The best running trails around Akron

When you jog the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, you will find a moderate route stretching 6.6 miles (10.6 km). This path offers a rewarding experience with varied terrain and a gentle climb of 131 feet (40 metres) in elevation. It should take you about 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete. As you move along, you will enjoy tranquil river views and lush woodlands, especially near the historic Cascade Locks at Cascade Valley Metro Park, which provides a unique visual anchor for your journey.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is largely flat and ADA accessible. You can expect the surface to be primarily firm, crushed limestone, making it suitable for most joggers. Parking is generally available at trailheads, such as the Big Bend Trailhead, providing easy access to begin your outing. Consider starting your jog earlier in the day to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and avoid peak times.

This section of the Towpath Trail offers a tangible connection to Ohio's past, following the original path where mules once towed canal boats. You will experience a blend of natural beauty and historical immersion as you jog. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you pass through the diverse landscape, adding another layer to your outdoor adventure.

The Parkway Jogging Trail to Dogwood Trail loop offers a dynamic jogging experience, blending the smooth, winding paths alongside the Sand Run stream with the more rugged, hilly sections of the Dogwood Trail. You'll traverse diverse landscapes, from peaceful wooded areas with towering forests to cool, shady ravines where hemlocks and ferns thrive, and even an open field on the Dogwood Trail. In spring, keep an eye out for vibrant wildflowers like large-flowered trilliums and bloodroot, adding splashes of color to your run.

This moderate 7.7-mile (12.3 km) loop, with its 578 feet (176 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete. The trail is part of Sand Run Metro Park and is accessible year-round, with parts of the Parkway Jogging Trail even plowed in winter. It's a multi-use path that's also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed companion along for the journey.

Beyond its natural beauty, Sand Run Metro Park holds historical significance, once serving as a campsite for Indigenous peoples, with Portage Path being an important Indigenous trail. The park is also a haven for wildlife, home to various squirrels, owls, and woodpeckers, with red-tailed hawks often soaring overhead. For those seeking accessible options, a one-mile (round trip) section from the Old Portage Area is designed for wheelchairs and strollers.

Jog this 8.9-mile moderate loop through Sand Run & Cascade Valley Metro Parks, featuring diverse terrain, river views, and wildlife spotting

The Nuthatch and Seneca Trail Loop offers a delightful jogging experience through the F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm and Sand Run Metro Park, immersing you in a serene forest environment. Expect well-maintained paths, from singletrack to crushed shale, winding through diverse woodland where you might encounter various bird species and other wildlife. It's a fantastic way to connect with nature on a moderate 3.7-mile (5.9 km) route, perfect for a quick, refreshing run.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking typically available at park entrances; consider an early start on weekends to ensure a spot. This loop is accessible and enjoyable throughout the year, though the vibrant colors of spring and autumn make those seasons particularly appealing. Remember to bring water, especially if you're jogging during warmer weather.

This trail is notable for its integration into a larger park system, offering a convenient and accessible natural escape within Summit County. It provides a valuable habitat for local wildlife, including numerous bird species, making it a great spot for nature observation while you exercise. The varied terrain and consistent moderate challenge make it a popular choice for local joggers.