The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

10 easy ideas to help you get inexpensive exercise

‘A hidden gem in western Ohio’
10:46 a.m.
Tipp City offers quaint shops, cozy dining
5/25/12
How to make inexpensive, fresh flower arrangements
5/25/12
How to help the poor the 'right way'
5/25/12
Better treat soon to combat emerald ash borer
5/25/12
> More lifestyle headlines

By Bu Jordan Pridemore, Staff Writer 9:06 PM Friday, June 11, 2010

Looking to get in some green exercise locally? Here are 10 quick and easy ideas to help you get out and about, recommended by Five Rivers MetroParks (www.metroparks.org). Most of these activities can be done just about anywhere you find yourself, so don’t feel confined to just one destination — the world really is your oyster with plenty of other options and outdoor venues to choose. For more ideas on places to go to get some fresh air and cozy up to Mother Nature, visit DaytonDailyNews.com/ohio-recreation

1. Hiking: There are trails scattered throughout the state of Ohio and the good news is there’s a wide variety to choose from, varying by level of difficulty. If you’re unsure about what you can do, start off easy and work your way up from there. There’s no shortage of hiking options — nearly 175 miles of trails await visitors at 25 MetroPark facilities alone.

2. Biking: There are 30 Ohio state parks that offer over 257 miles of biking trails. Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.state.oh.us for maps and locations.  For a breakdown by region of places to go green on two wheels, visit www.ohiobikeways.net.

3. Camping: If your idea of camping is spending the night in a cheap hotel, cross this item off your list. But, if you look forward to the day when you can say good night and wake up to the sounds and smells of the great outdoors, this is your ticket to go green. The website www.ohiocamper.com offers a breakdown of outdoor camping options throughout the state, broken down by region. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources at www.the website dnr.state.oh.us also offers a list of locations throughout the state.

4. Kayaking: The Stillwater River, Great Miami River, Twin Creek, Mad River and Little Miami River all are great spots to enjoy kayaking or canoeing this summer. There are several businesses near Lebanon that will let you choose between kayaking and canoeing in the Little Miami River. Morgan’s Canoe Livery (www.morganscanoe.com, (513) 932-7658) is one of several to choose from. Springfield boasts Aaron’s Canoe and Kayak Center (www.aaronscanoe.com, (937) 882-6925), which will get you out onto the Mad River. Visit metroparks.org/paddle to find information on put-ins, take-outs and other upcoming paddle sport events sponsored by MetroParks.

5. Fishing: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.state.oh.us ) has information on fishing licenses, fishing regulations and fishing maps for Ohio. For anglers new to the sport, there are five locations within the MetroParks network where you can fish for free without a license (metroparks.org/fishing).

6. Backpacking: There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that snake through Ohio State Parks with trails ranging from just a few miles for beginners to expert trails like the 46-mile whopper at Bethel’s East Fork State Park. Locally, the Twin Valley Trail — a 22-mile backcountry path stretching between Twin Creek and Germantown MetroParks — will happily test your mettle.

7. Disc Golf: Ohio boasts plenty of great disc golf courses — visit www.ohiodiscgolf.org for proof. The Dayton Disc Golf Association is a network that can help newbies get involved in this incredibly fun, inexpensive sport (www.daytondiscgolf.org). The Greater Cincinnati Flying Disc Association (www.cincinnatidiscgolf.com) offers similar resources for those living in southern Ohio.

8. Mountain biking: Don’t get cycling and mountain biking confused. Mountain biking is tough, rough and dirty. For a list of some of the courses located throughout the state, visit www.dirtworld.com/trails/OhioMountainBiketrails.asp. For those looking to get started, you might try MoMBA — the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area — at Huffman MetroPark (www.metroparks.org/MoMBA). Built to International Mountain Biking Association standards, this 8-mile course offers varying degrees of mountain biking difficulty.

9. Geocaching: Think of this as a modern day treasure hunt for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t like leaving modern day technology behind. Use a hand-held GPS to find caches hidden in parks, then leave your own prize for the next seeker to discover. Visit www.gcinohio.org to learn more about Geocaching in Ohio.

10. Horseback riding: The site for tourism in Ohio (www.discoverohio.com)  has events galore listed thoughout the state including places offering horseback riding. Our most recent search netted 39 giddy-up and go options. The Riding Center at Carriage Hill MetroPark (www.metroparks.org/RidingCenter) offers guided trail rides and hand-led pony rides for children ages 7 and younger each weekend through Oct. 31. Enjoy a one-hour ride through the park for $18 ($3 for pony rides).

Share this article