Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba the Adventure Pup and I rolled into Alexandria, Indiana for one of the most delightfully quirky roadside attractions in the country — the World’s Largest Ball of Paint! 🖌️🐾 What started as a simple baseball has transformed into a 4,000+ pound masterpiece with over 25,000 layers of paint , thanks to decades of dedication and thousands of visitors. And yes — we got to add our own layer! 💙 📍 Location: World’s Largest Ball of Paint Alexandria, Indiana – Just off the highway and totally worth the detour 🎨 What to Expect: • A massive, multicolored paint ball hanging from the ceiling • A friendly welcome from the creators, who share the ball’s origin story •  You can paint it yourself! (All materials provided) • A personalized certificate marking your layer number • Photo ops galore and smiles guaranteed 🎥 Watch the Video: 🐶 Dog-Friendly Factor: Simba-approved! 🐾 While Simba didn’t get to handle a brush (he’s more of a paw-painter), he explore...

Hey friends! Ash here — and while Simba had to sit this one out (sorry, buddy!), I took a fun detour to one of the most iconic movie homes in holiday history: the A Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio ! 🎁🐾 If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the leg lamp , climbing under Ralphie’s Christmas tree, or standing on the same porch where he got that BB gun, this stop is a must-see for movie buffs, holiday lovers, and curious road trippers alike. 📍 Location Highlights Where: A Christmas Story House – Cleveland, OH What: Guided tour, behind-the-scenes film trivia, photo ops Dog-Friendly?: Unfortunately, no pups inside — Simba waited outside and posed with the iconic house for a quick photo 🐶📸 RV Tip: Street parking is available nearby — best suited for vans or smaller rigs 🎬 Did You Know? Fun Facts from the House Tour During the tour, I picked up some awesome movie trivia (and a few laughs) that made this quick stop totally worth it. Here are some favorites: 🎥 Cleveland wa...

Hey trail friends! Ash here — and today, Simba and I took on one of the most iconic hikes in Ohio : the Brandywine Gorge Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park . From the thunderous beauty of Brandywine Falls to the peaceful wooded paths of the gorge, this trail had everything we love: waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, forest shade, and of course, plenty of trail snacks (for Simba 🦴). Whether you’re visiting CVNP for the first time or revisiting a favorite spot, this loop is an absolute must — and it’s dog-friendly to boot! 📍 Trail Overview Location: Brandywine Gorge Trail – Cuyahoga Valley NP, Sagamore Hills, OH Distance: ~1.5-mile loop Difficulty: Moderate (some stairs and creek crossings) Dog-Friendly: Yes — leashed pups welcome and trail-tested by Simba 🐶 Trail Style: Loop with elevation change, waterfall overlook, and forest terrain 🥾 Our Hike Experience We started from the Brandywine Falls parking area , where a short boardwalk takes you to the main overlook — and...

Hey trail friends! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I set out from the Boston Mill Visitor Center to chase one of Ohio’s most photogenic waterfalls: Blue Hen Falls . Tucked in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park , this hidden gem offers a peaceful woodland hike and a rewarding cascade that’s perfect for pups and people alike. With misty breezes , leafy paths , and just enough elevation to keep it interesting , this moderate trek is a go-to trail if you're exploring northeast Ohio with your furry trail buddy. 📍 Trail Overview Location: Blue Hen Falls – Cuyahoga Valley NP, Peninsula, OH Trail Route: Buckeye Trail from Boston Mill Visitor Center Distance: ~3 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate (some gentle incline/decline) Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba loved every shaded step! 🐶 Trail Surface: Dirt, boardwalks, and a few creek crossings 🥾 Our Hike Experience We kicked off our adventure at the Boston Mill Visitor Center , a great spot to grab a map, fill up wa...

