The best walks and hikes in Summit County

Embark on an easy hike along the Meadow Trail, a pleasant route spanning 2.9 miles (4.7 km). As you walk, you will gently gain 126 feet (38 metres) in elevation, a journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete. The trail winds through expansive meadows, where you can often spot vibrant wildflowers blooming during the warmer months. You will enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding natural landscapes, offering a serene and open atmosphere. This path is perfect for those seeking a relaxing outdoor experience with wide-open vistas.

Planning your visit to the Meadow Trail is straightforward. The route is considered generally accessible, making it an excellent choice if you are new to hiking or prefer a less strenuous outing. You will find convenient parking options available directly at Munroe Falls Metro Park, ensuring easy access to the starting point of the trail. Consider visiting during the spring or early summer to witness the meadows at their most vibrant, filled with seasonal wildflowers. This trail is well-suited for a morning or afternoon excursion.

The Meadow Trail is a highlight within Munroe Falls Metro Park, known for its natural beauty and tranquil setting. It offers a wonderful opportunity for family-friendly hiking, allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoors together. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you traverse the open areas; the expansive meadows provide a habitat for various species. This trail stands out as a prime location for enjoying nature's simple pleasures and offers a peaceful escape from daily routines.

The Buckeye and Valley Bridle Trail Loop offers a peaceful hiking experience through diverse forest environments, including towering pines and mixed hardwood trees like oak, maple, and sycamore. You will follow the gentle flow of Boston Run, where you might cross a small wooden plank, enjoying soft, dirt paths cushioned by pine needles. This moderate route covers 4.7 miles (7.5 km) with an elevation gain of 467 feet (142 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, be aware that the trail is known for its solitude, making it a great option if you want to avoid crowds. Some sections can become muddy, especially after rainfall, so choose your footwear accordingly. The small wooden plank crossing Boston Run might also be submerged during spring and early summer, so be prepared for potentially wet conditions.

This trail provides a serene escape within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. Look for wildflowers in spring or vibrant fall foliage, which adds to the beauty of the journey. It's a chance to connect with the natural environment and enjoy a quiet walk away from busier areas.

The Adam Run / Spring Hollow Trail offers a delightful and varied hiking experience, guiding you through a unique glacial landscape. You'll wander through serene pine groves, cross a bubbling stream multiple times, and traverse open meadows filled with wildflowers, all while enjoying the changing scenery. The Spring Hollow natural features, including switchbacks and wooden stairs, add character to this engaging route.

This easy 2.5-mile (4.1 km) hike, with 241 feet (73 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions in spring and fall, and remember that the stream crossings are unbridged, so waterproof footwear is a good idea. For the best experience, consider visiting in fall for stunning foliage or spring for vibrant wildflowers.

What makes this trail particularly special is its diverse ecosystems, showcasing everything from dense hardwood forests to the historic pine grove planted by Girl Scouts. The area's glacial history is evident in the rolling hills and valleys, and you might even spot local wildlife. It's a great option for a relatively short hike that feels much more adventurous than its easy rating suggests.

The Ledges, Pine Grove and Boston Loop offers a truly varied hiking experience within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You'll wander through canopied hemlock trails, past moss-covered rock formations, and along dramatic sandstone cliffs at Ritchie Ledges. The route provides a mix of challenging rocky sections and serene, forested paths, making it a dynamic journey for those who enjoy diverse natural features.

This moderate 7.9-mile (12.8 km) circular walk involves 447 feet (136 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 24 minutes. You can access the trail from several points, including the Octagon Shelter or Boston Run Trailhead. While the Ledges Overlook offers some of the best viewpoints in the park, be aware that the rocky terrain requires appropriate footgear, and some sections might be challenging for very young children.

Beyond the impressive geological formations, the trail is known for its unique petroglyphs carved into the Ledges, adding a touch of historical mystery to your hike. The area is particularly popular for its autumn colors, making it a prime destination for seasonal considerations. Remember that the Ice Box Cave is closed to protect bats, but the overall natural environment remains rich and engaging.

The Kendall Lake Loop offers a tranquil escape into Cuyahoga Valley National Park, guiding you through emerald forests and past the highly reflective waters of Kendall Lake. This easy 2.5-mile (4.1 km) hiking route, with only 90 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing. You'll experience a mix of shaded woods, open fields, and wetlands, with a mostly flat dirt surface, though you might encounter some stairs and rooted sections.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with amenities like a picnic shelter, fishing pier, and public restrooms available at the Kendall Lake area. Parking is conveniently located at the trailhead. This multi-use trail is popular with runners and equestrians, so be mindful of others, especially horseback riders who have the right of way. It's a great option for a quick, accessible hike any time of year, though spring can bring muddy conditions.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Kendall Lake Loop is steeped in history, passing through a stone tunnel built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The lake itself was also constructed by the CCC, and the area has been a beloved recreational spot since the 1930s. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including beaver activity and various bird species, and consider connecting to the Salt Run Trail for a longer, more challenging adventure.

