Uncommon hiking trails, scenic drives, and lesser-known nature spots for the warmer months

The weather is warm, wild, and weird this week in Northeast Ohio, so it’s time to get outside!

But are you tired of the same old Metroparks trails? Ready to switch things up, stretch your legs, and feel like a true explorer?

Northeast Ohio has hidden outdoor gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re ziplining through the treetops or scrambling over rocks that definitely didn’t get the memo about safety regulations, these spots are perfect for anyone looking to get outside without the crowds.

So grab your hiking boots, or at least your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into some of the coolest places to go off the beaten path this spring. (And maybe pack a snack—because you’ll need it.) 😅🍎

1. Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park

Who needs to climb trees when you can swing through them? Go Ape lets you zipline 560 feet through the forest, all while tackling obstacles and suspended bridges.

It’s basically the jungle gym of your childhood, but with a much cooler zipline. Open weekends in March (weather permitting), so it’s the perfect weekend getaway when you’re craving a serious adrenaline rush—and maybe a touch of vertigo. 🥴

2. Lake Erie Bluffs (Perry)

Who says you need to fight the crowds to enjoy the lake? Lake Erie Bluffs, 40 minutes northeast of Cleveland, offers peaceful-yet-mind-blowing views of the lake and forest without the beach volleyball games or boogie boards.

Take the 0.6-mile Eagle View Loop trail and climb a 50-foot observation tower for views that’ll make your Instagram followers think you’re on vacation.🏖️ It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing hike that doesn’t involve dodging Frisbees.

Check out my tour of the bluffs here! 👀👀

3. Squire’s Castle (Willoughby Hills)

Want to feel like royalty without the fancy dress code? Check out Squire’s Castle, an 1890s gatehouse ruin just 25 minutes from Cleveland. It’s part history, part mystery, and 100% Instagram-worthy.

Explore the stone shell of this old-timey fortress, then take a short trail that’ll make you feel like you’re walking through a fairytale (but with fewer dragons and more squirrels). 🐿️

4. Holden Arboretum Canopy Walk (Kirtland)

Feeling adventurous but not quite ready for a ropes course? Try Holden Arboretum’s 500-foot canopy walk, 65 feet above the forest floor. It’s like walking through the trees, but with no chance of falling—unless you trip on your own two feet.

Opening in early April (weather permitting), it’s a tranquil way to get up close and personal with nature without, you know, actually climbing anything. Start planning your visit now!

Bonus: it’ll make you feel like a literal birdwatcher. 🐦

5. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park (Nelson Township)

If you're into scrambling over rocks like some kind of outdoor ninja, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is your spot. About an hour southeast of Cleveland, this park’s 1-2 mile trail network will have you navigating caves, ledges, and rock formations that could have been pulled straight from an adventure movie.

It’s a bit wilder than your usual park, but if you’re into hiking with a side of wildly uneven terrain, this is the place to be. 🥾

Okay, now that I’ve totally convinced you to skip the usual trails, it’s time to go explore some of these hidden gems. 💎

Whether you're ziplining, hiking to those gorgeous views, or wandering through a castle ruin, Northeast Ohio has way more outdoor fun than most people realize.

So, grab your boots (or your best adventure buddy), and go check out these spots—you never know what cool things you'll find just a short drive away. And seriously, don’t forget the snacks. Trust me on that one. 😆

_{Interested in spotlighting your business?
Reach out to Amy at [email protected]} 📨

Your Dream Home (With a Dream Patio)😍

Ready to trade snow boots for flip-flops? ❄️ 🏖️

This European-inspired manor in Gates Mills, Ohio might have a blanket of snow right now, but once that melts, you’ve got a massive deck just begging for your warm-weather shenanigans.

Picture this: summer BBQs, chilly drinks in hand, and sunsets over 2.5 acres of pure serenity. The house is fancy, the views are stunning, and the deck? Well, it’s just waiting for your next patio party.

Let’s hope the snow melts soon—this place is meant for sunshine! 🌞

Ohio’s Romantasy Queen: Meet the Mompreneur Behind NEO Brand Literary Chic💅 

This Local Mom Is Turning Her Bookish Obsession into a Thriving Business 💘📚

Let me introduce you to someone you’ll wish you knew sooner—Tiffany Shannon, the baddie mastermind behind Literary Chic, a growing print-on-demand brand that’s making serious waves in the Romantasy world (that’s romance + fantasy, for the uninitiated). 

But here’s the best part: she’s not running her business from some faraway fantasy land. She’s building it right here in Northeast Ohio, balancing mom life, book love, and entrepreneurship—all while making it look easy. 💅

From Realtor to Romantasy Entrepreneur

Tiffany’s journey into bookish merch started in a surprisingly relatable way…

Enjoying this article? Click here to read the rest!

Ok, so I HAD to try Goldie’s in Tremont because I heard they have some of the best donuts in the country….and I was NOT disappointed. 🤩

This week’s Cleveland Dish is the plain glazed donut at Goldie’s!

(Click here to check out my entire review of Goldie’s on IG!)

As much as I love a plain donut as much as the next girl, I never EVER thought I would become so obsessed with this one. My favorites tend to be a little more elaborate…think maple cream sticks or Boston cream donuts, so imagine my utter shock when the hype was LEGIT.

Trust me. No matter where you are in NEO, it’s SO worth the drive! 😍

🏡 Walls. Floors. Secrets. 👀 Don’t miss this popular event!

🦙 What do buckeyes and alpacas have in common?

 💃 Gasolina - dance your winter blues away 

 📸 Mystery Spot Challenge: Recognize this spot? Reply with your best guess, and the winner gets eternal bragging rights in next week’s newsletter.

No more and then! 😁 #iykyk

P.S. Got a hidden gem, wild Zillow find, or local story we have to cover? Drop your suggestions—we’re all ears (and maybe a little nosy)!