Free Guided Hikes To Be Offered In Cleveland Metroparks

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Naturalists will offer free, guided tours of the Cleveland Metroparks starting Saturday .

A variety of hikes, geared for different ages, will be offered. Topics of the hikes include birding, history, night hikes and family-friendly hikes. Outdoor specialists will also offer weekend "try-it" sessions where guests can learn a new outdoor skill. The specialist programs require a $5 equipment rental.

“Parks have provided an important outlet for our community this past year and we hope these guided hikes can help us stay active and connected with nature through the cooler months,” said Brian M. Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks CEO.

Overall, the park system expects to offer approximately 40 programs per week.

Each program will be limited to 10 or fewer people, per CDC guidelines. Advance registration is required for each program. Registration will not be available in-person or by phone. Guests will have to register online. Guests will be limited to one program per week.

Additionally, face coverings must be work by all participants ages 6 and younger.

The Cleveland Metroparks will continue to offer virtual nature learning with its "Ask a Naturalist" programming on Facebook Live. That series is available at 1 p.m. on Fridays.

Information on programming and registration will be available on the Cleveland Metroparks website two weeks in advance.