Hey trail friends! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I laced up (okay, just me) and hit one of Ohio’s most iconic hikes : the Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park . And let me tell you — it was rock solid in every sense of the word. 😉 Nestled in Summit County , this 2.3-mile loop is packed with towering sandstone walls , moss-covered corridors , and a final payoff that’s nothing short of epic: the Ledges Overlook , where we paused for a biscuit (Simba) and a breath of fresh air (me). 📍 Trail Overview Location: Ledges Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH Distance: ~2.3-mile loop Difficulty: Easy to moderate (rocky terrain in spots) Highlights: Ledges rock formations, forest paths, panoramic overlook Dog-Friendly: Yes — leashed and very pup-approved! 🐶 Trail Style: Loop with scenic detours and side nooks 🥾 Our Hike Experience We started the loop from the Ledges Trailhead and were immediately greeted by towering rock faces , shady forest paths, and the k...

On this stop of our Life on Paws and Wheels journey, Simba the Adventure Pup and I stepped into a living piece of history along the Worden’s Ledges Loop Trail at Hinckley Reservation , part of the Cleveland Metroparks. This short, dog-friendly hike surprised us with incredible sandstone carvings tucked into the forest — a true blend of art, nature, and local legend. 📍 Location & Trail Info Trail: Worden’s Ledges Loop Park: Hinckley Reservation – Cleveland Metroparks City: Hinckley, OH Trail Length: ~0.7-mile loop Dog-Friendly: Absolutely — Simba loved every sniff-worthy turn! Best For: Curious hikers, art lovers, and families 🪨 What Makes It Special This trail isn’t just a peaceful forest walk — it’s also an open-air gallery of hand-carved history . The sandstone carvings were created in the 1940s by Noble Stuart , who left his artistic mark on boulders scattered throughout the ledges near the trail. Carvings include: • A portrait of George Washington • A...

On this stop of our Life on Paws and Wheels journey, Simba the Adventure Pup and I discovered a true Northeast Ohio gem — Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, Ohio . Nestled within the Ohio State University’s Wooster campus, this scenic and dog-friendly destination is perfect for relaxing nature strolls, photography, and exploring diverse plant life in a peaceful, well-maintained setting. 📍 Location & Overview •  Spot: Secrest Arboretum •  City: Wooster, Ohio (Wayne County) •  Campus: Part of OSU’s Agricultural Research and Development Center •  Dog-Friendly: Yes — leashed pups welcome! 🐕 •  Best For: Garden lovers, walkers, families, and quiet nature escapes 🌳 What You’ll See Secrest Arboretum offers a little bit of everything, including: •  Paved and gravel paths for easy walking •  Open meadows and peaceful garden spaces •  Themed gardens , including the gorgeous Garden of Roses of Legend and Romance •  Native Ohio plants , ...

Hey friends! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I took a relaxing stroll through Nelsonville, Ohio , where we found a hidden gem that celebrates one of the town’s most iconic legacies: bricks . Yes, bricks — and trust me, it was cooler than it sounds. 😄 We visited Nelsonville Brick Park , a quiet, dog-friendly tribute to the town’s rich history in brick manufacturing , especially the world-famous Nelsonville Block that once paved streets across America. 📍 Quick Visit Details Location: Nelsonville Brick Park – Nelsonville, OH Attraction Type: Historic site + outdoor park Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba enjoyed every brick, bench, and breeze 🐶 Estimated Time Needed: 30–60 minutes Perfect for: History buffs, small-town explorers, relaxed RV day trips 🧱 Why Bricks? Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Nelsonville was home to the Nelsonville Brick Company , known nationwide for its high-quality, durable paving bricks. These bricks were used everywhere from Chicago to New York...

