I’ve noticed a running theme to Everyday Akron host weeks … And even if you’ve paid little attention, I’m sure you could pick up on it too.
What is it?
A love for Summit Metro Parks.
We Akronites–and Northeast Ohioans–sure do love our local and national parks. So, I thought it would be a fun idea to gather information on each Metro Park, including the number of trails, flora and fauna to watch for, whether or not they’re pet-friendly, if drinking water is available and so on.
And because this is Everyday Akron, I added information on what else you can explore in the park’s neighborhood or city. Visiting your favorite Metro Park or one you have yet to check off your list is a great way to discover new businesses, friendly people, fun activities and events, and more in the area.
So don’t just take a hike. Also go birding, grab a coffee or tea, pick up dinner before you head home, and support other local businesses and organizations. Use the parks as an excuse to try something new.
Our parks are beautiful year-round. But be sure to visit the Summit Metro Parks website for information on available trails and activities, closures, suggested photography spots, and other specifics.
We’ve linked each park page in its related section below, but I wanted to point out the maps. Be sure to click on the maps on the SMP site so the PDF version opens – it will have the full information for parks with more than one area.
And, one other note before we dive in–the Goodyear Heights Metro Park map was the only one that included bus stops. But I’m sure there are nearby bus stop locations for many parks via METRO RTA.
Alright, friends … Grab your hiking shoes, water bottle, and the proper level of outerwear (this blog post is going live in the winter, but I hope you’ll return to it throughout the year), and let’s go exploring!
Pro tip – If you have a specific park or location in mind, select one below to jump right to it. Or, scroll until inspiration hits.
– Table of Contents –
In Akron Neighborhoods
Firestone Metro Park (Firestone Park) | Goodyear Heights Metro Park (Goodyear Heights) | Sand Run Metro Park, Hampton Hills, F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (Merriman Valley) | Cascade Valley Metro Park (North Hill)
Outside of Akron
Gorge Metro Park (Cuyahoga Falls) | Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park (Green) | Wood Hollow Metro Park (Hudson) | Springfield Bog Metro Park (Springfield Twp.) | O’Neil Woods Metro Park (Montrose) | Munroe Falls Metro Park (Munroe Falls) | Silver Creek Metro Park (Norton, Doylestown) | Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park (Peninsula) | Furnace Run Metro Park (Richfield) | Liberty Park (Twinsburg)
Firestone Metro Park
Location: Firestone Park neighborhood in Akron, Ohio
- Trails: 3
- Nature features: Little Turtle Pond, Spring Pond, Tuscarawas River, wetlands, meadows, summer and fall wildflowers
- Watch for: Fish, crayfish, frogs, turtles, 175+ species of birds, dragonflies, damselflies, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, mice, voles and moles
- More outdoor activities: Fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, enclosed pavilion, open-air shelter
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: No trails listed as accessible, except for the part that goes from the 2400 Harrington Rd. entrance to Little Turtle Pond
- Drinking water available: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Firestone Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Firestone Park
- Nosh on burgers and fries at Ido Bar & Grill
- Enjoy authentic tacos at Taqueria El Paso
- Grab a coffee and pastry at A Walk in the Park Cafe
- Discover new thrifty finds at Village Discount Outlet
- Swing into action at BigShots Golf
- Play at the playground or attend an event at Firestone Community Center
- Take a yoga or pilates class at PeaceCore Studios
- Head up to Akron Zoo to meet some wildlife
- Pop down to Portage Lakes and go on a cruise
Goodyear Heights Metro Park
Location: Goodyear Heights neighborhood in Akron, Ohio
- Trails: 3, including a hiking trail with numbered exercise stations
- Nature features: Alder Pond, various native trees, cattail marsh
- Watch for: Canada geese, red-winged blackbirds, Virginia rails, snapping turtles, muskrats, owls, red foxes, raccoons
