Easy hikes and walks around Holland

The Maumee River starts at the confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Mary's rivers in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and empties into Maumee Bay at Lake Erie, covering over 6,500 square miles. It is the largest drainage basin in the Great Lakes Watershed and was named an Ohio State Scenic River on July 18, 1974. During springtime, the largest migrations of river-bound walleyes east of the Mississippi make their way up the river, attracting thousands of anglers from all over the country.

Spanning almost 500 acres, this scenic preserve is a popular destination for road cyclists exploring Toledo’s metro parks. With smooth, well-maintained roads that wind through shaded areas lined with mature trees, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed ride or a longer training loop. The former estate of Robert Stranahan, founder of Champion Spark Plugs, adds historical charm, featuring highlights like a 1938 mansion, a covered bridge, and a boardwalk.

This fine gravel path is well-maintained and easy to navigate, surrounded by beautiful upland woods, wet woods, and open meadows. It passes by several picnic areas and is the park's main multi-use trail, so you're likely to see cyclists, runners, and families with strollers out enjoying the day.

This junction leads to a lovely small loop trail connecting to other trails in the park. If you want to extend your hike, it's a beautiful detour, allowing several options to spend as long as you like exploring the grounds.

Secor Park is a beautiful location away from the city. There are several hiking trails where you can immerse yourself surrounded by tall trees, lovely meadows, and prairies. The park includes picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds, and a dedicated cross-country ski trail. It is also home to the largest concentration of native dogwood in northwest Ohio, adding to the beauty of this already spectacular park.

The short walk to these Canal Locks is like stepping back in time. Built in 1843, these locks help to tell the story of the long-gone canal. The locks remain in remarkable condition and are a fantastic feature of the park's landscape. The locks are part of the canal's Maumee Side cut portion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is an information panel here about the canals and their operation.

The Maumee River starts at the confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Mary's rivers in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and empties into Maumee Bay at Lake Erie, covering over 6,500 square miles. It is the largest drainage basin in the Great Lakes Watershed and was named an Ohio State Scenic River on July 18, 1974. During springtime, the largest migrations of river-bound walleyes east of the Mississippi make their way up the river, attracting thousands of anglers from all over the country.

Side Cut Metropark, situated along the Maumee River, is one of a series of the city's riverfront parks, and a long-time local favorite destination. Several multi-use trails run along the river, canal locks, and through a pine plantation, offering several options for a short or extended hike to explore, including restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground close to the parking area. It's a fantastic place for birdwatching, and you'll likely see plenty of deer while you explore this beautiful park.