National Park and Recreation Resources

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) celebrates the essential value of local parks and recreation and all the ways parks and recreation has the power to transform our daily lives.

From providing us places to play, get fit and stay healthy to fostering new relationships and forging a connection with nature, our close-to-home community park and recreation facilities provide essential services and improve quality of life. Please explore the resources below to find parks, trails and nature preserves near you.

Parks in Portage County

Portage Park District: www.co.portage.oh.us/portage-park-district

Portage County Parks & Nature Preserves: trekohio.com/portage/

Kent Parks and Recreation: www.kentparksandrec.com/parks

Ashtabula Metro Parks: www.ashtabulametroparks.com/

Parks in Geauga County

Geauga Park District: www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/find-a-park.shtml

Geauga County Parks & Nature Preserves

Destination Geauga: www.destinationgeauga.com/places-to-go/gardens-greenery/parks-recreatio…

Parks in Trumbull County

State, County and Local Parks

Trumbull County Metro Parks: http://trumbullmetroparks.org/

Parks in Stark County

Stark Parks Park Finder: https://starkparks.com/parkfinder/

Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Parks & Recreation Guide: https://www.cantonchamber.org/parks-recreation-guide-754

Canton Parks and Recreation: https://www.cantonohio.gov/665/Parks-Recreation

Parks in Columbiana County

Columbiana County Park District: http://www.bicycletrail.com/

Columbiana County Parks & Nature Preserves: http://trekohio.com/columbiana/

Parks in Tuscarawas County

Tuscarawas County Park District

Tuscarawas County Parks & Nature Preserves: https://trekohio.com/tuscarawas/

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Stretching out for miles between Akron and Cleveland is the scenic and tranquil Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), a refuge for native plants and wildlife. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. There are over a dozen trails to walk or ride within CVNP, including the Towpath Trail that follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Many Summit and Cleveland Metro Parks are also located within the greater boundary of CNVP.

CVNP trails: https://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

Summit County Metro Parks: http://www.summitmetroparks.org/find-park-or-trail.aspx

Cleveland Metro Parks: https://clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit

Ohio State Nature Preserves

There are 136 State Nature Preserves and natural areas that have been dedicated in Ohio. These diverse areas of land contain remnants of Ohio’s pre-settlement past, rare and endangered species, and wondrous geologic features. There are State Nature Preserves located in close proximity to all 8 of Kent State University’s Northeast Ohio campuses. Locate the closest one to you using the link below.

Find a State Nature Preserve: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/findapreserve

AllTrails Website and Smartphone App

AllTrails has the largest collection of detailed, hand-curated trail maps. Discover trails nearby and get detailed driving directions so you can get from your computer to the trailhead in no time. AllTrails also has a mobile app available for iPhone and Android smartphones. At home or on the road, find your perfect hike, bike ride, or trail run by length, rating, and difficulty level. Filter by dog- or kid-friendly trails, or find trails with great views. Browse reviews, photos, and detailed trail maps contributed by a community of active outdoor enthusiasts like you.

Website: https://www.alltrails.com/

Mobile app: https://www.alltrails.com/mobile