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Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers. List and more information can be found here. For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post! Hampton Hills - Nov 9, 2015 - Spring HollowIn May of 2014 a spring storm swept through the area flooding roads, and parks, these two parks (Hampton & O'Neil) were among the few most devastated by the storms. Hampton's Spring Hollow trail would close from May 13, 2014 through June 13th, while O'Neil Woods (Deer Run) would be closed until July 23rd, and Adam Run until May 12th 2015 (one year later). The storm brought 3 inches of rain in just two hours, washing out trails, roads, and river beds, creating landslides and felling trees left and right. In these parks, almost two years later, the evidence is still there - piles of trees, exposed cliffs, etc., but nature is doing its part, a layer of moss adorns the felled trees, chipmunks scamper in and out making the trees their home; from whence they came, so shall they return. The cool crisp fall afternoon was perfect for a stroll through the woods, a leaf adorned trail twists and turns around trees, past riverbeds filled with trees from the storm, and up the boardwalk/stairs to the top of the hill where a pine grove planted years ago by the girl scouts fills the air with piney goodness. The trail leads back down the hill, leaves crunching underfoot. Near the end of the trail we came across a red tail hawk in its winter colors feasting on what I'm guessing to be was a chipmunk, as we approached it became startled and took off into the trees, blending in so well we lost sight of it sitting on a branch. Finishing the trail we decided to head over to O'Neil Woods before sundown to get another good hike in... Wildlife we saw: Red tailed hawk (winter colors) chipmunks & squirrels O'Neil Woods - Nov 9, 2015 - Deer Run TrailBy the time we made it across the valley to O'Neil woods, we knew we'd have just enough time to complete this trail before nightfall. We gathered up our gear and flashlight (just in case) and headed into the woods at a brisk pace. The lovely oak trees' blanket of leaves provided the soundtrack for our trek down the trail; the path was worn just enough for daylight visibility but I feared night may prove it more difficult, so we continued on at our brisk pace, as long as we made it across Bath Rd both times (the trail crosses the road twice) we'll be (less likely) to be lost in the woods. The sunset from on top of the hill was just gorgeous, the clouds were little tufts in the sky, giving texture to the bold pinks and yellow of the atmosphere. Looking in the direction opposite the sunset we could see the tower in Cuyahoga Falls illuminated by the fleeting rays of light. From this point we make our first descent down the extensive array of stairs. Down and down and down we go. Till, at last, we reach the bottom. We cross the road where the trail meets up with the river, and walk side by side for a bit. Turning the corner there's the newly re-painted O'Neil barn, relics from farm life still remain - old spring, stairs leading to nowhere. Crossing the road again we begin our ascension. After the storm came through May of 2014, they changed this trail a bit, the part I most remember was this climb formerly went straight up, just up and up and up and up, it was re-routed with a chain of switchbacks slowly leading you up the hill. At the top you can still catch a hint of the old trail off to the side. We made it to the end just as the twilight turned into night. I highly recommend not racing the sun on this or most of the trails (except the meadows, that one is lovely during sunset). Take the time to soak in all the charm and the atmosphere of each place. Wildlife we saw:
chipmunks & squirrels Various woodpeckers
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Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers. List and more information can be found here. For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post! Nov 2, 2015 - Deep Lock QuarryDeep lock quarry, now this is a unique hike if for no other reason (although there are many other reasons) than the sheer history of the area. With every step you find remnants of the Quarry, the stones, the carvings, every piece carved to be a precise tool is now crumbling among the leaves on the forrest floor. The Berea Sandstone was cut to build the canal locks along the Erie Canal way as well as other local structures. The sandstone was perfect for millstones which were used to remove the outer hulls of oats processed at Akron's American Cereal Works (later Quaker Oats). Upon arriving at the quarry, one particular stone stands out, a vertical chunk of the sandstone with the mason's mark prominently displayed. You can find various markings on other stones along the Erie Canal way. This park is also home to the largest number of Ohio buckeye trees in the Summit County Metro Park System. Wildlife we saw:
