There's No Better Way To Spend A Summer Day Than This Burger And Trail Day Trip In Northeast Ohio
By Melissa Mahoney|Published June 25, 2021
×
Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Day trip excursions are always a break from the norm, allowing us to explore and satisfy the sense of wanderlust we may be feeling. There are endless places to explore in the Buckeye State, some close to home and others a bit further away. Regardless of distance, you may be able to get away with only fueling up your car once and making one single tankful of gas last the entire trip. A day trip from Local West Craft Sandwiches and Beer in Cleveland to the Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Peninsula involves an epic day of insanely good burgers, fresh air, and stunning scenery. It will be a day trip to remember.
Using this Google Maps link, you can choose the route between Local West in Cleveland and Ledges Trail Cuyahoga Valley National Park that suits you. Depending on which route you decide to take, the drive between the two locations is about 32 miles and will take approximately 39-42 minutes one way, and that’s without traffic.
Burgers and a hike along a scenic trail make a perfect pair for a day trip in any corner of the state. Whether or not you live close to the Cleveland area, you can check out these other 8 incredible day-trip ideas around Ohio.
Fill your gas tank and let's get this road trip started. The first stop is Local West for some lunch. This bistro is known for its craft sandwiches, burgers, and beer. Ingredients are sourced locally so you are sure to taste how fresh everything is with each bite.
You'll find an abundance of burger and sandwich options on the menu along with salads, pita pizzas, and a variety of sides. But if you're here at Local West, you may as well try a burger! The options aren't super crazy with toppings but they are still quite creative and you can even order additional toppings to make it your own.
The Super Mario burger (pictured here) is topped with portobello mushroom, provolone cheese, and tarragon mustard aioli served on bakery fresh ciabatta bread. This thick, juicy burger is melt-in-your-mouth heaven with every bite.
Maybe you're more inclined to order something a little more adventurous, afterall, you'll be heading out on an outdoor adventure after lunch. The 50 Shades of Spice burger is half-beef, half-pork, topped with bacon and orange peel goat cheese. This is one that will tantalize your taste buds!
For location information and to view other menu items, head to the Local West website. This restaurant is closed on Sundays, so prepare your day trip accordingly.
Now that you've had your fill of artisan burgers and other delectable fare at Local West, it's time to move on to our next location. It will take approximately 40 minutes to drive to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a 33,000-acre park bordering both Clevaland and Akron. This is where you'll hike the Ledges Trail.
This scenic trail is a 2.3-mile loop that takes hikers through the forest and features a cave and incredible views. It's a bit rocky and rated as moderate with a 209-foot elevation gain as well. Set aside at least a 1.5 hours for this hike.
Make sure to follow signs carefully as there are several crossing points with other trails.
Expect to see heavy foot traffic along the Ledges Trail. When you get here, it's easy to see why. As you trek along the pathway, you won't help but notice all the breathtaking beauty all around you.
At one point, the trail will take you below massive ledges which are quite an impressive sight, a cave, and a set of stone stairs that easily blends into the landscape. These were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Advertisement
Your eyes will be met with stunning views of rock formations, the sandstone ledges, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape from the overlook. If you are at the park late enough, maybe you can watch the sunset; it's supposed to be spectacular here!
For information on Cuyahoga Valley National Park and its trail system, including the Ledges Trail, visit the National Park Service webpage. To learn more about the trail, head to Alltrails.
So, how does starting your day at Local West in Cleveland for burgers followed by a scenic hike on the Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park sound? This perfectly paired road trip is meant to be a delicious adventure for both your appetite and your eyes. Visit this Google maps link to add your home address to start this trip. And don’t forget to follow theOnly in Ohio Facebook page and sign up for theOnly in Ohio newsletter for information on additional epic adventures that await around the Buckeye State.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
