Once, Horseshoe Pond belonged to a man who built a fine home on its shores. Now, decades later, it…read morebelongs to me. Oh, and you, too. It belongs to everyone, now that it is a part of the Cuyahoga National Park. What a glorious setting: sitting high above the valley, above the quarries where the canal stones were hewn, nearly two centuries ago. Surrounded by trees, but with a few large, grassy areas carved out it is perfect for hiking, picnics, bird-watching, fishing. Barred owls sit in the pines, small-mouth bass and bluegill rise to a #18 Parachute Adams and a hiking trail connects you with the rest of the park. I can stand at the south-east edge, casting into the algae-covered waters, and imagine I am high in the Rockies, or perhaps at a private preserve in Scotland. Yet another fine and free benefit afforded by this, our great democracy.

We stopped here to do some work on photo development at one of their picnic benches. It was a nice…read morequiet spot with some trails.

You say you want your fishing easy? Don't want to walk far for your bluegill outing? Prefer to be…read moreout in the open, rather than bushwhacking the wilderness? Coonrad, then, is your lake. You could have your rod in your hand (ifyouknowwhatImeanandIthinkyoudo), stumble out of your vehicle, fall down face-first and your lure or fly or worm would plop into the lake. It is that close to parking. While some would find that a nice feature, the trade-off is that you'll be right next to Riverview and the buzzing traffic heading north and south through the park. They'll look at you, some quizzically, standing at the base of the driveway to the park security headquarters, casting into the tiny pond. They will also make a mental note to come back with the old Zebco and haul out some panfish. Take four or five minutes and catch a tiny fish, kiss its slimy nose, and release it back into the pond. Life is, indeed, good.

This is a great place to go if you just want to go for a hike swim or just plain relaxread more

The boat house with different watercraft rentals. A great way to get some sun and exercise. The…read morerentals are only during the warmer part of the season.

Visited Burning River with my kids to go kayaking down the Cuyahoga River. Upon arrival, they were…read moreonly offering one of the three trips, which was the 2.5 hour excursion. We were short on time, but we did it anyway. We decided to paddle the entire time to speed it up. The driver who took us up stream was friendly and he chatted with us during the drive. Then he put our kayaks in the water and helped us board them. After paddling the entire time, it took us less than 1.5 hours to complete the trip. My daughter was happy because she had plans that evening. The river was scenic, there weren't a lot of people on it, and I'd definitely do this again. There were some shallow areas in the river where my kayak touched the bottom, but I was able to paddle out of it. Good times!

What a fun time! They do all the work getting kayaks in and out of the water- can't beat these…read moreprices either. Wonderful trip! And thanks to the young woman who helped us check in, you were very friendly

Having done another hike at Hinckley Reservation I realized I had not posted a review for one of…read morethe gems of the Cleveland Metroparks system. Hinckley offers as diverse a range of activities and some of the best view as any other park in the area. Most people know Hinckley from the annual Buzzard festival, the nice lake and the awesome ledges, but that is just scratching the surface. With the newly renovated dam and the lake refilled Hinckley Reservation is once again at its peak. I have often hiked at Hinckley, my most recent hike started at the Top of the Ledges picnic area, went down through the Ledges, along the North side of the Hinckley Lake Loop, on the Bridal Trails and then the Buckeye Trail back through the Ledges. If you are looking for some interesting hiking the Bridal Trails provide some nice variety from open fields, stream crossings, hills and narrow winding trails. Whipp's Ledges are some of the most impressive you will see; they provide multiple routes and views, plus there is actual rock climbing allowed. Less well known are Worden's Ledges on the other side of the park which while smaller still are lots of fun and they have some interesting carvings that are well worth visiting. The Lake provides the opportunity for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. There is a nice boathouse where you can rent a boat at reasonable rate, and while not terribly challenging, the lake is picturesque and getting out on the water is always a great time. Although I have never taken advantage at the bottom of the dam there is a nice beach and swimming area. Hinckley Reservation is a wonderful asset and a great way to get outside and enjoy yourself. This is a large park with plenty to do and see. Never been disappointed with a visit here.

The dam is a lot better after the reconstruction. Nice 3 mile walk around the lake. Concession…read morestand open during the summer.

Spillaway This park…read morehad a great natural swimming area. The lake overflows like a waterfall into a swimming area. There is a beach area and life guards. Then the swimming area overflows into a stream. The kids love walking through th me stream looking for crayfish and other animals. There is a bathroom and changing area. Plus a little snack area with ice cream and other snack items. Great family fun!

This park has so much beauty everywhere you look. I appreciate nature and coming here throughout…read moreall of the different seasons. It's so refreshing to see so many people walking. There was this little girl with rosiest cheeks I've ever seen laughing as she walked with her family. She and her siblings were laughing and running with her siblings. This made me smile as I thought those are great parents taking their kids for w walk in this winter wonderland. It was in the 20's but it felt great. I'm so thankful for all of our parks in Ohio. The waterfall looks so pretty. The trails are not difficult to do. There are your slight inclines, with snow and ice it can be a little slippery just slow down or make sure you have proper footwear. People on the trail are pretty friendly and will say hello as they are walking by. You got this!!