- More outdoor activities: Ballfields, play field, fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, enclosed pavilion, open-air shelter
- Restrooms: Multiple
- Accessibility: 1 trail is rated accessible
- Drinking water available: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Goodyear Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Goodyear Heights
- Enjoy a bowl of ramen and cup of tea at Café Rewind
- Or enjoy authentic Mexican food at La Loma
- Watch a movie at Linda Theatre
- See a live show at Goodyear Theater
- Get some jojos at Fiesta Pizza and Chicken
- Find some vintage goods at The Bay Window Thrift & Collectibles
- Grab ice cream at Handel’s in Tallmadge or East End
- Pop over to East End for a flight of beers at Eighty-Three Brewing
- Pick up a new read at Goodyear Branch Library
Sand Run & Hampton Hills Metro Parks, F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
Location: Merriman Valley neighborhood in Akron, Ohio (info is listed after the parks’ info)
Sand Run Metro Park
- Trails: 7, including a hiking trail with numbered exercise stations, Parkway Jogging Trail, Buckeye Trail section, and Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail section
- Nature features: Cuyahoga River; Ohio & Erie Canal; Sand Run Stream; a ford that you can drive through; hemlocks, ferns, skunk cabbage and horsetails; large-flowered trilliums, trout lilies, and other spring blooms; butternut trees; native orchids; colorful fall trees
- Watch for: Screech, barred and great horned owls; red, gray and fox squirrels; pileated woodpeckers; red-tailed hawks; sharp-shinned hawks; salamanders
- More outdoor activities: fishing, sledding, ice skating, camping, soccer, cross-country skiing
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, enclosed lodge, open-air shelter
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: 3 trails are rated accessible
- Drinking water available: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Sand Run Metro Park webpage
Hampton Hills Metro Park
- Trails: 2
- Nature features: Adam Run Stream; oak, elm, sycamore and black walnut trees; grove of white pine trees; mushroom; ferns; scouring rush; spring wildflowers and native plants
- Watch for: Butterflies; gray treefrogs; deer; various birds, such as bluebirds, woodcocks, wild turkeys and red-tailed hawks
- More outdoor activities: Archery range (bring your own equipment), mountain biking (with a bike repair station)
- Take a seat: Picnic sites
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: Only the restrooms are
- Drinking water available: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Hampton Hills Metro Park webpage
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
- Trails: 4
- Nature features: Echo Pond, Seneca Pond, a suspension bridge, Rock & Herb Garden, meadow/prairie, Native Plant and Pollinator Garden, Pop Bottle Greenhouse; pines and deciduous forest
- Watch for: Northern cardinals, chickadees and various birds; bees, butterflies and other pollinators; turtles
- More outdoor activities: Hand feeding birds (you can buy packets of bird seed at Maple Leaf Gifts)
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, Visitors Center (indoor and outdoor areas), benches
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: No official trails, but there are accessible walkways to the Visitors Center and other areas
- Drinking water available: Yes
- Pet-friendly: No
See more on the official F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm webpage
More to Explore in Merriman Valley
- Explore the Summit Metro Parks Visitors Center and Maple Leaf Gifts
- Spot great blue herons at the Bath Road Heronry
- Play modern and vintage arcade games at Quarter Up Bar & Arcade
- Indulge in a scoop of gelato at Sal’s Gelato
- Sip a latte at Portal West Coffee
- See a live performance at Weathervane Playhouse
>> Also on the blog: Things to Do in the Merriman Valley Neighborhood of Akron, Ohio
Cascade Valley Metro Park
Location: Near North Hill neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, and State Road in Cuyahoga Falls
Note: This information includes all 5 areas of Cascade Valley. Be sure to visit the park link below the list to see how it’s laid out.