The Wetmore, Lake and Salt Run Trail Loop offers a dynamic hiking experience through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, showcasing diverse natural features. You'll wander through dense forests, cross creeks, and pass by the tranquil waters of Kendall Lake. The Salt Run section stands out with its rugged terrain, featuring steep hills and uneven steps winding through fern-filled woods and towering pine forests, creating a distinct, immersive atmosphere.

This popular route is a moderate 11.3-mile (18.2 km) hike with 937 feet (286 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking just under five hours. Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak times, so plan to arrive early. The trail's varied terrain means it can be muddy after rain, and while generally accessible, the rugged Salt Run section might challenge those with mobility concerns.

As part of the larger trail network in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this loop highlights the park's conservation efforts, including reforestation projects. The Salt Run Trail, in particular, provides moments of solitude amidst its beautiful pine forests, offering a quieter, more tucked-away feel compared to busier areas of the park. It's a great way to experience the park's natural beauty and varied ecosystems.

The Perkins Trail and Riding Run Loop offers a delightful escape into the forested hills and valleys of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This easy 4.3-mile (7.0 km) hike, typically taking around 1 hour and 54 minutes, winds through dense hardwoods and pines, revealing quiet streams and deep ravines. You'll navigate varied terrain with roots, rocks, and occasional muddy patches, all while enjoying the natural, single-track feel of the path, with the iconic Everett Road Covered Bridge as a picturesque landmark.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with convenient trailhead parking available at the Everett Road Covered Bridge. With 355 feet (108 metres) of elevation gain, the route presents a manageable challenge, featuring steady climbs and descents. Remember that this is a multi-use trail, so you might encounter horseback riders; appropriate footwear is a must for the uneven surfaces. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful times to explore, offering wildflowers or vibrant autumn colors.

What makes this trail stand out is its blend of ruggedness and accessibility within a national park setting. The primitive, single-track nature provides a sense of wilderness, while the chance to spot wildlife like chipmunks and deer adds to the natural immersion. The 19th-century Everett Road Covered Bridge not only serves as a trailhead but also as a charming historical focal point, enhancing the overall experience of this tranquil escape.

The Pheasant Run Trail in Ohio offers a charming and accessible escape into nature, perfect for a quick outing. This easy 1.3-mile (2.1 km) loop takes you through a delightful mix of old fields, young woods, and serene pine groves, with minimal elevation gain of just 31 feet (9 metres). You'll enjoy varied scenery, including small ponds and open fields, making the roughly 32-minute hike feel like a true journey through different habitats.

Planning your visit to this trail is straightforward; it's a less-trafficked option, so you can expect a peaceful experience. Dogs are permitted on the trail as long as they are on a leash, making it a great spot for a walk with your canine companion. The loop design allows you to start in either direction, and while no specific permits are needed, consider visiting in spring for wildflowers or fall for the best colors.

Located in Silver Creek Metro Park near Akron/Doylestown, this trail is a fantastic choice for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking for an easy, high-reward nature walk. Its diverse habitats support birding opportunities, and the flat, singletrack terrain ensures a comfortable experience for all skill levels. It's a quiet alternative to more crowded routes, offering a genuine connection with the natural surroundings of Summit County.

The Triple Valley Loop offers a delightful immersion into diverse forested landscapes, making it a popular choice for hikers in Summit County. You'll wander through peaceful woodlands, including sections near the F.A. Selberling Nature Realm and the tranquil Forest Path in Sand Run Metro Park, experiencing varied terrain that keeps the journey engaging from start to finish.

This moderate hiking route spans 10.6 miles (17.0 km) with an elevation gain of 1027 feet (313 metres), typically requiring about 4 hours and 43 minutes to complete. It's a solid option for those seeking a good workout and a substantial day outdoors. Arriving early is recommended, especially on busy days, to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience on the trail.

Valley trails like this one are often rich in ecological diversity, providing opportunities for birdwatching and observing local wildlife within their ecosystems. While specific historical details for this particular Triple Valley Loop are limited, many such trails in the region highlight natural attractions and offer a refreshing escape into nature, connecting you with the serene beauty of the Akron area.