O'Neil Woods Metro Park

A Glimpse into the Past

Nestled just northwest of Akron in Bath, Ohio, O'Neil Woods Metro Park spans 295 acres of natural beauty with a rich history. Back in 1972, William O'Neil (the founder of General Tire and Rubber Company) and his wife Grace made the generous decision to donate their family farm to Summit Metro Parks. Their son, M. Gerald O'Neil, later served on the Board of Park Commissioners from 1969 to 1978, continuing the family's legacy of conservation.

Nature's Canvas

The park hugs the Yellow Creek Tributary of the Cuyahoga River, offering some truly breathtaking views that make the challenging hikes totally worth it. As you wander through, you'll notice how the landscape tells the story of its farming past, with a beautiful blend of dense forests and open meadows.

Keep an eye out for the historic O'Neil family barn that still stands proudly within the park. It's not just a charming landmark about halfway through the main trail - it's also home to a small maternity colony of big brown bats who've claimed it as their own!

Creatures and Plants

If you're lucky (and quiet), you might catch glimpses of the local residents: deer gracefully moving through the trees, wild turkeys strutting about, barred owls watching from above, pileated woodpeckers drumming on tree trunks, or even an eastern box turtle slowly making its way across the path.

The park's greenery includes majestic oaks, black willows, eastern cottonwoods, sycamores, and black walnuts creating a diverse canopy. Yellow Creek itself is something special - it's considered one of the cleanest tributaries flowing into the Cuyahoga River and supports a variety of aquatic life.

Hit the Trails

The star attraction here is the Deer Run Trail, a challenging 2-mile loop that follows paths originally created by white-tailed deer. The trail rewards your effort with stunning views of the Cuyahoga River Valley and takes you past both the historic barn and a particularly picturesque stretch of Yellow Creek.

Don't expect a casual stroll - this trail means business with its ups and downs, switchbacks, and natural surfaces complete with roots and stones. A recent renovation replaced a long staircase with more switchbacks, making the trail more accessible while still giving you a proper workout.

If you're looking for more adventure, the Buckeye Trail also cuts through part of the park and connects with Deer Run. And when your legs need a break, you'll find several thoughtfully placed benches throughout where you can catch your breath and soak in the scenery.

What to Expect

You'll find a spacious parking lot that leads right to the trailhead. There are basic restroom facilities (the outhouse variety) near the parking area that are kept clean and stocked.

Packing a picnic? There's a cozy little area with tables and a grill near the parking lot - well-suited for fueling up before your hike or rewarding yourself after. Trash and recycling bins are available too, so it's easy to leave no trace.

Protecting What Matters

As part of the Summit Metro Parks system, O'Neil Woods plays a vital role in local conservation. The park helps preserve natural habitats while giving visitors like you a chance to connect with and learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife.

Before You Go

Just know that the trail can get pretty muddy after rain, so proper footwear is a must. If you're visiting in warmer months, you might want to bring bug spray since gnats and mosquitoes can be uninvited companions when you pause on the trail.

Four-legged friends are welcome but need to stay on leash to keep everyone (including the wildlife) safe and happy. And if you can swing a visit during fall, do it - the park transforms into a spectacular showcase of autumn colors that'll have you filling up your camera roll in no time.