before? Do you have another fun, free, outdoor location that you recommend? Please feel free to share in the comments.