This summer, take time out of your busy schedule to reconnect with nature and explore the creeks and rivers of Lake Metroparks

By Mimi Vanderhaven

Darlings, Robert Frost knew a thing or two about blazing your own trail.

Those looking to veer off the beaten path and explore nature here in Lake County are blessed with some of the most beautiful meandering creeks and rivers in the region. Lake Metroparks boasts nine parks along the Grand River in eastern and central Lake County and two parks along the Chagrin River in western Lake County. These parks are scenic destinations for people from all over the Midwest.

Assistant Chief of Outdoor Education Becky Parkin reports that they make it easy for folks to creek walk, providing free self-guided explorer kits at Jordan Creek Park Environmental Learning Center and explorer packs at Penitentiary Glen.

“Exploring nature is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety and escape from the craziness of life,” she says. “There’s something magical about rolling up your pant legs and wading into a creek or stream. Just the sound of rushing water is calming.”

Becky explains the kits and packs help people identify and appreciate things they see in the water and woods.

“We want people to pick up rocks and look for the fascinating macroinvertebrates that will show up in a few seconds,” she adds. “Since the water in our creeks is so clean, they are teeming with life. Creek walkers can observe things like fish behavior, such as rainbow darters that sit on the creek floor and dart around, as well as green herons hunting for fish. You never know what you’ll discover. If someone sees an animal they cannot identify, we encourage them to take a picture and bring it to us so we can do that for them.”

You don’t need any experience or gear to go creek walking other than water shoes or shoes with rubber soles. So, what are you waiting for? A path less traveled is out there calling your name.

Lake Metroparks Jordan Creek Park Environmental Learning Center is located at 7250 Alexander Road in Concord Township. For more information about creek walking, visit LakeMetroparks.com/parks-trails/binge-walk-your-parks/.