Yoga in the Wild
My Hunt for the Ideal
It feels both subversive and divine to take off the hiking boots mid-hike and shavasana in nature. I am in search of awesome places to spread my yoga mat, where I can flow a bit and then sit. It's tricky to find ideal spots! I seek gorgeous settings to contemplate, with lovely scents and harmonious ambient sound. Preferably there's a bit of a hike, but it's gotta be in easy walking distance of parking. And it absolutely must be safe (cuz the whole point is to focus on nature... not on who might be sneaking up to steal stuff >.>). Ideally, the spot affords some privacy (or feels like it does at any rate). If you have any suggestions, email akapamalexander@gmail.com with your rec - I'd love to check it out! (Image: My photo of sunrise at Grandview, New River Gorge, WV, with OpenArt AI adding in the meditator... cuz I've always wanted to try an AI editor lol)
So Far
North Chagrin Reservation, Willoughby, OH
Set in the North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, White Pine Loop Trail led me to a gorgeous spot to spread my mat. The scents of pine and leaf litter on the breeze and an ideal soundscape made this private spot off the trail pretty darn perfect! Park at the Strawberry Picnic area and follow the White Pine Loop to its apex, then step off the boardwalk and follow the rim to some lovely private glades.
Chapin Forest Reservation, Kirtland, OH
Chapin Forest in the Lake Metroparks has a couple of spots that are close to ideal! Only drawback is a steep hill to hike first, but the gorgeous view from private-feeling ledges and the peaceful sounds of nature make it worth the hump. Use the Park Road entrance off Rt. 306 and park all the way at the end to find the trailhead that leads to the ideal spots I found. They are up the main trail (go to the right), and you'll find them off to the right on the ledges before you reach the main scenic overlook the park is famous for.
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, Shaker Heights, OH
Gotta love it when a park has a dedicated Meditation Terrace! The DBJ Terraza de Meditación (Meditation Terrace) along Stearns Woodland Trail was an easy walk from plenty of parking and it felt safe (if not particularly private). Ambient sound wasn't great unfortunately - definite traffic noise.
Clifton Beach, Lakewood, OH
Clifton Beach is a favorite spot for me and one of the first places I tried for proof of concept. No hike involved and not exactly private, but it's both safe and gorgeous, with an up close and personal view of Lake Erie to contemplate.
Holden Arboretum, KirtlanD, OH
If you like your nature well manicured, then Holden Arboretum is for you, and the Gardner Lakeside Terrace at Corning Lake is a great spot (if there aren't other people already there >.>). Very safe, but unfortunately lots of people noise (mowers, blowers, tour groups and traffic noise) and expensive (it has an entry fee).
No Joy
Went with intent, but couldn't find a spot to spread my mat:
Bridal Veil Falls, Cleveland Metroparks, Bedford, OH - a pretty set of falls and a gorgeous fall drive through the park, but unfortunately no place had the right ambiance.