Ohio's Former Coal Mine Near Akron Is Now A Picturesque Oasis With Trails And Historic Charm

Northeast Ohio may not come to mind as a scenic part of the United States. However, travelers who peel back the region's industrial image will find spectacular natural gems, including stunning waterfall views in Cuyahoga National Park and the Summit Metro Parks around Akron. Visitors interested in the local history of the area as well as spending a day surrounded by greenery shouldn't miss visiting Silver Creek Metro Park. The park has plenty to see and do for all lovers of the outdoors in any season in a serene environment.

Covering over 1,000 acres, Silver Creek Metro Park stretches across a quiet corner of Summit County, and is full of pathways to embark on a journey through time and nature. Around the outbreak of the Civil War, the park was a dairy farm, then decades later, was mined by several companies for coal, including the Card & Prosser Coal Company and the Brewster Coal Company. Both companies operated underground slope mines, digging miles of tunnels beneath the Earth. The property was gradually purchased by Summit Metro Parks in the 1960s and transformed into a reforested outdoor recreation area with miles of trails and a 50-acre spring-fed artificial lake. For travelers looking to do more than hike, the park offers a variety of activities, including archery, fishing, and even disc golf.

If you're in the Northeastern Ohio area and need a calming, relaxing environment to spend a day surrounded by nature, you won't have to travel far. The park is less than half an hour from downtown Akron, the junction of Interstate 76 and Interstate 71, and, for travelers flying in, Akron-Canton Airport (CAK).

Like Strouds Run Park, another idyllic natural and hiking wonderland in Ohio, Silver Creek has hikes for all types of trekkers. The park's five trails span a range of beautiful scenes and provide access to the great outdoors to all types of travelers, even those with mobility difficulties. The ADA-accessible two-mile-long Miner's Trail meanders past Silver Creek Lake and underneath a shady tree-covered canopy. The route is paved, accessible in any season, and parallels the main road through the park.

If you're more interested in seeing some of the park's forested areas, take a walk along the Pheasant Run trail or the Chippewa Trail. The Pheasant Run trail is just over a mile long and loops around two ponds. The two-mile-long Chippewa Trail beckons hikers to see local history. It runs along a former train line and passes the park's original "Harter barn" from the 1850s. The park's two longest trails, the Bridle Trails, are specially designated for visitors exploring the area on horseback. Day hikers are recommended to park in the Pheasant Run parking area near the park's east entrance. If you are towing a horse trailer, there's a large parking area near the entrance in Doylestown. 

Despite being a former mining site, the local ecosystem supports a tremendous variety of trees and plant life. Within the park, groves of hickory, maple, sycamore, and beech-maple trees provide shade, contrasting with the park's wetlands and grasslands. While taking in the sights, keep your eyes out for deer, songbirds, and birds of prey. The park also has several viewpoints and benches to take a break during your walk.

Silver Creek Metro Park has a wide range of activities on land and on water for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the park's historic barn, another major attraction is Silver Creek Lake. The lake's boathouse, near the south end of the Miner's Trail, has paddleboards, canoes, and pedal boats available for rent on weekends during summer. The park did have a swimming beach open in the past, though swimming is no longer permitted.  

In addition to horseback riding, the park provides space to practice or try other traditional sports. The park's archery range has targets set from 10 to 60 yards, allowing both beginners and experienced archers to practice together. If you don't have a bow or are curious about giving it a try, Metro Parks hosts archery classes regularly in the area. Fishing is another popular activity at Silver Creek Park, and anglers can fish for bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and perch within the park. While fishing, be sure to follow all local rules and regulations, including having a fishing license if you're age 16 or older.

The park closes daily at 11:00 pm, leaving time to soak up a beautiful sunset over the water and an evening outside. If you'll be spending the night around Akron, there are several major hotel chains on the city's outskirts and downtown, though be careful. It was noted to be one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, according to research. If you're looking for more of the area's history and natural beauty, head across the county to Richfield, a friendly village with peaceful vibes.