O'Neil Woods Metro Park
A 295-acre former farm offering birdwatching, hiking trails with varied terrain, and picnic spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
O'Neil Woods Metro Park
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 295-acre former farm offering birdwatching, hiking trails with varied terrain, and picnic spots.
"Highly recommend the Deer Run Trail for its peaceful stream and forest overlooks."
🥾 Wear Hiking Boots
Trails have roots, stones, and stairs. Sturdy footwear is a must for comfort and safety.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Essential for a pleasant experience, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Deer Run Trail
Main Trailhead
A scenic 2.4-mile loop with stream views, forest overlooks, and varied terrain.
Birdwatching Opportunities
Throughout the park
Known as a birdwatching haunt, keep an eye out for diverse avian species.
Picnic & Rest Areas
Trailheads
Enjoy a meal amidst nature with available picnic tables and grills.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Prep is Key
Embrace the Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Serious hikers, where are the best places to hike within 3 hours of Akron?
🥾 Wear Hiking Boots
Trails have roots, stones, and stairs. Sturdy footwear is a must for comfort and safety.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Essential for a pleasant experience, especially during warmer months.
Impressed by the outdoor recreation here
📸 Capture the Views
The park offers beautiful forest and stream scenery, perfect for photos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially for longer hikes on the Deer Run Trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Hiking Boots
Trails have roots, stones, and stairs. Sturdy footwear is a must for comfort and safety.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Essential for a pleasant experience, especially during warmer months.
📸 Capture the Views
The park offers beautiful forest and stream scenery, perfect for photos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially for longer hikes on the Deer Run Trail.
🗺️ Check Trail Maps
Maps are available and trail markers are easy to find for navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise O'Neil Woods Metro Park for its beautiful natural scenery, particularly the Deer Run Trail's varied terrain and peaceful stream views. The park is a great spot for birdwatching and offers convenient amenities like restrooms and picnic areas. Some find the trails a bit hilly and mention hearing traffic in certain areas.
"Did the Deer Run Trail....a little over two mile loop trail that passes by a peaceful stream and some high-up overlooks looking out into the forest. Very easy to get to. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Several picnic tables are next to the parking lot, offering a chance to have a little picnic before or after your hike. Would highly recommend the Deer Run Trail in O'Neil Woods Metro Park."
Charles Morain
"I've been here a couple times now and intend on going back within the coming days as the leaves change. What a beautiful area to hike in. It's nice that there are benches in several locations throughout the trail so you can rest if you need it, or take in the sights and sounds of the nature around you."
Jiri Anderko
"A bit hilly. I guess that's why it's rated difficult! I posted a screenshot of the topo map of the trail in teal so you can see the elevation changes. Freshly asphalted drive and parking lot! All in all a nice hike even though you hear traffic in many areas with different intensities depending on where you are."
Karen S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
O'Neil Woods Metro Park is easily accessible by car. The park features a freshly asphalted drive and a pretty big parking lot at the main trailhead. Specific directions can be found using GPS navigation.
Information regarding public transportation options to O'Neil Woods Metro Park is not widely available. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
The primary access point is the main trailhead which features a large parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables. This is the starting point for popular trails like the Deer Run Trail.
While there is a main entrance with significant amenities, the park's 295 acres may offer other access points. However, the main trailhead is the most developed and recommended for visitors.
Yes, there is a pretty big parking lot available at the main trailhead, which is convenient for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
O'Neil Woods Metro Park, like many Metro Parks, typically offers free admission. There are no mentions of entrance fees in visitor reviews or descriptions.
Metro Parks generally have dawn-to-dusk operating hours. It's advisable to check the official Summit Metro Parks website for specific hours of operation.
No, advance ticket booking is not required for O'Neil Woods Metro Park as it is a public park with free entry.
Generally, no special permits are required for general park visitation. However, for specific activities like organized events or group picnics, it's best to check with Summit Metro Parks.
The park is typically open from dawn to dusk. Visitors should plan their trips within these hours to ensure they can enjoy the park safely.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Deer Run Trail is highly recommended, offering a 2.4-mile loop with varied terrain, stream views, and forest overlooks. It's described as having good up and down terrain.
Yes, O'Neil Woods Metro Park is known as a birdwatching haunt, offering opportunities to spot various bird species in its 295 acres of natural habitat.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead, particularly for the Deer Run Trail, making it convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! There are several picnic tables, some with grills, located next to the parking lot, perfect for a picnic before or after your hike.
The trails, especially the Deer Run Trail, can be a bit hilly and feature stones, roots, and even a section of stairs. Hiking boots are recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The Deer Run Trail offers picturesque scenes with its peaceful stream, high-up forest overlooks, and the changing seasons, especially during autumn foliage.
Yes, as a former farm with diverse natural areas, it's excellent for nature photography, particularly for capturing birds, forest landscapes, and stream environments.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best lighting for photography, creating softer shadows and enhancing the natural beauty of the park.
Keep an eye out for local birdlife, the serene stream along the Deer Run Trail, and the vibrant colors of the forest, especially during the fall.
Drone usage policies can vary by park system. It's recommended to check the official Summit Metro Parks regulations regarding drone operation before visiting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ample picnic tables and grills are available near the parking lot, providing a convenient spot for families to enjoy a meal together after their hike. The park's natural setting also makes it a good place for kids to explore and connect with nature. While there isn't specific playground equipment, the open spaces and trails offer plenty of room for active play and discovery.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Trail Enthusiasts
Reviewers highlight the well-marked trails and the availability of restrooms and picnic areas at trailheads, which are crucial amenities for a satisfying hike. The mix of wooded areas, stream views, and overlooks ensures a dynamic and visually interesting experience. Remember to pack essentials like water, bug spray, and wear appropriate hiking boots to fully enjoy the trails.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Deer Run Trail
This trail is also noted for its connection to the larger Buckeye Trail, offering opportunities for longer treks for more experienced hikers. While the trail is generally well-maintained, visitors should be prepared for the natural elements. The presence of man-made bridges and the need to cross two roadways are also part of the trail's character. The effort involved is why it's sometimes rated as difficult, but the scenic payoff makes it worthwhile for many.
Visitors often recommend wearing hiking boots and bringing bug spray for this trail, especially during warmer months. The trail passes by a red barn and offers overlooks into the forest, making it a visually engaging experience. The combination of natural beauty and moderate challenge makes the Deer Run Trail a highlight for many who visit O'Neil Woods Metro Park.
Birdwatching and Nature Appreciation
Beyond birdwatching, the park is a general haven for nature appreciation. Visitors often comment on the peacefulness of the stream and the beauty of the forest overlooks. The changing seasons add another layer of appeal, with autumn foliage being particularly noted as a stunning visual spectacle. The presence of benches along the trails encourages visitors to pause, rest, and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
For those looking to connect with nature, O'Neil Woods Metro Park offers a tranquil escape. Whether you're an avid birder or simply seeking a peaceful walk in the woods, the park provides ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Remember to bring binoculars if birdwatching is your primary interest, and always be respectful of the natural environment.
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