Outdoors-type activities in/around Cleveland (Euclid, Mentor: rent, restaurants, cabins)

[and_11]

Hi everyone,

I've been in Cleveland for about half a year so far and this is my first summer here. I'm hoping to find some outdoors type activities that I can enjoy on my own. I've checked out most of the Metroparks that are relatively closeby- North/South Chagrin, Euclid, Rocky River. I'm just looking for something different to do. I grew up out west near San Francisco, and I've been looking for something that would remind me of home-- vistas, mountains, lakes/rivers. I don't necessarily need something fast paced, I enjoy just spending time in nature and reading/relaxing out. Don't really mind driving up to 2-3 hours from Cleveland but chances are I'd want to go alone (or maybe with one other person). Not really looking for traditional restaurants / bars. I'm relatively young (mid to late 20s) and really open to most activities.

Thank you! I really appreciate it.

[L2DB]

Rent a kayak from 41 north. They have group tours, but you can also rent one and just do your own thing as well.

Holden Arboretum out near Mentor is nice.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is going to have a lot of hiking trails. I'm not sure what other things they have going on down there.

Maybe hit some of the beaches (though I don't know that I'd recommend going in the water). Mentor Headlands is pretty good from a sand/space perspective. Google for the other ones that are good, IMO.

Farther south (close to 4 hours) is Hocking Hills. That's more of a weekend/2-day trip. My wife and I like to go in the winter when the cabins are cheaper and it's less crowded. YMMV.

[Peregrine]

Have you been here yet???

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park