10 Easy Trails in Stark County Ohio
1. Tam O'Shanter Park.
📍5055 Hills & Dales Rd. NW, Canton, OH 44708
"Nestled just outside Belden Village, Tam O Shanter Park welcomes you with open arms! This expansive 94-acre park offers the ideal setting for a delightful hike, boasting over 4 miles of scenic trails to explore. Don't miss the charming pond, teeming with friendly catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Plus, you'll find several cozy pavilions and convenient charcoal grills scattered throughout for a perfect picnic experience."
💡 It would be really cool to build a free putt putt range along the trail since Tam O'Shanter was a golf course. This way it pays a little bit of homage to the golf course AND still allows nature to thrive. The park could make money by selling golf balls, byop - bring your own putter or rent one. There was a lot of usual resistance to the change of this park from a golf course to a park. Just an idea.
I don't have the whole story of why people were really upset by Stark Parks creating a new park but usually the opinions I have seen offer no alternative, nothing to improve to society therefore, their opinion is useless. In an age where we are depleting the earth's resources faster than we can replenish, there will never be enough parks. Unlike the naysayers, I actually show up and visit the new park, I see its worth and beauty. Tam O'Shanter doesn't have a lot going on yet but the paths were beautiful and relaxing to walk! We felt disgust with people who were against this. What was better than a park? Another struggling golf park? A housing development? another shopping plaza?
2. West Branch Trail
📍1305 Stadium Park Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
As you stroll or bike along this delightful 4.5-mile limestone trail, you'll be enchanted by its scenic route connecting West Park, the beloved former Mother Goose Land, Waterworks Park, Monument Park, Stadium Park, Ink Park, and Covered Bridge Park. The trail gracefully follows the tranquil West Branch of the Nimishillen Creek, offering you a serene and picturesque journey through nature's beauty.
West Branch Trail is nearby this little pond and man made waterfall.
3. Walborn Reservoir
📍11324 Price St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
Get ready to explore over 1,800 acres of pure outdoor fun at Walborn Reservoir! Just a stone's throw away from Alliance and Canton, this beautiful destination offers a plethora of activities for everyone. Whether you're into horseback riding, hiking, fishing, or boating, there's something here for you. Picture-perfect natural trails wind through enchanting pine woods, oak and hickory forests, and vibrant wildflower areas. Plus, don't miss the chance to spot majestic eagles at the nearby viewing area! And with a convenient marina right on-site, your adventure awaits!
The beauty of nature as seen from the shores of Walborn
Walborn's loop trail is fun to hike.
4. Sandy Valley and Waynesburg Loop Trail
📍262 Maple St., Waynesburg, OH 44688
Embark on an adventure along the Waynesburg Village Park Loop Trail, perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. As you wander through, you'll stumble upon delightful amenities like a playground, picnic shelter, and even a basketball court, all conveniently located near the parking area. But the fun doesn't stop there! The trail extends further, crossing Rt. 183 and leading you along a scenic .76-mile limestone pathway from West St. to Greer St., tracing the path of an old railroad route. It's a journey filled with both natural beauty and historical intrigue!
5. Olde Muskingum Trail
📍220 Cherry St. W, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Come have a blast hiking or biking along the picturesque 5.7-mile limestone trail! If you're into horseback riding, we've got you covered too, with a wide, compacted grass berm complete with convenient mounting blocks. This scenic route hugs the western edge of the beautiful Tuscarawas River, running parallel to the historic Ohio & Erie Canal and alongside an active railroad from Canal Fulton to Jackson Township. So grab your gear and let's explore together!
Lock Four as seen on Olde Muskingum Trail
6. Nickel Plate Trail
📍2923 Pinevale Ave NE, Louisville, OH 44641
Discover the beauty of both urban and rural settings as you stroll or pedal along this delightful 1.0 mile trail, which conveniently links to Louisville’s charming Metzger Park. The Nickel Plate Trail offers a scenic route paved with crushed limestone, and you'll find a convenient parking area located at Pinevale Ave. and McKimm Ave. As you venture further, the trail leads south across Georgetown Rd., where it presently concludes. Remember to respect private property boundaries by staying on the designated trail.
