Welcome to a Friday the 13th edition of The Geauga News Weekly Roundup! Don’t worry, there’s not bad luck hidden in this page. All we have are fun events and suggestions for you and your family! Check out the spring time programs all this weekend at Observatory Park. Enjoy a double helping of pasta on Saturday and give your support to the Western Reserve Masonic Lodge and Pasta for Paws. Go explore the natural wonders of Northeast Ohio with our list of seven scenic destinations near you.
Events on Friday, April 13, 2018
Events on Saturday, April 14, 2018
Seven Scenic Destinations Near You (Part One)
Looking for places to hike or see nature? Springtime is temperate, blooming and ready to be explored here in Geauga County! The next few months are perfect for going outside, hiking, biking, horsebacking, walking your dog, fishing and more. Here are seven outdoor wonders nearby and awaiting you.
- Observatory Park
Renowned for Nassau Astronomical Station, Observatory Park is one of the only International Dark Sky Parks in Ohio. Observe the skies with a research-grade telescope. Visit on an astronomy night for educational planetarium shows and presentations.
If you aren’t interested in the stars, Observatory Park contains other outdoor attractions. In the center of the park, you can walk one of six trails with interactive pods proportionate to the sun. Also checkout cornerstones of the Great Pyramid of Giza, a real meteor and rare or endangered flora and fauna.
10610 Clay Street, Montville Township, OH
- Thompson Ledges
One of the most secluded and serene locations in Geauga County, Thompson Ledges attracts geologists, hikers and nature lovers. The crevices and fissures throughout the park are perfect for off-the-path adventures. Try to spot the colorful birdhouses among the bright green ferns.
Over 300 million years ago, rivers and glaciers at Thompson Ledge carved out cliffs and discarded huge slump rocks littered with quartz. These smooth, white quartz pebbles are considered lucky, so make sure to look for any that dislodged from the huge sandstone boulders.
18870 Quinn Road, Auburn/Bainbridge Townships, OH
- Claridon Woodlands
Featuring ropes courses, mountain bike tracks and a freeform boulder wall, Claridon Woodlands has something for everyone. Some of your more rugged friends might prefer the single mountain bike pump track. The park also welcomes children with a nature-based playground. Fishing, birdwatching, skiing, dog walking, and horseback riding are some other activities you can enjoy at Claridon Woodlands.
If you are inclined to stay longer, treat yourself to a reservation at the new Judge Lester Taylor Lodge. Stay in a room with a kitchenette, restroom and a stunning view. You won’t want to miss out on the trails, dense forests or pristine Cuyahoga River tributaries.
11383 Claridon Troy Road, Claridon Township, OH
- Henry Church Rock (formerly Squaw Rock)
A historical and cultural landmark of Northeast Ohio, Henry Church Rock was carved in 1885 to depict a Native American woman, four phases of the moon, a serpent and other images. This carved rock is located next to the babbling Chagrin River. It’s quietly tucked in deep foliage along a lightly-trafficked, two-mile loop trail. Check out exclusive views of the small waterfalls along the river, and make sure to see the 133-year-old masterpiece for yourself!
South Chagrin Reservation, Bentleyville, Ohio 44139
Read about the rest of these natural sites after Tuesday’s events!
Events on Sunday, April 15, 2018
Events on Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Seven Scenic Destinations Near You (Part Two)
- Holden Arboretum
Holden Arboretum is one of our personal favorites. Murch Canopy Walk is not your typical trail. It’s 65 feet above the forest floor, with bridges weaving in-and-out of trees. Walking these aerial trails give you a thrilling journey through the forest. The Kalberer Family Emergent Tower is a staggering 120 feet above the forest floor. Go there for a stunning, vast view of the Ohio landscape.
Holden Arboretum promotes conservation awareness with urban greening and forestry initiatives, environmental research and educational programs. Visit for 20 miles of trails, gardens and fun pancake breakfasts!
9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH
- Mentor Headlands State Park
Mentor Headlands State Park is renowned for its mile-long natural sand beach and unique plants.The beach is a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathers. It offers swimming and fishing in the summer and sledding or skiing in the winter. Come for a view of Lake Erie and an infamous lighthouse. Make use of the picnic tables and outdoor grills. If you hike the easy to moderate trails, look out for interesting, and exotic plant species typically found along the Atlantic coast.
Mentor Headlands State Park and Beach
9601 Headlands Road, Mentor, OH
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
A short distance from the bustling urban cities of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley deserves its title as a national park. This enclosed portion of the Cuyahoga River is a refuge for native plants and wildlife. There’s over 125 miles of trails ranging in difficulty. The trails feature deep forests, rolling hills and open farmlands.
The Towpath Trail is 85 miles long and growing. It runs through the heart of the Ohio & Erie Canalway and includes over 50 trailheads. You can walk through iconic cable-style bridges or along scenic rails. Feel free to birdwatch, bike, hike, run or horseback ride.
15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH
Where Will You Visit?
Take advantage of your close vicinity to these natural parks and destinations. Go outside and adventure through any or all of these seven scenic locations. Wherever you go, whether you see waterfalls, cliffs or over-the-treetop views, be sure to take in the beauty of nature. It’s something that you can’t enjoy from behind a screen.
Have you been to any of these attractions before? Want to share a natural site that our list missed? Write to drafts@geauganews.com and tell us about it!
Come Back Next Week for More Local Events in Northeast Ohio!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of The Geauga News Weekly Round Up! Be sure to check in next week for more local news and events in your area. Have a great weekend!
Have an event you want to see in next week’s edition? E-mail us your story: drafts@geauganews.com