Sheffield Village, Ohio hasn’t made the news very oftenat least not since John Lee Richmond threw the first perfect game in MLB history back in 1880. However, the village should be high on the radar of backpackers and hikers in the Cleveland area, 20 minutes away. That’s because Sheffield Village is the home of The Backpackers Shop, an outdoor outfitter which has been operating for forty years.Hikers can order everything they need from the Backpackers Shop website, whether they’re planning a simple day trip or a week-long camping adventure. There is, of course, a variety of backpacks from established brands like Osprey, North Face, Kelty, and Arc’Teryx for campers and Mountainsmith packs for day hikers. There are even Ruffwear dog packs if you plan on taking along man’s best friend. Read the rest of this entry »

One of the best things about the Cleveland Hiking Club is the variety of ages and skill levels in the group. No matter what your experience level is, there’s always someone nearby to lend a helping hand. If you’re just starting out on the trails, though, it can be helpful to check out some tips beforehand. Here, then, are some of the most important considerations for any hikeit’s by no means complete, and you should always check with someone you trust if you have any questions.

1. Always start out more slowly and build up speed. Just as in a cross-country race, you should try to never slow down on a hike. Start at a speed you can easily handle and increase it, so that as it gets later in the day you are covering more distance.
2. If you are planning a true “day hike” where you’ll be out for a good portion of the day, make sure to start early. Even if this means starting in the dark, it’s better than having to finish in it. Read the rest of this entry »

When your state only has one national park, you’d better hope it’s a good one. Luckily for Cleveland hikers, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is well-worth the trip. The name is Mohawk for “crooked river,” and the park follows the winding river from Cleveland to Akron over a 51-square-mile area.The park itself is a hidden sanctuary for Cleveland’s natural history, encompassing a landscape and diversity that you wouldn’t expect so close to the city. Among other species, the endangered Indiana bat makes its home in the floodplains and forests of the Cuyahoga Valley. Other bats and birds also make their home within the park, which has been disturbed in recent times by a number of invasive plants. The National Park Service is currently working on combating these species, which can crowd out animals’ natural habitats and food.In addition to plants and animals, the Cuyahoga Valley has historically provided a resting place for Ohio settlers. During the 1870s, people traveled from the cities for carriage rides and boat trips in the canal, which led to the construction of the Valley Railroad in 1880. Prominent businessman Hayward Kendall donated 430 acres in the valley, which became the foundations of today’s nationally protected site. Read the rest of this entry »