- Trails: 7
- Nature features: Cuyahoga River, Ohio & Erie Canal, Oxbow Overlook Area, River Vista, Signal Tree, white trillium, wild ginger, various violets, wild lupines, butternut trees, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and summer and fall wildflowers
- Watch for: Belted kingfishers, great blue herons
- More outdoor activities: Fishing, ballfield, sledding, soccer field, cricket field, cross-country skiing
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, open-air shelter, lodge
- Restrooms: Yes (at Overlook, Oxbow, Valley View, and Chuckery Areas)
- Accessibility: Yes (at Overlook Area)
- Drinking water available: Yes (at Oxbow, Valley View, and Chuckery Area)
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Cascade Valley Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in North Hill & State Road
- Take a photo with Sun Tracker, a Don Drumm sculpture at Valley View area
- Partake in a public event at North Hill Branch Library
- Shop for Asian food and international goods at Family Groceries
- Cool off in the splash pad at Patterson Park Community Center
- Grab dinner at Nepali Kitchen, Square Scullery, or Lyeh Thai Restaurant
- See who’s hanging out at NoHi Food Truck Park
- Scarf down a donut or two at North Hill Donuts
- Get a sandwich and cannoli at DeVitis Italian Market
- Drop by People’s Park to see if there’s a festival happening
- Head over to State Road for a delicious Korean meal at Seoul Garden Restaurant
- Or pop into Blue Door Café & Bakery for brunch
- While you’re on State Road, check out JC Comics & Cards
Gorge Metro Park
Location: Cuyahoga Falls, near Howe Ave. and Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
- Trails: 3
- Nature features: Cuyahoga River and Gorge Dam; Old Maid’s Kitchen rock shelter; rock-ledge formations; natural springs; crystal palace (frozen icicles on the gorge walls); oak, blackgum, tulip and yellow birch trees
- More outdoor activities: Fishing, boating
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, open-air shelter
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: Restrooms and the trail up to and including the fishing dock are
- Drinking water available: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Gorge Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls & Howe Ave.
- Fill up on pasta at Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine
- Drive in to Swenson’s for a Galley Boy
- Cheers with beers at HiHo Brewing Co.
- Then head across the street for locally made graphic tees at The Social Dept.
- Energize with a cup of coffee at Asterisk Coffee Bar
- Discover a pre-loved book at Shelf Life Bookstore (most are $1!)
- Or get a library card at Cuyahoga Falls Library
- Satiate your sweet tooth at Oh So Sweet Bakery
- Grab dinner at Momo Nepali Restaurant and Bar
- Check out the bulk candies, spices and more at Mr. Bulky’s Foods
Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park
Location: Green, Ohio
- Trails: 0
- Nature features: Nimisila Reservoir (part of Portage Lakes)
- Watch for: Various fish, like channel catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye; osprey; purple martins (they migrate through in August); waterfowl; eagles
- More outdoor activities: Fishing, ice fishing, boating (electric motors only), canoeing, kayaking, camping
- Take a seat: Open-air shelter (off Lot C4)
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: The seasonal portable toilet off Lot SM2 and the open-air shelter off Lot C4 are accessible
- Drinking water available: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Green, Ohio
- Discovery aviation history at MAPS Air Museum
- Sip bubble tea at T-Bubbles
- Play disc golf or explore a 30,000 sq. ft. playground at Boettler Park
- Grab a cone or shake at Pav’s Creamery
- Enjoy brews and bites at Caston & Main Brew Yard
- Race go-karts, break out of an escape room, or play mini golf at Green Family Funzone
Wood Hollow Metro Park
Location: Hudson, Ohio
- Trails: 1
- Nature features: Beech-maple woods, wetlands, pond, open meadow, boardwalks and bridges
- Watch for: Downy woodpeckers, turkeys, fish, pollinators
- More outdoor activities: Fishing
- Take a seat: Open-air shelter
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: Only restrooms and open-air shelter
- Drinking water available: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Wood Hollow Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Hudson, Ohio
- Support the independently owned Learned Owl Book Shop
- Grab a coffee at Open Door Coffee Company or Heartwood Coffee Roasters
- Find unique home goods at HOUSE
- Get a custom stretching session at Stretch Lab
- Find your new favorite natural, sustainable and eco-friendly products at Orange Rose Apothecary
- Try fresh juices and superfood bowls at Restore Cold Pressed
- Nosh on a wood-fired pizza from 3 Palms Pizzeria
Springfield Bog Metro Park
Location: Springfield Twp., Ohio
- Trails: 1
- Nature features: Prairie, summer and fall wildflowers, asters, grasses, Young’s Bog, a manmade “baby bog”
- Watch for: Bobwhite quail; various pollinators, such as great spangled fritillary, monarch butterflies and honey bees
- More outdoor activities: Cross-country skiing
- Take a seat: Picnic sites
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: Only the restrooms
- Drinking water available: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Springfield Bog Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Springfield Twp.
