There's nothing like spending time in the great outdoors. A lunch break spent in the wilderness or a quiet afternoon surrounded by birdsong can be a mental panacea, providing an unrivaled escape from the hustle and bustle of life. For many, time outside is best spent on a bike. Fortunately for bicyclists, there are many incredible places in Greater Cleveland that are worthy of exploration.

1. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a dream in the spring, and sections of this epic trail will be reopening to the public once the weather warms. This multi-purpose trail follows the historic path of the Ohio & Erie Canal. You can bike along the very route that mules used to tow canal boats. As it is open 24/7, the Towpath Trail is stunning day and night. Horse riders also use this path, so remember to use courtesy when passing your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Bridgeway Trail, Black River Reservation

The entirety of the Lorain County Metro Park system is splendid and well worth a visit. The Bridgeway Trail is one of the loveliest routes in Black River Reservation, and it's only 4.5 miles in length. It begins at Day's Dam in Lorain and stretches into Elyria. This scenic trail is downright enchanting, and the views it offers along the way will knock your socks off.

3. All Purpose Trail, Euclid Creek Reservation

Euclid Creek Reservation is a gorgeous park that runs along the expanse of the lovely Euclid Creek. The 2.5-mile All Purpose Trail runs the length of the park, even passing through the remnants of Bluestone. Bluestone was a community that once thrived, but now it's the lovely Quarry Picnic Area. In just one ride, you'll see why locals have adored this lovely landscape since the area was first settled.

4. Lake-to-Lake Trail, Big Creek Reservation

This 2.4-mile trail connects Lake Abram to Lake Isaac, and its entire pathway is stunning. It crosses through 175 acres of headwater wetlands, which make up a sea of seemingly endless grasses. The reservation runs parallel to Pearl Road, offering a refreshing contrast to city life.

5. All Purpose Trail, Rocky River Reservation

Valley Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in all of Northeast Ohio, and it is also one of the loveliest bike paths. The All Purpose Trail runs along much of its expanse, though it travels for an astonishing 13.6 miles. This is a ride you'll adore in any and every season.

6. Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway, Edgewater State Park

Cleveland's scenic Lake Erie shoreline is absolutely stunning. Amazingly, the city thought to build the lovely Lakefront Bikeway along the city's 17 miles of shore. Stretching from Euclid to Lakewood, this path cuts through the best parts of Cleveland. University Circle, Rockefeller Park, Collinwood, and Ohio City are all connected via this incredible route. You can learn more and see a map here.

7. The Bedford Singletrack, Bedford Reservation

This reservation-wide loop is beloved by bikers and hikers alike. The Bedford Singletrack is nearly 10 miles in length, consisting of a variety of Loops located just off of the All Purpose Trail. It's beginner-friendly, and it's easy to access if you are anywhere near Egbert Picnic Area and Bridal Veil Falls.

8. Royalview Trail, Mill Stream Run Reservation

When this lovely trail debuted in 2012, biking enthusiasts near Mill Stream Run Reservation were in heaven. This terrain is slightly more challenging than that of the Bedford Singletrack, as there are few roots along the trail. It consists of two unique trails fused into one. The Red Trail is 5.5 miles in length, and it's a super simple Loop. The Yellow Trail is about 3.5 miles in length, and it's point to point.

9. Bike & Hike Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

This incredible trail is nestled between Cleveland and Akron, located in the lovely Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Its 34.2 miles of adventure pass through some of the loveliest portions of the national park, following the routes of two former railways. Its northernmost access point can be found off of Alexander Road in Northfield, and its southernmost trailhead is off of OH 91N (Main St.) in Munroe Falls.

10. Paved Bike Trail, Brunswick Lake Nature Preserve

Brunswick Lake is a captivating 13.2-acre pool of sapphire, and it's surrounded by lovely wooded areas with trees that are more than 200 years old. This one mile trail is short and sweet, and it takes visitors through one of Brunswick's loveliest natural areas. Stop in at the Susan Hambley Nature Center to freshen up — they just might have a craft or presentation for you to enjoy.

11. Cleveland Foundation Centennial Trail, The Flats

The Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail is an urban gem, located just a stone's throw from Downtown and following the former route of the historic Cleveland and Mahoning Railroad. This trail is a spur of the Towpath Trail, connecting hikers to 101 miles of history. Once completed, this 1.3-mile trail will stretch all the way up to Whiskey Island.

12. The Maple Highlands Trail, Geauga Park District

This trail stretches across 21.1 miles, and it's endlessly scenic. It passes through Swine Creek Reservation, Headwaters Park, Claridon Woodlands, and Big Creek Park. Scenic habitats and lovely covered bridges make this trail well worth traversing, though it's worth breaking its expanse into segments.

13. Greenway Corridor, Painesville

This 4.8-mile paved trail is a stunning journey through history and nature. This path was once used to transport cargo on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and it passes alongside the Big Creek Valley. In this area, hikers and bikers will find a 0.3-mile trail that leads to Chair Factory Falls, a gorgeous waterfall framed by a steep overlook.

There's so much to see and do in Northeast Ohio! Which of these trails are you most excited to visit?

If you're enchanted by the beauty of nature, check out this otherworldly gorge trail near Cleveland.