Fry Family Park
Discover Fry Family Park, Ohio's first certified Urban Night Sky Place, offering stunning trails, fishing, and unparalleled stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for stargazing
Fry Family Park
Best Time
Prime time for stargazing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Fry Family Park, Ohio's first certified Urban Night Sky Place, offering stunning trails, fishing, and unparalleled stargazing.
"What a gem! Several trails. Grand vistas of southern Stark County. Perfect for stargazing."
🔭 Stargazing Essential
Visit after dark for Ohio's first certified Urban Night Sky Place. Bring a telescope!
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy shoes for hilly terrain. Watch out for ticks in warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Urban Night Sky
Fry Family Park
Experience Ohio's first certified Urban Night Sky Place. Perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.
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Scenic Hiking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore rolling hills, wetlands, and wooded areas on well-maintained trails.
Fishing Pond
Main fishing pond
Enjoy catch-and-release fishing in a serene setting with opportunities to see large carp and catfish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Dark Sky
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔭 Stargazing Essential
Visit after dark for Ohio's first certified Urban Night Sky Place. Bring a telescope!
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy shoes for hilly terrain. Watch out for ticks in warmer months.
🎣 Fishing Fun
Catch and release fishing is popular. Bring your gear for the pond.
📸 Drone Views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the park's diverse landscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔭 Stargazing Essential
Visit after dark for Ohio's first certified Urban Night Sky Place. Bring a telescope!
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy shoes for hilly terrain. Watch out for ticks in warmer months.
🎣 Fishing Fun
Catch and release fishing is popular. Bring your gear for the pond.
📸 Drone Views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the park's diverse landscape.
🚶♀️ Visitor Center
Check out the Harold S. Fry Visitor Center, great for events and information.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fry Family Park as a hidden gem with beautiful trails and stunning natural vistas. Its designation as Ohio's first Urban Night Sky Place is a major draw for stargazers. While some found fishing limited to smaller species, the overall experience is highly positive, with many appreciating the park's natural beauty and efforts to minimize light pollution.
"This was our first time to this park. What a gem. Several trails. Grand vistas of southern Stark County. I am particularly interested in checking this park out after dark. As it is a designated Urban Dark Sky Place."
William Williams
"I ran there fir the first time this morning (Oct 5). Amazing place! So beautiful and hilly. Hard to believe it is in Stark County! It is a hidden gem."
Dan Strohl
"Love the paved trails toward the pond. We seen huge carp and catfish, but unfortunately only the smaller fish bluegill/sunfish seemed to bite. Definitely get protection for ticks as well. Still absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out."
Lauren Fox
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fry Family Park is located in Stark County, Ohio. Specific driving directions can be found on the Stark Parks website. It's accessible by car and has ample parking available.
Yes, Fry Family Park is open 24/7, making it ideal for late-night stargazing.
Public transportation options to Fry Family Park may be limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car. Check local transit schedules for any available routes.
Fry Family Park is located near Canton, Ohio. Other major cities in the vicinity include Akron and Cleveland.
Fry Family Park is generally free to enter. However, specific event fees may apply.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no general admission fee or tickets required to enter Fry Family Park. It's a public park for everyone to enjoy.
Fry Family Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing for both daytime exploration and nighttime stargazing.
Yes, the Harold S. Fry Visitor Center and shelters can be rented for events. Contact Stark Parks for rental information and availability.
Fry Family Park hosts various events, including stargazing programs and outdoor activities like the 'Frozen Toes Challenge'. Check the Stark Parks website for upcoming events.
The best time for stargazing is on clear nights, away from the full moon. Evenings and early mornings offer excellent opportunities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Fry Family Park offers a variety of trails, including paved paths near the pond and more natural, hilly, and wooded trails throughout the park. There are approximately 4 miles of trails.
Yes, Fry Family Park is a great spot for birding, with open spaces and wooded areas that attract various bird species.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including large fish like carp and catfish in the pond, as well as smaller fish and potentially other woodland creatures.
Restroom facilities are available at the Harold S. Fry Visitor Center and potentially other locations within the park.
Fry Family Park is recognized as Ohio's first certified Urban Night Sky Place due to its efforts to minimize light pollution, making it ideal for observing stars and celestial events. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from scenic vistas of southern Stark County and rolling hills to the tranquil fishing pond and the night sky.
Yes, drone footage has been captured at Fry Family Park, showcasing its landscape from above. Always check park regulations regarding drone usage.
Absolutely! As Ohio's first certified Urban Night Sky Place, it's an excellent location for astrophotography, especially on clear, moonless nights.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for landscape photography, highlighting the rolling hills and open spaces.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, commercial photography or large-scale productions might require permits. Check with Stark Parks for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in nature and science, the park's designation as an Urban Night Sky Place offers a unique educational opportunity. A nighttime visit can be a magical experience for children, introducing them to the wonders of the stars. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and be mindful of tick precautions during warmer seasons.
🔭 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Amateur astronomers and photographers will find the park's open spaces and dark skies perfect for setting up telescopes and cameras. The 24/7 access means you can plan your viewing sessions around optimal celestial events. Don't forget to check the moon phase for the darkest skies and consider bringing your best equipment to capture the beauty of the cosmos.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Remember to wear appropriate footwear and take precautions against ticks, especially during warmer months. The park is also a great location for birding and observing local wildlife, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Stargazing at Fry Family Park
To make the most of your stargazing experience, plan your visit on a clear night, ideally during a new moon phase when the sky is darkest. Bringing binoculars or a telescope will greatly enhance your ability to observe details. The park's 24/7 access allows for late-night excursions, making it a unique destination for amateur astronomers and anyone looking to connect with the cosmos.
Many visitors have shared their excitement about the park's dark sky status, with some planning return trips specifically with their telescopes. The effort to preserve the night sky here is evident and appreciated by those who seek out these celestial wonders.
Exploring the Trails
When hiking, especially during warmer months, it's important to be prepared for potential encounters with ticks. Wearing appropriate footwear, long pants, and using insect repellent are recommended precautions. The varied terrain means sturdy walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
These trails offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature, observe local flora and fauna, and enjoy the picturesque views of southern Stark County. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or a more vigorous hike, Fry Family Park's trail system has something to offer.
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