• Estimated Time: 4 hours

• Travel Components: Americas Byway

• Special Interest: Adults, Peace Seekers, Yogis

• Starting Point: Summit County

• Ending Point: Summit County

• Cost: BYO Picnic or purchase

• Submitted By: Claire George, Canalway Questing Intern, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Relax. Reflect. Rejuvenate. Begin your journey of self-discovery and peace in late afternoon at Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This 65-foot waterfall is a short walk from the trailhead (8176 Brandywine Rd., Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067). Take your time and observe nature, listening to the roar of the falling water. Imagine the water rushing over you, cooling your body and calming your spirit. If the viewing areas are crowded, stroll to the secluded Averill Pond for quiet meditation. You’ll need a trail map to find it.

Next, drive to Octagon Shelter (499 Truxell Rd., Peninsula, Ohio 44264) to begin the Tranquility Quest. Clues in haiku lead you along a trail to a hidden box. Stops include activity prompts to not only look around, but look within. One suggestion for this journey is that you try to speak as little as possible. This spirited Quest through beautiful, quiet woods takes about 75 minutes.

Return to Octagon Shelter for a picnic on the lawn or at the tables. The playfield is a great place for yoga or tai chi: an open space to breathe, move and stretch. Free, instructor-led classes are offered on select summer evenings. Check the park’s Schedule of Events for current days and times. Note that Octagon Shelter is a rental facility, so it’s best to avoid summer weekends.

Traveler’s Tips

The Canalway Questing season is April 15–Nov. 15. Download your quest here. Bring a pencil to sign the logbook.

If you don’t want to cook, make a detour to purchase a boxed meal or snacks at the Trail Mix store in Boston, located on Boston Mills Road, directly across from the Boston Store Visitor Center — the main visitor center for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Check their website for seasonal hours and directions