Sand Run Metro Park — Attraction in Akron

This is a review of the Mingo Trail and as a visitor, not a local - it's rated as hard on the map but I wouldn't call it more than moderate. It has some elevation change so there are plenty of ups and downs. If you start the loop at the north end near the Mingo Lodge, I went right on the loop and I think that was the best way to go. Then all your ups are on wider, gentler slopes, and all your downs are on the steeper paths coming back. Trail markers are EXCELLENT, I doubted one once and ended up on a Seiberling Nature Realm trail that wasn't indicated on the trail map at all. It's a 3ish mile loop, taking about an hour and a half to walk.

There is a parking lot right at the head of the trail by the lodge, but when I was there today, the road to it was closed. There were cars in the lot and people in the field though, so I don't know if they were there for some official purpose or just drove around the gate in the road (or undid the lock - I noticed a padlock in the gate but it wasn't locked....) I ended up parking around the corner at the Shadowfield parking and taking the jogging trail to the...

This park has not less than 4 trails, ranging from easy to difficult or 1+ mile to 5+miles. It is well maintained. It does cross over with the buckeye trail as well. We walked the Nuthatch trail, which was rated difficult at 3.3 miles. It was a great trail with enough ups and downs to keep you moving. *Great place to see the fall foliage. You are mainly in the woods and some of the trail narrows with steep slopes, so be careful in icy or wet conditions. Notes: There was one turn that was not marked well once you cross the road, but common sense prevails as you go right at the bench and walk along/above the creek. Also, one can easily miss the left turn as you approach the "private party" venue, so if you find yourself walking in a parking lot, you missed the turn-off. So, go back and look for a trail sign now on your right, (the left, facing the parking lot). However, if you're walking the Buckeye trail, stay to the right of the parking lot and the trail sign will be on your right, almost mid...

Sand Run Metro Park is one of our favorite places. This is exactly the kind of park Akron and NE Ohio is famous for. The trails are clear and well maintained. We just drive up N. Hawkins and the trail head is there. Minutes from all of the nice city hot spots. Great for a day with the family!

Family fun day recommendation: Get breakfast at Einstein’s Bagels where Hawkins, West Market and Exchange meet. Arrive at the park late morning and hike for an hour or hour and a half and enjoy the 1.8 miles of the beautifully wooded Dogwood Trail. Take a pair of binoculars and enjoy getting a closer look at the birds. As a family game, get a copy of Trees of Ohio by Stan Tekiela and choose a set of trees to search for. If you’re in the mood for a picnic, stop for lunch at the Shadowfield, Wadsworth Shelter Area. Looking to eat out, finish off the morning by driving less than five minutes back to West Market and choose from a variety of shops or grab snacks and fresh groceries at...