Summit County Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree - Deep Lock Quarry

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 Quarry

Deep 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