Login | January 29, 2025
Winter walks for 2025
PETE GLADDEN
Pete’s World
Published: January 27, 2025
So we’ve arrived at another new year, which usually comes with a host of expectations along with a slew of new goals we have in mind for ourselves.
And for some of you, a few of those new goals and expectations just might revolve around the state of your physical fitness.
Now from the get-go, this isn’t going to be a column offering pontifications on how to reach that New Year’s fitness resolution - if indeed you have one - rather I’m going to suggest several local “happenings” which can most definitely be considered fitness related.
So if fitness happens to be one of your resolutions this year then these happenings might possibly help you to stay on track with your goal.
Conversely, if fitness is already a part of your life then these happenings could be a good way to get through these mind-numbing, post-holiday winter doldrums with a little more pep in your step…literally.
Okay, so the happenings of which I’m talking about all involve the purest and most simple form of cardiovascular exercise there is: walking.
Indeed, and when it comes to walking there’s a host of unique walking opportunities available in our area that are not only free but are also group related events where you can meet like minded individuals.
So let’s take a look at the several walking events available during the next couple of frosty months.
1. Black Bear Trail guided hike: February 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Liberty Park Nature Center located on 9999 Liberty Road in Twinsburg.
This is a 2.1-mile guided night hike in Twinsburg’s 3000-acre Liberty Park.
Now I used to hike - or should I say bushwhack - through this beautiful area back in the 1980s well before it was established as a park, and I have to say that it’s a fantastically unique little place, one that very much resembles those lofty cliffs at CVNP’s Kendall Ledges.
A naturalist is leading the walk and will be enlightening fellow hikers as to how wildlife survives during the winter in addition to how to detect these animals during the night.
Post-hike activities include hot chocolate and a warm fire inside the nature center.
2. Lantern Walks: Organized by CVNP and taking place in February 2025. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lantern-walk-tickets-1091293009769?aff=erelpanelorg for more information and registration.
Lantern Walks are free, guided hikes that take app. 1:15 hours to complete. They explore the national park by the low light of early evening.
Afterwards, hikers can enjoy hot chocolate around a roaring campfire.
These hikes can be on hilly and unpaved terrain and may cover 2-4 miles at a leisurely pace. Lanterns are provided. Registration is required and the walk’s locations are provided upon registration.
3. Healthful Hike: CVNP at the Everett Covered Bridge, 2370 Everett Rd, Peninsula on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
This final walking related happening is likely the most spirited of the bunch. It’s a four-seven mile group hike on the challenging Perkins and Riding Run Trails down in the Cuyahoga Valley.
Be prepared to climb some nice long hills as well as descend back down into several really scenic hollows that surround the Furnace Run drainage area. The hike begins at 9 a.m. and is slated to take around three hours. For more information call the Boston Mills Visitors Center at 440-717-3890.
Good luck to everyone on your winter walks and enjoy a very happy & physically fit New Year.