- Get spooked during special events at the Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory
- Find a new comfy couch or chair at Wayside Furniture’s main showroom
- Catch a glimpse of a Goodyear Blimp at Wingfoot Lake airship base
- Take in more nature at Springfield Lake
- Grab lunch or dinner at Johnny J’s Pub & Grille
- Treat your dog to a spa day with The Posh Pooch Grooming Salon and Boutique
O’Neil Woods Metro Park
Location: Near Montrose-Ghent, Bath and Fairlawn, Ohio
- Trails: 2, including Buckeye Trail section
- Nature features: Yellow Creek, Furnace Run rapids, O’Neil Barn, bluebells, and trees like oak, black willow, eastern cottonwood, sycamore and black walnut
- Watch for: White-tailed deer, wild turkey, barred owls, pileated woodpeckers and eastern box turtles
- Take a seat: Picnic sites
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: Only picnic sites and restrooms
- Drinking water available: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official O’Neil Woods Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Montrose-Ghent, Bath & Fairlawn, Ohio
- Pick up gifts and unique home goods at Gardener of Bath
- Get a cappuccino and gelato at Café Arnone
- Try indoor virtual golf at The Corner Club, inside Corner Provisions
- Experience living history at Hale Farm & Village
- Find out what Crown Point Ecology Center is doing for food security and sustainable land use
- See a play or musical at Western Reserve Playhouse
- Go stargazing with Summit County Astronomy Club
- Roll into Sakura for some sushi
- Or get authentic Indian food at Khaao Macha
- Pick up locally raised meat and eggs at Brunty Farms or The Farmer’s Rail
Munroe Falls Metro Park
Location: Munroe Falls, Ohio, near Tallmadge, Ohio
- Trails: 4
- Nature features: Munroe Falls Lake, Heron Pond, Beaver Pond, wetlands, meadows, beech-maple woods, blueberries, tulip trees
- Watch for: Goldfinch, beavers, frogs, turtles, salamanders, crayfish
- More outdoor activities: biking, fishing, boating, play equipment, basketball court, volleyball court, soccer field, sledding, cross-country skiing
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, open-air shelters
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: 1 trail is rated accessible
- Drinking water available: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Munroe Falls Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Munroe Falls & Tallmadge, Ohio
- Enjoying kayaking or canoeing with Burning River Adventures or Float The River
- Or take the family to Water Works Family Aquatic Center
- Show your skills at the batting cages, driving range, mini golf course and skate park at Downview Sports Center
- Get a bird’s-eye view of the park with a hot air balloon ride with Heaven Bound Ascensions
- Get donuts and Crème Stix at Jubilee Donuts
- Peruse used books at The Mythical Bookworm
Silver Creek Metro Park
Location: Norton and Doylestown, Ohio, near Barberton
- Trails: 4
- Nature features: Silver Creek, Silver Creek Lake, Piney Pond, pines, apple orchards, sycamore trees, beech-maple woods, Harter Dairy barn, spring wildflowers
- Watch for: Fish, frogs, woodcocks, meadowlarks, eastern bluebirds, butterflies and pollinators, deer, hawks, osprey, rabbits, voles, and mice
- More outdoor activities: Archery range, fishing, ice fishing, play equipment, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, boating, disc golf course
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, open-air shelters
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: Only restrooms and drinking water are
- Drinking water available: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Silver Creek Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Norton, Doylestown & Barberton, Ohio
- Go apple picking at Rittman Orchards & Farm Market
- Then stay for hard cider and wine tastings at Bent Ladder
- View contemporary art at HEDGE Gallery
- Or head to White Rabbit Galleries, a community art center
- Check out Magical Theatre Company, which focuses on young audiences and families
- Get breakfast at The Coffee Pot
- Pop up to Blue-Sky Drive-In Theater for a double feature under the stars
Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park
Location: Peninsula, Ohio
- Trails: 3 trails, including sections of the Buckeye Trail and Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
