Cuyahoga Valley National Park
By Land: Discover intricate rock formations and an unobstructed view of the valley along the 2.2-mile-long Ledges Trail, which winds through dense woods along rocky cliffs.
By Sea: Snag a canoe or kayak from Burning River Adventures and launch into the Cuyahoga River; the one-hour float to Water Works Park in Cuyahoga Falls is calm and relaxing.
nps.gov/cuva
Edgewater Beach Cleveland
By Land: Lay beneath a cabana on this sandy stretch. Large enough for two beach chairs or a sheet for a family of four, you can rent them for the day out of the Edgewater Nature Shop.
By Sea: Pick up a stand-up paddleboard at the Edgewater Nature Shop and head out on the water for breathtaking, panoramic views of Cleveland’s skyline.
clevelandmetroparks.com
Geneva State Park
By Land: You’ll get a new, high-flying perspective with Lake Erie Canopy Tours as you zip acrossthe park at 30 mph, explore an adventure course and trek along sky bridges for an expansive view of the lake.
By Sea: The marina has 379 slips for boat lovers. No boat? No problem: There are charters ready to take you out on the water where you can land a big catch.
parks.ohiodnr.gov/geneva
Headlands Beach State Park
By Land: This mile-long beach on Lake Erie is the longest in Ohio, which makes it an opportune spot to strap on some skis and test your mettle for cross-country skiing.
By Sea: There’s plenty of fish to be caught— think yellow perch and bluegill — once you go near the 1,878-foot-long federal breakwall at the East end of the park. parks.ohiodnr.gov/headlandsbeach
Huntington Beach and Reservation
By Land: Explore a number of free exhibits year-round at the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, including the Schuele Planetarium’s breathtaking display of more than 3,000 stars.
By Sea: Less crowded than beaches closer to Cleveland, this secluded stretch has no breakwall, offering an open-water paddling opportunity for adventurous kayakers. clevelandmetroparks.com
