Lace up your sneakers, slip on your rollerblades or pump up your bike tires and head over to the Bike & Hike Trail, one of the first “rails to trails” projects in the country. Follow along the smoothly paved 33.5-mile recreation trail and enjoy some of the most scenic section of the Cuyahoga River and Munroe Falls.
Walk along the spectacular Brandywine Gorge Trail to get an unhindered view of the 60-foot waterfall. Follow the 1.5-mile recreation trail and boardwalk to get up close and personal with some of the most breathtaking natural beauties in all of Akron. Explore beyond the waterfall and see some of the other interesting features along the gorge and creek.
Visit Northeastern Ohio’s largest and best park. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers guests access to 51-square-miles of outdoor wilderness right next door to the city. The only national park in Ohio, this green valley attracts visitors with its wild meadows, lush forests, hiking and biking pathways, waterfalls, winding rivers and lakes, perfect for sailing and fishing.
Explore an old sandstone quarry at Deep Lock Quarry. Hike along the miles of challenging outdoor trails to get a view of Akron that you cannot see from anywhere else. Once you reach the top, you can look out across the forest, past the Cuyahoga River and down to the milled, swamp-like floor of the quarry.
Don’t have time to leave the city? Escape the urban hustle and bustle at the Seiberling Nature Realm, located in Sand Run Metro Parks. Find peace and tranquility in the great outdoors as you walk the pathway meandering through the trees; learn about the horticulture and wildlife of the Akron area in the Visitors Center; observe the animal activity on a naturalist walk; and much, much more!
Visit the elegant Falls River Square for some recreation by and in the water. This event site features a pavilion, stage, amphitheatre and interactive water fountain in the lovely riverfront district. The boardwalk brings you right up to the breathtaking Cuyahoga River. You can even enjoy some ice-skating during the winter!
The expansive Ohio & Erie Canalway covers hundreds of square miles along the first 110 miles of this famous canal. A National Heritage Area, the Ohio & Erie Canalway preserves miles of rails, trails, landscapes, towns and sites that sprung up along its waters. Enjoy the outdoor beauty of America’s Byway as you walk down one of the 48 trailheads nearby.
The huge Sand Run Parkway covers over 990 acres of rolling hills, blossoming meadows, sharp ravines and high ridges. Inside this parkway, you’ll see hundreds of native wildlife, from red-tailed hawks to red foxes. Let your own inner animal out as you challenge yourself on the outdoor trails, or work off your extra adrenaline at the well-kept soccer field.
Stretching beside the Ohio & Erie Canal, the Towpath Trail winds and climbs through four distinct areas: Akron, Barberton, PPG Industries and Clinton. Use the open 21.5-mile recreation pathway to walk, jog, run, hike or bike while taking in the gorgeous sights. Fishing and camping are also allowed along the trail, as well as cross-country skiing during the snowy months.