- Nature features: Quarry, Deep Lock (Lock 28), Cuyahoga River, discarded millstones and building foundations, Ohio buckeye trees, rose pink herb, wetland plants
- Watch for: Eastern screech owls, hybrid warblers, frogs, turtles, salamanders
- More outdoor activities: Fishing
- Take a seat: Picnic sites
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: Only restrooms are
- Drinking water available: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Peninsula, Ohio
- Check out a new ride from Century Cycles or Pedego Electric Bikes
- Find out what’s happening at Heritage Farms
- Experience Voices in the Valley, a music program at GAR Hall
- Explore The Ledges in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Peruse Conservancy for CVNP’s Trail Mix gift shop
- Catch a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad from the Peninsula Depot
- Take an art class or workshop at The Peninsula Art Academy
- Grab dinner at Winking Lizard Tavern or Fishers
- Enjoy an ear of corn and a fresh fruit sundae at Szalay’s Farm & Market
Furnace Run Metro Park
Location: Richfield, Ohio
- Trails: 3
- Nature features: Brushwood Lake, Furnace Run Stream, Rock Creek, 40,000 daffodils and various wildflowers in the spring, beech-maple forests, sycamore trees, black walnut trees, willows, shrubs
- Watch for: Red squirrels; rainbow darters; mayflies; native fish; various birds, such as owls, hawks, herons, warblers and waterfowl; beavers; frogs; turtles
- More outdoor activities: Fishing, sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing
- Take a seat: Picnic sites, enclosed lodge
- Restrooms: Yes
- Accessibility: Only lodge and restrooms are
- Drinking water available: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
See more on the official Furnace Run Metro Park webpage
More to Explore in Richfield, Ohio
- Lick a waffle cone of sherbet at Country Maid Ice Cream
- Ride your horse at Richfield Heritage Preserve
- Or try out the self-guided orienteering course at the preserve
- Grab a Ukrainian lunch at Olesia’s Taverne
- Stop by Richfield Branch Library
- Get a full farm experience at Stone Garden Farm & Village
- Indulge in the bakery-winery combo of Michael Angelo’s
Liberty Park
Location: Twinsburg, Ohio
- Trails: 5 at Nature Center and Twinsburg Ledges Area; 4 at Recreation Area; 1 at Pond Brook Conservation Area; 2 at Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve; 1 at Tinkers Creek Area
- Nature features: Sandstone ledges, Glacier Care, wetlands, fens, bogs, poison sumac, swamp rose, buttonbush, boardwalks, beech-maple woods, pond, spring wildflowers, prairie, freshwater springs, “living skin” (moss, lichen, ferns)
- Watch for: Indiana bats, marsh wrens, red-tailed hawks, waterfowl, bald eagles, muskrats, beavers, otters, red-backed salamanders, wood frogs, gray rat snakes, dragonflies, butterflies, turtles
- More outdoor activities: Baseball/softball fields, soccer, play equipment, archery, boating, fishing, ice fishing
- Take a seat: Nature center, picnic sites, open-air shelters
- Restrooms: Yes (see park maps for specific locations)
- Accessibility: 1 Trail at Nature Center and Twinsburg Ledges Area
- Drinking water available: Yes (see park maps for specific locations)
- Pet-friendly: Only on trails at Nature Center and Twinsburg Ledges Area; dog park at Recreation Area
See more on the official Liberty Park webpage
More to Explore in Twinsburg, Ohio
- Shop for clothing at Strawberry Moon Boutique
- Refuel with dinner at Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub
- Take your kids to a class at On Your Toes Dance Studio
- Learn to SCUBA dive at Dan’s SCUBA
- Relax with a massage or facial at The Necessity Spa
- Take a swing at virtual golf at 1899 Indoor Golf
- Head over to Fun ‘n’ Stuff, an indoor/outdoor amusement park
Where Will You Explore Nature & More in 2024?
Which of the Metro Parks – and their surrounding areas – will you explore first? As we said before, going for a hike or jog at a local park is a great excuse to explore the neighborhood it’s in. Make a day of it and enjoy discovering new-to-you places and people.
Tell us where you go and what you find on social media! Include #ExploreMore2024AK in your captions across platforms and tag @everydayakron in your posts. We’re excited to see the fun you have!
Looking for more ways to explore Akron in 2024? We’ll be posting more ideas throughout January and February. Check out the Explore More in 2024 page for updates.
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