With the weather thawing and the sun finally shining, you may be thinking about spending more time outdoors. If you’re anything like me, when the weather warms up, I can’t wait to grab my running shoes and hit the trail.
Finding places to run might be challenging, so I compiled a list of a few trails and races around Kent and Northeast Ohio for your next workout or fun run.
Headwaters Trail
The Headwaters Trail is an 8.5-mile hike and bike trail located in Portage County. It begins on South St. in Garrettsville and runs through Mill St. in Mantua. There are multiple trailheads in between with parking as well.
Because the trail is flat, it is the perfect place for running or walking. The scenery along the trail offers the perfect place to see plants and wildlife, like turtles, deer, turkeys and more. You may even see Bigfoot.
Plus, you can visit Cellar Door Coffee in Garrettsville or Restoration 44 in Mantua for a sweet treat before or after your run!
Portage Hike and Bike Trail
The Portage Hike and Bike Trail runs through Ravenna and Kent. A 3.1-mile portion of the trail also goes through Kent State University, starting at Dix Stadium.
This trail is great for those looking to stay close to campus when running. The trail is flat and paved. Portions of the trail run along the Cuyahoga River and the historic Erie rail line, with some of the railway still active.
You can explore both Ravenna and Kent on the trail, and it is also connected to the Summit Metro Parks Hike and Bike Trail.
The Towpath trail
The Towpath Trail runs from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, spanning over 93 miles. With 55 trailheads, the trail is accessible from many areas across Northeast Ohio.
The trail also goes through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which also offers many other hiking trails. It was built on the historic towpath where mules pulled canal boats up and down the Ohio and Erie Canal over 100 years ago.
The trail is relatively flat and is a great place to explore multiple areas in Northeast Ohio.
James H. Barrow Biological Field Station
If you’re looking for a trail with more of a challenge, the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station is the place to go.
As one of Hiram College’s field and research stations, the station offers trails open to foot traffic. Located in Garrettsville, the trails have beautiful views of the local scenery.
Since the trails go through the woods, there are challenging sections with steep hills, tree roots and bridges. Maps and tree markers guide the way through the different trails.
The trails are open from dawn to dusk, but make sure not to disturb plants and wildlife.
Kent State’s Black Squirrel 5k
It wouldn’t be running in Kent without mentioning the race named after Kent’s most iconic animal. If you’re looking for a fun race close to campus, the Black Squirrel 5k is a great one to run.
This race starts at the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center and is a loop course around the Kent campus on the esplanade. There are a few hills on the course, adding a challenge.
After the race, there is a brunch and an award ceremony. Participants who sign up before a certain date also get a T-shirt.
KSU College of Nursing Race to Finals 5k
Another race at Kent State, this 5k is a fundraiser for the College of Nursing Student Emergency Fund. There is also a 1-mile fun run option in addition to the 5k.
The course loops through campus and starts at Henderson Hall. Those who register by a certain date receive a T-shirt, but same day registration is available.
Students get $10 off registration with the code “Student.” Plus, awards and post-race snacks are available as well.
GCXC Racing
Timing company GCXC hosts a number of fun races in the Cleveland, Youngstown and Pennsylvania area. These races have different themes and support several charitable causes.
If you’re looking for races outside of the Kent area, head over to the GCXC website to find one that suits you.
As always, when running, make sure to keep safety in mind. The Road Runners Club of America advises runners to:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Carry your cellphone
- Run against traffic
- Be thoughtful about running in the dark
- Plan routes
- Carry your ID
Have fun on your next run!