Heading north, the trail seamlessly joins with Louisville’s smooth asphalt pathway, leading you on a scenic journey around Metzger Park and onwards to Rt. 44. Along the way, you'll traverse a vibrant wetland teeming with life, where you might catch sight of boneset, joe-pye weed, and skunk cabbage plants, as well as apple, hickory, maple, sassafras, and swamp white oak trees.
7. Mahoning Valley Trail
📍182 E. Gaskill St. Alliance, OH 44601 or 14514 Price St. NE
Starting from Deer Creek Reservoir or Gaskill St., our adventure begins with a picturesque 260-foot free span bridge, allowing us to gracefully cross a spillway. As we continue, we'll stroll along a charming 100-foot boardwalk under Rt. 225, immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature. Our journey then takes us on-road for a bit, passing through the inviting streets of Greenbower St. and Rockhill Ave.
But wait, the excitement doesn't stop there! The trail seamlessly connects to the Iron Horse Trail at Vine St., leading us through the heart of downtown Alliance via city sidewalks. We'll soak in the sights and sounds of the city before embarking on the old railroad route under E. Broadway Ave., heading southward toward State St.
This delightful 4.46-mile trail isn't just about the journey; it's about the experiences along the way. With fishing access to the serene Mahoning River and captivating views of a bottom land hardwood forest, there's no shortage of wonders to behold. And let's not forget the springtime magic! The trail comes alive with a vibrant display of flowers, including jack-in-the-pulpit, false Solomon's seal, and swamp buttercup, adding a splash of color to our adventure.
8. Iron Horse Trail
📍1141 W. Beech St, Alliance, OH 44601
Have you heard about this lovely old railroad route? It used to link Alliance to Minerva, and now it's been transformed into a charming limestone trail! You can start your adventure at the First Christian Church (FCC) and follow the path southward until you reach Cenfield St.
If you're coming from the north, don't worry! There's a convenient connection from the FCC Trailhead that takes you through a cozy neighborhood and a short trail section before you cross State St. From there, you'll journey through parts of the University of Mount Union campus, passing by scenic lakes and peaceful sidewalks.
Once you reach Simpson St., the trail crosses Union Ave. and continues northward along the old railroad route. Eventually, you'll meet up with the Mahoning Valley Trail. It's a delightful journey through history and nature!
9. Fitchner Park and Trail
📍12833 Market Ave. Hartville, OH 44632
Come and explore the wonders of Fichtner Park! Whether you're into hiking, fishing, picnicking, or just admiring wildlife, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Hartville's shops, eateries, and quaint charm, this 13-acre gem offers a serene escape.
Originally a humble Mennonite muck farm, Fichtner Park now stands as a tribute to David Fichtner, a cherished member of the community. As a Goodyear chemical engineer, David's passion for nature shone bright. He devoted himself to connecting children with the great outdoors through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. So come on over and soak up the beauty of nature in this hidden oasis!
10. Quail Hollow Park
📍13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville, OH 44632
Quail Hollow Park sprawls across more than 700 acres of picturesque landscapes, from lush meadows to tranquil marshes, surrounded by enchanting pine and deciduous woods. Nestled within this natural haven is a charming 40-room house, adding to the park's allure.
Visitors can embark on scenic woodland trails, explore vibrant gardens, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural history offered by the house. Since 1975, Stark Parks has lovingly cared for this treasure, taking over full management in January 2016.
For those seeking a perfect picnic spot, the park's centrally located picnic areas provide tables, grills, and convenient restroom facilities. Along the Nature For All Trail, you'll stumble upon a special gem: the Wind Phone phone booth. Here, amidst the serene surroundings, visitors can use a disconnected phone to connect with lost loved ones, providing a comforting way to navigate through grief in a tranquil, private setting.
Don't miss out on the chance to relax by the delightful 2-acre shaded lake, which is home to a delightful array of fish. Quail Hollow Park offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and peaceful experiences for all who visit