Hey there, trail friends! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I hit the beautiful woods of Hocking Hills State Park near Logan, Ohio for a hike that delivered on views, forest serenity, and golden retriever trail magic . 🐶💛 We tackled the Gorge Overlook Loop to Buckeye Trail , a scenic 6.3-mile route that blends cliffside overlooks with shady ridgeline hiking — and of course, plenty of opportunities for Simba to sniff, explore, and lead the way like a pro. 🥾🐾 📍 Trail Overview Location: Hocking Hills State Park – Logan, OH Route: Gorge Overlook Loop → Buckeye Trail Distance: ~6.3 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate (some elevation, forest terrain) Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba loved every step! Trail Style: Loop + out-and-back section along the Buckeye Trail Highlights: Overlooks, sandstone ridges, peaceful woodland 🥾 Our Experience on the Trail We kicked things off from the Upper Falls trailhead , where the Gorge Overlook Loop begins. The trail quickly climbs to cl...

Hey everyone! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I traded steep trail climbs for something a little different: a scenic city walk through Zanesville, Ohio , packed with history, riverside charm, and one very unusual bridge . 🐶🌉 We set out to visit the Historic Y-Bridge , one of only a handful of Y-shaped bridges in the world , and ended up discovering the nearby Lock #10 , part of the old Muskingum River navigation system that once helped move boats across Ohio’s inland waterways. It was the perfect low-key afternoon outing : educational, relaxing, and of course, full of golden retriever joy . 📍 Our Route at a Glance Location: Zanesville, Ohio (Muskingum County) Stops:  The Historic Y-Bridge and  Lock #10 and river trail area Activity Type: Urban walk + historical exploration Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba was welcome (and admired) everywhere 🐾 Trail Style: Paved sidewalks, bridge walk, riverside green space Time Needed: ~1–1.5 hours depending on your pace 🏗️ The ...

Hey friends! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I checked in at Wolfie’s Family Campground & RV Resort in Zanesville, Ohio , and it turned out to be the perfect mix of quiet comfort, open green space , and easy access to Southeast Ohio’s historic attractions . 🙌 If you’re a fellow RVer, road-tripper, or traveling pup parent looking for a clean, family-friendly, dog-welcoming campground , this one might just be your next stop. 📍 Campground Snapshot Name: Wolfie’s Family Campground & RV Resort Location: Zanesville, OH Type: RV resort & family-friendly campground Hookups: Full hookup and partial sites available Amenities: Picnic tables, shady sites, open fields, restrooms, friendly hosts Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba approved! 🐶 Vibe: Peaceful, well-kept, laid-back 🐶 Simba’s First Impressions The second we stepped out of the rig, Simba was in full explorer mode : • Nose to the ground, tail up, sniffing every post, pinecone, and patch of grass • Enjoyed...

Hey explorers! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I veered off the usual scenic trail path and wandered into something a little... spookier. 👀 Welcome to the Glady Tunnel — a forgotten piece of West Virginia railroad history hidden deep in the woods of Randolph County . Overgrown, silent, and seriously atmospheric, this abandoned tunnel has all the right ingredients for an off-the-beaten-path adventure (and maybe a jump scare or two). 😅🎈 📍 Glady Tunnel Quick Facts Location: Randolph County, WV Trail Type: Forest path to tunnel entrance Distance: Approx. 1–1.5 miles round trip Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba explored right alongside me 🐾 Highlights: Abandoned tunnel, railroad history, forest walk Warning: Tunnel is abandoned and unstable — do NOT enter 🥾 Trail Experience: Forest + Forgotten Tracks We started on a peaceful forest trail — soft ground, birdsong, and that distinct hush that comes when you know something unusual is ahead . Simba trotted along happily, ears a...

Hey trail friends! Ash here — and this time, Simba and I stepped off the main paths and into the stillness of the woods to discover a hidden gem within Blackwater Falls State Park : the Balanced Rock Trail in Tucker County, West Virginia . 🐶🌲 If you’re looking for a quiet, dog-friendly trail away from the crowds with a unique destination , this one checks all the boxes. And yes — it ends at a gravity-defying boulder that has to be seen to be believed. 📍 Trail Overview Location: Balanced Rock Trail – Blackwater Falls State Park, WV Distance: ~2 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Easy to moderate (gentle elevation and forest terrain) Dog-Friendly: Absolutely! Simba loved every leafy turn 🐾 Trail Type: Out-and-back Highlights: Balanced Rock formation, peaceful forest path, mossy terrain 🥾 Trail Experience We hit the Balanced Rock Trailhead near the Lodge area of Blackwater Falls State Park and were immediately surrounded by dense forest, birdsong, and the soft crunch of p...

