Dog walking in Middlefield

Hayes Corner

The Swine Creek Reservation in the southeastern corner of Middlefield has 11 trails to choose from, where you are permitted to bring your pup provided he is kept on a lead. Set over 412 acres, the Reservation’s trails total 6.1 miles and include distances of 0.1 to 1.2 miles over grass, gravel and asphalt surfaces. There is also access to the 20-mile Maple Highlands Trail that extends north from here all the way up to the city of Chardon. The Swine Creek Reservation is a great place to bring the whole family too, with a playground and activities such as volleyball and tetherball, plus picnic shelters and restrooms on site.

West Huntsburg

Headwaters Park in Huntsburg is 4.5 miles north of Middlefield and has five lovely trails to explore with your furry travel companion, from the easy 0.2-mile Kingfisher Trail to the longer 1.4-mile Maple Bridle Trail. There is also a two-mile section of the Statewide Buckeye Trail running through the recreation area along the western side of the East Branch Reservoir, and there is access to the 20-mile Maple Highlands Trail from the parking area. Headwaters Park is covered with beech-maple forest, meadows and evergreen plantations and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, fox, mink and wild turkeys. As this is a nature preserve, you must keep your pet leashed to protect both him and the native flora and fauna. Always clean up after your pet to keep the place clean for future visitors.

Southwest Burton

The Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve is a 305-acre park located six miles west of Middlefield in Burton, within the greater Cuyahoga Wetlands. There are three trails where you are permitted to walk your on-lead pet; the short 0.18-mile Kettle Trail Loop, the 0.22-mile Glacier Trail, and the 1.12-mile Kettle Trail. There is an observation deck to seek out at Lake Kelso, where you can spot various species of small birds or even a bald eagle or osprey on the hunt. Restrooms are available at the trailhead, but no other amenities, so you need to pack water, food, cleanup bags and insect repellent during the warmer season.

South Burton

Eight miles southwest of Middlefield is the beautiful 132-acre Eldon Russell Park in Burton. Within the park’s borders there is a 0.76-mile trail that takes you through the varying landscape of this spectacular park, from open grassland, to swamp, to forest of maple, ash and oak. For the waterbabies, kayaking is permitted in the bordering Upper Cuyahoga River and if you fancy a spot of fishing with your pup by your side, this is also permitted here. For those who prefer to stick to land, the 1,444-mile Statewide Buckeye Trail runs down the western side of the park for more hiking fun. Eldon Russell Park has amenities for visitors including a restroom, picnic area and a playground for the kids. You need to keep your pup on a lead at all times here, and always clean up after him.