Cleveland Metroparks issues top 10 hikes for hot days

CLEVELAND — Sometimes the hardest part about a hike can be finding the right trail.

As the warm weather continues throughout this month, the Cleveland Metroparks may be able to help with their August “Ten Hikes for Hot Days” list.

In this list, they provide a list of 10 locations for hikes, featuring shaded areas that will let you spend time outside away from the harsh rays of the sun.

Here’s where they recommend:

• Hemlock Trail at the Brecksville Reservation     
• Mount Pleasant Loop Trail at the Rocky River Reservation
• Waterfall to Overlook Hike at the Bedford Reservation
• Cahoon Creek Loop at the Bradley Woods Reservation
• Hickory Fox Loop at the North Chagrin Reservation
• Worden’s Ledges Trail at the Hinckley Reservation
• Ridgetop Trail at the Garfield Park Reservation
• Sulphur Springs Loop at the South Chagrin Reservation
• Skinner’s Run Trail at the West Creek Reservation
• Snow Road Trail at the Big Creek Reservation

If you are hiking in the heat, be sure to do so with cation. The National Park Service has several tips for hikers trekking through the warm weather.

If the weather is hot, they recommend:

• Starting before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen as well as a hat and sunglasses to avoid the sun’s harsh rays
• Wear light colored clothes that don’t weigh a lot and that are loose-fitting
• Pack water and drink plenty of it
• Pack salty snacks to replace the electrolytes you lose as you sweat
• If needed, use a wet towel or shirt to cool yourself
• Be careful if going into water to cool down, watching for currents and cold temperatures (follow park swimming rules)
• If you get too hot, stop hiking and turn around