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I took a break from rugged hikes and scrambles to soak in one of West Virginia’s most iconic natural wonders : the breathtaking Blackwater Falls in Blackwater Falls State Park , located in Tucker County, WV . 🌄🐶 With its amber-hued cascade plunging 57 feet into the Blackwater Canyon , this is hands-down one of the most photographed locations in the entire state — and now we know why! 📍 Quick Trail Overview Location: Blackwater Falls State Park – Davis, WV Trail Type: Easy boardwalk + overlook path Distance: ~0.4 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy (great for all skill levels) Dog-Friendly: 100% — Simba had a blast! 🐾 Highlights: Blackwater Falls overlook, canyon views, forest air 🥾 A Short Walk with a Big Reward We started from the main parking area near the Trading Post , where signs clearly point you toward the Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail . This short, well-maintained boardwalk takes you down a series of stairs...

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I took a break from the usual forest hikes and waterfalls to explore something a little different… and a little eerie. 👻 We visited the abandoned railroad town of Thurmond, West Virginia , tucked away deep inside New River Gorge National Park . Once a thriving coal town and rail hub in the early 1900s, Thurmond is now a quiet, hauntingly beautiful ghost town frozen in time. And yes — Simba was right by my side , curious snout sniffing through history. 📍 Where is Thurmond? Location: New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia Access: Drive in via a narrow, winding road and a single-lane bridge over the river — worth it for the views alone! Type of Visit: Self-guided walking tour Dog-Friendly: Yes! Leashed pups can explore right alongside you 🐾 Vibe: Abandoned Americana + Appalachian nostalgia + stunning riverside views 🗺️ Walking Through Time As soon as we stepped out of the van, I was hit with that un...

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and today’s hike was something truly unforgettable . Simba the Adventure Pup and I tackled one of the most scenic trails in the eastern U.S. : the legendary Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge National Park near Lansing, West Virginia . 🐶⛰️ If you’re looking for a dog-friendly trail that combines woodland peace, dramatic views, and a real “wow” factor , this one absolutely delivers. And yes — Simba soaked in every step, sniff, and sweeping overlook like the seasoned trail pup he is. 📍 Trail Overview Location: Endless Wall Trail – New River Gorge National Park, WV Distance: ~2.5–3 miles (out-and-back or loop via road connector) Difficulty: Easy to moderate (a few roots, rocks, and cliff edges) Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba gave it two paws up 🐾 Trail Type: Point-to-point or loop (Fern Creek → Nuttall or reverse) Highlights: Diamond Point Overlook, endless cliff views, forest serenity 🥾 Trail Experience We started at the Fern Creek Trailhead , h...

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I laced up (well, I laced up — he just wagged his tail) for a short but rugged adventure on the Castle Rock Trail in New River Gorge National Park , near Prince, West Virginia ! 🐶⛰️ This trail may be under a mile, but don’t let the distance fool you — it’s packed with towering sandstone formations , steep ledges , and that iconic Appalachian wilderness energy . And the best part? It’s totally dog-friendly for pups who don’t mind a little scrambling. 📍 Trail Overview Location: Castle Rock Trail – New River Gorge National Park, Prince, WV Distance: ~0.6 miles (one way — or loop it with Grandview Rim Trail) Difficulty: Moderate (rocky, narrow, a few steep sections) Dog-Friendly: Yes — for trail-experienced pups 🐾 Trail Type: Out and back (or loop option) Highlights: Sandstone cliffs, moss-covered rock walls, river views, forest shade 🥾 On the Trail We started from the Grandview area , which offers plen...