chipmunks & squirrels Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers. List and more information can be found here. For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post! Oct 26, 2015 - Wood HollowThe newest of the Metro Parks! Welcome Wood Hollow! Thanks to an anonymous donation of 150 acres, this park, which had never imagined to be, has become a reality! The anonymous donor who enjoys the parks and the Fall Hiking Spree was inspired to donate the land, and we thank them! If you haven't ventured out to explore this park yet, I highly encourage you to! It's an easy trail (1,c - basic, easy rating) but there's so much to be seen. A winding trail takes you along boardwalks and freshly fallen leaves, through wetlands, forests, and ending in the meadow. The day we went was perfect, the air was crisp but the sun was warm, the leaves had reached their peak colors and the sun was determined to highlight each and every one of them. Go out and welcome this new trail to the Metro Park family! Wildlife we saw: Chipmunks - so many chipmunks! Oct. 26, 2015 - Liberty LedgesThe Liberty Park Ledges is one of those parks that opens the door to a magical realm, caves, lichen, mosses, all amplify the sculptural properties of the sandstone cliffs, rocks, and ledges. On our hike, we decided to travel backwards, starting with the boardwalk and open wetlands then trailing up to the ledges. The boardwalk is nice, the birds are abundant, and the view is nice, but the real 'meat' of the trail is the ledges. Here the moss glows a brilliant green as it clings to the rocks and trees along the path, entering the cave takes you to another place in time where you can't help but be in awe of the beauty and peace which surrounds you. Pause a moment to think about the trees flourishing on the edge of the ledges, their root systems cast over the edge trailing down. It is a magical world out there, if you just take a moment to see it. From the Summit Metro Park's Page... "Long before Liberty Park was formed, humans in prehistory camped here, drank the clean, cold springs and hunted game. Upon European settlement, trees were cleared for farming, but maples were spared for their sweet sap.Today, the 3,000-acre Liberty Park harbors countless rare and endangered species, including Indiana bats, marsh wrens, ospreys and bald eagles. Other creatures seen here include beavers, long-tailed weasels, red-backed salamanders, wood frogs, painted turtles and numerous dragonflies and butterflies. Large trees exist on rock ledges and in wetlands within the conservation area, where fens and bogs are "protected" by poison sumac and swamp rose. In 2006, Liberty Park was designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society." Wildlife we saw:
Squirrels & chipmunks Hawk (redtail) Chickadees and other common small birds. Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers. List and more information can be found here. For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post! Oct. 12, 2015 - The MeadowThe Meadow is one of our top parks to go to, in the spring and summer it's home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies, flowers, dragonflies, and beetles not to mention the sunsets from there are stunning! The evening we went was a crisp October evening right before sunset. (I added a few photos from other times on the trail for more diversity). The light was glowing warm though the breeze reminded you of summer's end. We start down the trail, overlooking the whole meadow, looking very closely, we spot the family of deer in the center, too far to take a photo but those moving brown dots in the distance are unmistakeable with their white tails. Walking past the meadow heading into the woods the smell of fall leaves overtakes us, a sense of comfort falls over the trail as even the jumpy chipmunks can't startle us. Through the clearing before the bridge we listen, the sumac is in bloom, a favorite of cedar waxwings, no sign, we move on. Over the bridge, my favorite view is of the stones, dancing down the channel, too smooth to be a rock, too large to be a pebble, but the blankets of moss don't mind. Beyond the bridge is a long stretch of new growth trees standing across the trail from the old growth forrest (image3), working together to form a canopy over the trail. Turning from the canopy leads to the wetland, still full of sounds even on this cool evening. The sunset, the fog, the smells, the year's end bounty falling all around us, being a fantastically insignificant piece in this beautiful cycle, this is why I nature. We leave the wetland and enter the meadow, a long wide open stretch circling where we had first seen the deer. In the summer this space is filled to the brim with wildflowers, grasses, and more birds and butterflies than I've ever seen (remember this post about the hummingbird moth? Yep, that was from here), tonight a calm overtakes the scene, the summer's work has been done, and now we rest. On top of the hill we gaze over the meadow, the woods, and beyond; in the distance we can see the bucks sparring, (the rut is here so watch for deer!) the light grows dimmer so we continue on. The twilight fills the air as we finish up the last stretch of the trail, a beautiful disorienting scene as the eyes don't know what to do with the lessening light. We come to the end, another wonderful hike at the Meadow. Wildlife we saw:
