Akron Falls Park — Attraction in Town of Newstead

Akron Falls Park is an excellent little niche to enjoy any time of year. Akron is my hometown, and this park has been a huge highlight of my life in general. We’ve had many family reunions and birthday parties at the park over the years and the facilities are constantly improving. There are plenty of pavilions and several really nice new playgrounds. We have also enjoyed the ice skating rink and the sled hill during the winter.

But to me, the many amazing natural areas throughout the park are the best. There is a beautiful path to the falls that I walked many times as a child, and now love to walk the same with my own kiddos.

Yesterday we grilled an early dinner at the park, and then went exploring as a family. The forest along the creek has all kinds of amazing plants and animals to see. Chipmunks were darting about through the fern fiddleheads and trout lilies, and the huge May apple leaves provide some pretty good cover. Up near the falls I also discovered some wild ginger blossoms that looked really neat. The water was still pretty cold, but we managed to track down some salamanders and a good size crayfish. As...

Beautiful place. Upper falls area is not recommended to take adventurous little ones without constant supervision though. Maintenance on guard rails and fences badly needed. Overgrown brush blocks any view of the water and the fences getting higher and all bent to hell detract from any true enjoyment of the waterfall. Regardless of huge signs ruining the natural setting, idiot teens have kicked though fencing and littered. Akron needs an ongoing program in the schools on having respect for the park and protecting the wonderful asset in their own backyard. See something, say something because it is getting nasty in that corner of what is such a lovely setting for a family picnic or cookout. The public would be served maybe if police had foot/bike patrol to address kids hanging out and making it...

Akron Falls Park is a beautiful spot that's perfect for a relaxing nature walk. I wouldn’t consider it hiking, but the trails are peaceful and easy to enjoy. The highlight is definitely the waterfall—there are signs that ask you not to get too close, but there are nice viewing areas both from above and at eye level. It can be rocky near the viewing spots, so watch your step!

The park has several pavilions, making it a great place to host parties or family get-togethers. I also noticed a couple of electric car charging stations, a charming little rock garden, and public restrooms which is always a plus.

Whether you’re into nature photography or looking for a scenic spot for couples or family photos, it’s a beautiful place to bring a camera. A peaceful, well-kept gem that’s...