Anyone that gets a chance to travel to Akron, Ohio should take a few hours to explore one of the many MetroParks in the area. The Parks have so much to offer the community, including ball fields, swimming and other recreational activities but what my family and I enjoy most about the parks are the hiking trails! Summit County MetroParks holds an annual hiking event called the Fall Hiking Spree. They challenge participants to complete at least 8 hikes between September 1 and November 30. My sister Megan and I decided to go for it. This is a review of each of the trails that we completed.
Quarry Trail- Deep Lock Quarry Park (near Peninsula)- 1.2 miles, Difficulty Rating- 2
The Quarry Trail is a beautiful one to complete in the fall. Although there are some hills and rocky terrain, it is an easy trail to complete. When we went, there were many children as well as seniors on the trail. One of the highlights of the trail is an abandoned rock quarry and many were gathered there enjoying the day. Old mill stones still lay along the path and stone-paved walkways presumably used by quarry workers are still evident. The history of the area is apparent by the artifacts that were left behind. This trail would be good for running but be aware of rocks and loose stones! A quick walk with only a few hills, we enjoyed the trail but much prefer more difficult ones.
Willow Trail- Firestone Park (South Akron)- 1.6 miles, Difficulty Rating- 1
One thing we quickly learned about the trails was the lower the difficulty rating, the higher number of people you’ll see there! This trail was packed with families! It goes through open fields, past fishing ponds, streams and canals and over rolling hills. Due to recent rain, part of the trail was flooded but we just waded through. It was a simple and quick walk and would be nice for running.
Gorge Trail-Gorge Park (North Akron, near Cuyahoga Falls)-1.8 miles, Difficulty Rating- 3
The Gorge Trail is a family favorite! One of the most scenic trails in the system, it passes by a cave where a 12 year-old settler girl was held hostage by Native Americans, through rock formations and along the Cuyahoga River Gorge but the gem of the park is the waterfall, which used to be used to create hydropower. The upper trail is full of rocks, roots and sandy areas and is not best for running due to trip hazards. Areas of the lower trail are better for running but trip hazards such as roots exist. One area of the trail offers an ‘Easy’ and a ‘Difficult’ option. The ‘Difficult’ option takes you through a series of rock crevices and includes rock steps. Even in the heat of the summer, it is cool within the rocks. Although this trail has a high difficulty rating, it is a community favorite so many people enjoy the park. There are also picnic tables, pavilions and a fishing dock that make the area a park-dwellers delight.
Adam Run Trail- Hampton Hills Park (Cuyahoga Falls, near Blossom)- 3.2 miles, Diff.- 3
Adam Run is one of the most difficult in the Park system. It has varied terrain which includes several hill climbs, some with steps. Nearly the entire trail passes through a deeply wooded area including a pine grove planted by Girl Scouts in the 60s, more than 40 years ago. There is an open field area at the top of the trail with wild flowers. Because of the difficulty, the trail is less populated. Areas are well suited for trail running and the steps are always a challenge. This trail is great for winter hiking! Adam Run is one of the go-to trails my sis and I consider when we want a good ‘work-out’ hike.
Parcourse Trail- Sand Run Park (Akron)- 1.4 miles, Difficulty Rating- 3
Speaking of ‘work-out’ trails, the Parcourse was designed just for that. Although it is a short trail, it is tough because of the hilly terrain and the twenty individual workout stations that line that path. Signs prompt you to run or walk from station to station providing a total body workout. Stations range from strength exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups and sit-ups to cardio activities like jumping jacks and jumping logs. Stretching and balancing stations are also included. Cross-country runners love this trail, as well. Because it offers such a great work-out, my sis and I call it “THE Trail” and we’ve brought many friends and family with us to experience the intense workout. My sis and I were pretty devoted to the trail for all the summer and fall and went from flabby and slow to toned and able to run the entire trail within a few months. We can’t wait to take it on again this spring! This is one of our all-time favorites because it is a great fitness trail!
Cherry Lane/ Fernwood Trail- Nature Realm Park (Akron)- 1 mile, Difficulty Rating- 1
The Nature Realm is an educational facility surrounded by a scenic park. It features an arboretum, an herb garden and calming ponds. The trails were very easy to complete. This is a great spot for families and seniors. Because it is more family/senior oriented, running is not allowed.
Deer Run Trail- O’Neil Woods Park (Bath)- 1.8 miles, Difficulty Rating- 3
This trail was the find of the season! It is a new family favorite. It starts at the top of the Cuyahoga River Valley, winds deep into the valley, along the Cuyahoga River and back up to the top. It is a strenuous running trail, just the kind my sis and I love! It is also very scenic- there is a long area of steps that wind down into the valley and the views that overlook the valley are breathtaking. The last part if the trail is a long, somewhat steep hike back up to the top that gets the heart going. For a real workout, we run it backwards so that we’re going up all the steps, rather than down, which is a killer! Because of the scenery and the difficulty of this trail, it is one of our favorites!
Dogwood Trail- Sand Run Park (Akron)- 1.8 miles, Difficulty Rating- 3
The Dogwood Trail has been a family favorite since we moved to Akron. We enjoy trails with hills and this one delivers. It hikes into a valley and back out, ending with what we affectionately call ‘The Big Hill.’ The last time we hiked this trail we saw a fox and have previously encountered deer within feet of us! It is an excellent running trail, as well. This trail is frequently populated because of its great location within Sand Run and good terrain.
Other Great Trails in the MetroParks System
Mingo Trail- Sand Run Park (Akron)- 3.3 miles, Difficulty Rating- 3The Mingo Trail is a new favorite of Megan's and mine. We've gotten more and more into trail running and the Mingo Trail offers everything we love- varied terrain, lots of elevation changes and great scenery! There are two 'big' hills on the trail that really get your heart going. The rest is smaller hill after smaller hill making it a great trail for interval-type exercising. The trail is packed well and isn't too rooty or rocky so it is a great choice for trail runners! We always run into a few others on the trail but it is never crowded.
