Summit County has miles and miles of hiking trails — which ones do you like the best and why?
Looking for a trail that offers a relaxing stroll for anyone to access? Or do you yearn for something more rugged and challenging?
We asked area residents which trails they like best, along with area park officials, who told us which are most popular with visitors.
Here’s a short list of your favorites so far:
- Prather Trail and Missing Link Trail in the Valley View Area of Akron’s Cascade Valley Metro Park
- The Jogging Trail at Akron’s Sand Run Metro Park
- Oak Hill Trailhead in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (3901 Oak Hill Road)
- Ledges Trailhead in the CVNP (Park at Ledges Trailhead, 405 Truxell Road, and walk to the gated service drive by the shelter.)
Don’t see your favorite here? Email hello@signalakron.org to share your own best hike or trail.
Prather and Missing Link trails in Cascade Valley Metro Park
Take a hike with a view of the Cuyahoga River on Akron’s very own Prather or Missing Link trails, located in the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park. Both are easy 1-mile hikes on a dirt trail.
Sandra Kurt, the clerk of courts for the City of Akron, told Signal Akron that both trails have become her favorite place to hike “because you can do either or both if you have time.” She loves the “meadows, woods and a section overlooking the river.”
As the second-most used trail within the Summit Metro Parks, “we see a lot of visitorship to that area and park,” said Claire Merrick, a spokesperson for Summit Metro Parks. Access to the river and the new trails opened last summer — the property was formerly the Valley View Golf Course.
The Jogging Trail in Sand Run Metro Parks
The most popular trail in the Summit Metro Parks is Sand Run Metro Park’s Jogging Trail, Merrick said, which covers a 7-mile stretch. While it’s considered a moderate hike because some areas have long downward slopes while others climb upward, there’s a 1-mile round-trip section beginning at the Old Portage Area. It’s accessible for users with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and canes.
Akron residents Renee Watson and Julie O’Connell hike up to 8 miles together when they meet at various trails throughout Summit County. They recently chose the Jogging Trail to unwind because there are “no cars, no traffic and it‘s quiet,” O’Connell said.
Watson likes to make sure there are restrooms and a place to fill up her water bottle whenever she goes out hiking.
Charles and Judy Gannon, who live near Sand Run Metro Park, walk 3 miles on the Jogging Trail almost every day.
“This is probably our go to just because it’s close by and it’s pretty in the fall, and the trail is good,” said Charles Gannon, who’s an avid jogger.
Want to find more things to do around Akron? We’ve got you covered from big events to neighborhood happenings. Discover more things to do in Akron here.
Oak Hill Trailhead in the CVNP is a favorite
West Akron resident Alan Ambrisco and his teenage daughter recently stopped by Terry Lumber in Peninsula and decided to go on an hour-long hike at Lock 29, which includes the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
He likes trails that have scenic views and various walking inclines. While Lock 29 isn’t his favorite hiking spot, he walks on the trail when he’s in town.
Oak Hill Trail inside the CVNP is his favorite spot to hike because there are “several ponds there,” Ambrisco said. “There’s a little bit of a meadow area. There’s some wooded areas. It’s not a flat, level hike.”
Watson said she likes the continual rows of trees along the trail and that “there’s a colonnade of pines in one spot. It’s just super impressive any time of year.”
Oak Hill Trail is an inner loop that’s just under 1.5 miles long that might be less challenging than its counterpart, an outer loop trail called Plateau Trail, which is about 4.5 miles long. Both trails have a dirt path, so take that into consideration if using a wheelchair or stroller.
Ledges Trail in Virginia Kendall Park features striking rock formations
To hike in a secluded area in the CVNP that’s more rugged, take the 2-mile Ledges Trail within the Virginia Kendall Park area. Those with mobility issues or young children might find it difficult due to the rocky, unpaved trail and a stairway.
Cuyahoga Falls resident Mitchell Bates likes to find new trails that are off the beaten path, but his favorite spot is the Ledges Trail, “just for the view, and there’s a cave that’s closed off, but if you stand near it, it’s like AC,” he said.
The Ledges Trail is one of the most popular trails within the CVNP because of “the striking rock formations and the overlook. You go to the overlook for sunset, it’s magical,” said Pam Barnes, a spokesperson for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Summit Metro Parks offers hiking sprees throughout the year. Join other hikers from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 and walk up to eight trails in the annual Fall Hiking Spree. Sign up and view designated trails for 2025 here.
