Sand Run Metro Park
A diverse natural escape with well-maintained trails, wetlands for wildlife viewing, and event spaces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness salamander migration
Sand Run Metro Park
Best Time
Witness salamander migration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A diverse natural escape with well-maintained trails, wetlands for wildlife viewing, and event spaces.
"Beautiful area with trails ranging from short to very long, very well maintained."
👟 Trail Variety
Explore paved paths or primitive trails like Mingo for a diverse hiking experience .
📸 Fall Foliage Photo Ops
Sand Run is a prime spot for fall photoshoots and enjoying autumn colors .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mingo Trail
Sand Run Metro Park
A strenuous 3-mile primitive trail offering a challenging and peaceful hike through nature.
Shady Hollow Lodge
Sand Run Metro Park
A charming, intimate lodge perfect for small gatherings, featuring a fireplace and outdoor patio.
Salamander Migration Viewing
Wetland areas
A prime spot for naturalists to observe the fascinating annual salamander migration.
Dogwood Trail
Sand Run Metro Park
A well-trodden 2-mile loop, ideal for a moderate hike with benches for resting and enjoying views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Conditions
Be prepared for natural terrain and potential road noise.Seasonal Highlights & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Trail Variety
Explore paved paths or primitive trails like Mingo for a diverse hiking experience.
📸 Fall Foliage Photo Ops
Sand Run is a prime spot for fall photoshoots
🚗 Proximity to Akron
Conveniently located near Akron, offering easy access for residents and visitors.
🏞️ Naturalist's Paradise
Ideal for observing wildlife, especially during the spring salamander migration.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Trail Variety
Explore paved paths or primitive trails like Mingo for a diverse hiking experience.
📸 Fall Foliage Photo Ops
Sand Run is a prime spot for fall photoshoots
🚗 Proximity to Akron
Conveniently located near Akron, offering easy access for residents and visitors.
🏞️ Naturalist's Paradise
Ideal for observing wildlife, especially during the spring salamander migration.
🏡 Event Venue
Shady Hollow Lodge is a great rental for small, intimate gatherings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sand Run Metro Park for its beautiful, well-maintained trails offering diverse hiking experiences, from paved paths to challenging natural routes. The Shady Hollow Lodge is highlighted as an excellent venue for small events. Some guests note occasional road noise, but overall, the park is highly recommended for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
"I can't say enough positive things about this park. It's such a a beautiful area. Trails are mostly natural or stone in places and very well maintained. Trails range from short to very long with multiple ways to connect . Several nice picnic areas available. Only down side is the noise from road traffic and surrounding neighborhood but still highly worth it. There is also a multipurpose trail that runs alongside the road."
S Haywood
"Shady Hollow Lodge was perfect! Small intimate lodge that holds 40 guests. Large kitchen, great restrooms, beautiful round wood tables on wheels 😉, wood burning fireplace. Outdoor patio was awesome with seating and space for corn hole, games, etc. Everyone had a great time. Highly recommend!!"
Jennifer Robinson
"Very well maintained. Walk the paths and trails, enjoy the many botanical and horticultural features. Stop at the gift shop and visitors center for clean restrooms and some birding at the viewing window."
Rick Woods
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sand Run Metro Park is located at 1300 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron, Ohio. It's easily accessible by car and is situated in a well-established neighborhood close to shopping.
Yes, there are parking areas available throughout the park, especially near trailheads and picnic areas. Popular spots like Shady Hollow Lodge also have dedicated parking.
Information on public transportation routes to Sand Run Metro Park can be found on the Summit Metro Parks website or by contacting local Akron transit authorities. It's generally more convenient to access by car.
Sand Run Metro Park is considered one of the best hikes near Cleveland, typically about a 45-minute to an hour's drive depending on traffic.
Yes, the park has several access points and trailheads, allowing for different entry points depending on which area of the park you wish to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sand Run Metro Park, like most Summit Metro Parks, is free to enter. There are no admission fees required for general park access.
Park hours are typically from dawn to dusk. Specific facility hours, like the Shady Hollow Lodge, may vary, so it's best to check the Summit Metro Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
No, advance ticket booking is not required for general park entry. However, if you plan to rent facilities like Shady Hollow Lodge for an event, reservations are necessary.
Yes, Sand Run Metro Park hosts various events throughout the year, including nature programs, guided hikes, and seasonal activities like Spree for All. Check the Summit Metro Parks events calendar for details.
Yes, the grill outside Shady Hollow Lodge can be used if the lodge is not rented. Visitors are expected to bring their own charcoal and clean up afterward.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Mingo Trail (strenuous, ~3 miles), and the paved multi-use trail. Many trails can be connected for longer hikes.
Absolutely! Sand Run Park is a popular spot for runners, with both paved and natural trails. The Towpath Trail is also nearby and a great option.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Sand Run Metro Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are permitted on most trails and in picnic areas.
The park is known for its wetlands, making it a prime location for observing amphibians, particularly during the spring salamander migration. Birdwatching is also popular.
Yes, Sand Run Metro Park offers several picnic areas with grills. Shady Hollow Lodge also has an outdoor patio with seating and grill access.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers beautiful scenery year-round. Fall foliage is particularly stunning,
Yes, its natural beauty and seasonal colors make it an ideal location for professional and amateur photoshoots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Metro Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the Summit Metro Parks regulations regarding drone operation.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the best natural light for photography. However, the park's diverse landscapes can be photogenic at any time.
The Mingo Trail and Dogwood Trail offer varied terrain and natural beauty. The areas around the wetlands are also excellent for capturing unique flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
there are plenty of shorter, accessible options. Picnic areas with grills are available for family outings,🏃♀️ Runners and Hikers
while the Dogwood Trail is a good choice for a moderate run or hike.📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
+1 The park's wetlands are a magnet for naturalists, offering unique opportunities to observe wildlife, particularly the spring salamander migration.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Sand Run's Trails
This trail is ideal for those seeking a more rugged adventure. On the other hand, the Dogwood Trail offers a well-trodden, 2-mile loop that takes about 42 minutes to hike, featuring benches for rest and enjoying the scenery.For those who prefer paved surfaces or are looking for multi-use paths suitable for running, biking, or walking, Sand Run offers these options as well, often running alongside roads.
Trail Etiquette: When exploring, always be mindful of other park users. Yield to uphill hikers, stay on marked trails to protect the environment, and pack out everything you pack in. The park's natural beauty is best preserved when everyone practices responsible trail use. Some areas may experience road noise from surrounding neighborhoods, but the natural elements often outweigh this.
Wildlife and Natural Wonders
Beyond the amphibians, the park's varied terrain, from wooded areas to open spaces, provides homes for numerous plant and animal species. The Dogwood Trail, for instance, offers opportunities to see the native dogwood trees, especially beautiful when in bloom. The park's commitment to preserving green infrastructure, as highlighted by restoration efforts,
ensures these natural habitats continue to thrive.Visitors are encouraged to explore respectfully. While dogs are allowed on leashes,
Event Hosting at Shady Hollow Lodge
The lodge also boasts an impressive outdoor patio, complete with seating and ample space for activities such as cornhole or other lawn games.
Booking Shady Hollow Lodge requires advance planning, as it is a popular rental. It's advisable to contact Summit Metro Parks directly for availability, rental fees, and any specific guidelines. The lodge provides a memorable setting that combines indoor comfort with outdoor enjoyment, making it a standout choice for intimate celebrations within the park's scenic landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit