Dog walking in Fairlawn

Croghan Park

There is lots to do here in Croghan Park. The neighbourhood’s namesake, Croghan Park, is a 0.75 acre community park where you can bring your pup for an on-lead walk on the paved walkways, enjoy a picnic on the grass and let the kids play on the playground or ball courts. There are shopping centres on either side of Croghan Park for a little window shopping and a stroll through the center of town. If you would like a little more of a walk with your pup on a lead, head east in this neighbourhood to the Sand Run Metro Park Revere Rd, where you will find the trailhead for the six-mile Parkway Jogging Trail which runs into the larger Sand Run Metro Park area. There is parking, toilets and a water fountain at the trailhead. After your walk, head to nearby Panera Bread for a salad, sandwich or wrap, or try one of their freshly baked pastries washed down with a hot coffee. Your pup is welcome to sit with you here at one of the outside tables.

Wiltshire Rd/ Sandrun Rd

Sand Run Metro Park in neighbouring Akron is a huge pet-friendly park covering 998 acres of beautiful woodland. There are five trails here, the shortest being 1.4 miles, and they are all relatively difficult, so make sure you wear appropriate shoes and clothing here. In addition, there is a section of the multipurpose Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail that winds 41 miles through Summit County, as well as a section of the Buckeye Trail, so you are not short on hiking options! There are picnic shelters, drinking fountains and restrooms scattered throughout the park and several parking places. As this is such a large place, it is worth sourcing a map through Summit Metro Parks before you head off. Keep your pup on a lead and pack your water, food and clean up bags for a great day out in the woods with your pal.

N Revere Rd/ Woodsmill Rd

The O’Neill Woods Metro Park in Akron is another great pet-friendly woodland area to explore together. There are two trails in the 295-acre former farm, both of relative difficulty, so come prepared for a good hike! The Deer Run Trail is 1.8 miles and named because it follows a path worn by white-tailed deer down to the river valley. You will get spectacular views of the Cuyahoga River and the Cuyahoga River Valley, and you may even be lucky enough to spot the deer too! The other trail is a section of the Statewide Buckeye Trail that loops a massive 1,444 miles around Ohio. Keep your pet leashed here as it is a national park, and enjoy the time out in the fresh air with your pup by your side.

Ira/ Botzum

Hampton Hills Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls is one of the largest of the Summit Metro Parks, covering 655 acres of glacial-formed valley and lush forest. There are two trails here; the Adam Run Trail is 3.2 miles and the Spring Hollow Trail 1.6 miles. Both are through relatively difficult terrain and cross several seasonal streams, so dress accordingly. There are picnic areas and tables scattered throughout the park to relax and enjoy a packed lunch. Three parking areas are provided and restrooms are available on the western side of the park. This is a pet-friendly area, but you must keep your pup leashed at all times, and always clean up any mess he leaves behind.

Merriman Heights

The BARC Akron Dog Park, five miles east of Fairlawn in nearby Akron, is the perfect place to let your pup run off some steam! There are two fenced areas in this free dog park where your pup can play off-leash; one are is exclusively for the little fellas and one for the bigger guys. Agility equipment is provided, as is a doggie drinking station, waste disposal facilities and bench seating in the shade for you. Once your pup has exhausted himself at the dog park, you can pop him back on the lead and take a stroll together down a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail from the adjacent Memorial Parkway Trailhead.