chipmunks 3 or 4 deer Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers. List and more information can be found here. For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post! Oct 4, 2015 - Chippewa TrailThe Chippewa trail at Silver Creek MetroPark is one of those trails that has a little of everything, you begin your hike in a meadow, then enter the forrest, where you dance back and forth between meadow, forrest, and wetland for a while, eventually coming upon an old barn, old orchard, and a pine grove (my personal favorite), before heading back through meadow, forest, marshland! This unique park has not only hiking trails, but a large lake for swimmers, fishers, and boaters in the summer, the also offer a wide selection of bridal trails for our equestrian friends. Along this trail there's a few smaller ponds where in the past we've seen muskrat and herons milling about. Just beyond the lake, you'll come across one of the largest red oak trees in Summit County measuring 20ft in circumference! Nature and time have split it through the center and here you can see where people have taken photos of each other standing in the center of this majestic tree! There is certainly something about this park, every time you go, you see/feel/experience something different. A bit of history on the park area: The barn at the top of the hill dates back to the time of the Civil War. It was also home to Harter Dairy Farm. Under the park there is a maze of tunnels and shafts - left over from a 19th century mining operation. When walking below the lake you may come across a small stream, bright orange in color, this is from one of the mine shafts. Fortunately enough, you'll find fish and reptiles have no problem with this area, we generally find 2 or 3 frogs hanging out in the stream. The werewolf/dogmen of Silver Creek: Yes this area has had reports of wherewolf/dogmen sightings, wolf like creatures 6ft tall walking on two legs haunt the early morning hours. I'm just going to leave this link here and let you come to your own conclusions... http://weekinweird.com/2014/12/08/exclusive-ohio-silver-creek-werewolf-investigation/ All in all a nice walk through the meadow-wood-marsh. Wildlife we saw:
Numerous Canada Geese 1 Woolybear Caterpilliar Squirrels & Chipmunks 1 Frog 0 Dogmen Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers. List and more information can be found here. For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post! Sept 28, 2015 - Schumacher TrailThe Schumacher Trail is located on Cuyahoga St. off of Northampton Rd. It begins with a few bridges leading you over a beautiful valley filled with trees, rocks, and stream, the sunlight dapples everything as you make your way along the path.
As you continue on you hardly notice the slow decent into the valley as the trail is calm and winding. Once you reach the bottom of the hill, you have a beautiful view of yet another ravine. It was here we really began seeing wildlife. Off in the distance you could see 3 deer taking a break for water then make their way up the other hill to find more nuts and leaves. Up in the treetops was quite a commotion, the grackles were harvesting the nuts from the beech trees, as they swarmed from tree to tree you were guaranteed a couple bonks on the head as they sent down flying bits of debris.
We then continued on down the valley, I found some interesting mushrooms which I will write about in another post. At this point we were at the intersection of the Valley Trail and Schumacher Trail, we decided to see what was down the Valley then turn back. Near the end of the trail, just before the towpath, was a bridge from which we were able to see a 'beach area'. We strolled down the trail to the beach and wandered around a bit, too chilly for 'beaching' but the sand was nice and it looked like many had spent hours of fun there. Turning back to get back to the Schumacher Trail we start to realize the hill we just climbed down, now we head up. And up. And up. And up. Twisting, turning, climbing. Till at last we reach the top. Greeted by the sweet easy bridges over the beautiful valley. I now see where this park got it's '3' difficulty rating. A beautiful trail with a surprise at the end!  Wildlife we saw:
1 Toad 1 Millipede Trees filled with grackles 3 White tail deer |
AboutSince 2015 we have been exploring and sharing all the amazing things we’ve found in nature. AuthorEmily is an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist who is most often found out in the woods. Archives
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