CLEVELAND -- If you're looking for a place to ease your daily cares and get in touch with nature, there are miles and miles of walking trails to choose from within the Cleveland Metroparks. Many folks bring a picnic, fishing pole, and a camera to capture the wildlife.

Bob Hinkle, the chief of outdoor education for Cleveland Metroparks said, "We have over 60 miles of paved all-weather trails, 80 miles of bridle trails, and more than 100 miles of unpaved hiking trails throughout 16 Metroparks reservations."

The newest trail to open is the Lake to Lake trail in the Big Creek Reservation, featuring long boardwalks through wetlands teaming with wildlife. It's one of the two largest remaining cattail marshes in Cuyahoga County.

The north end of the trail features a play pit and slide.

For a glimpse into northern Ohio history, head to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath in Cuyahoga Heights. There are great walking and bicycling trails as well as fishing spots along the remnants of the historic canal.

Another trail worth checking out is the Rocky River Reservation Fort Hill Loop trail. It features a 133-step scenic climb up the shale cliffs.

Hinckley Reservation offers a trail called Hinkley Lake loop trail which lives up to its name by looping around gorgeous Hinckley Lake. This may sound familiar because it's also the spot of the nationally-known annual return of the buzzards.

Bedford Reservation spans across the cities of Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood, Valley View and Walton Hills. Part of the reservation boasts Tinkers Creek Gorge scenic overlook, which has been designated a national natural landmark. Shawnee Hills Golf Course is also one of its attractions.

Whichever walking trail you pick, it's a path that will take you into another world, one of timeless beauty and tranquility. And if you articipate in the Walking Works program, you can get a free Walking Works Shield for your walking stick if you hike eight of the 13 designated trails.