Those looking to tackle hikes outside their local park systems may want to make a stop at www.traillink.com for some fresh suggestions. Billing itself as one of the largest free directories of trail information on the Web, the site's painless search interface lets users select region, trail length, activity type (hiking, cycling) and desired surface (asphalt, dirt). The site's database includes more than 1,200 former railroad lines turned public paths, greenways and canal towpaths. An open-ended search of Northeast Ohio turned up 13 options, including some outdoor odysseys for the truly adventurous. The Western Reserve Greenway stretches 34 miles from Ashtabula to Champion, Ohio, while the Metro Parks Hike and Bike Trail starts in Summit County's Walton Hills and winds 27 miles east to Kent. For those who want to leave the sleeping bag at home, the site also offers excursion ideas for the 3-miles-and-under crowd.
Golf ball with "Big Met" logo: $1.87 at Big Met Golf Course, Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation, 4811 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park -- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo "Good Any Day" adult ticket: $8.50 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland ..."Ohio and Erie Canal Songs and Stories," &D and book by musician Foster Brown: $19.99A at CanalWay Center, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, 4525 E. 49th St., Cleveland ... One-day rental of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County's Tuscarawas Picnic Shelter: $35 at Firestone Metro Park, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron.
