Firestone Metro Park

Firestone Metro Park is a 258-acre natural area located along the floodplain of the Tuscarawas River in Akron, Ohio. The park began with an 89-acre gift from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1949 and was later expanded through additional land acquisitions.

The park features diverse habitats including large wetlands and marshy meadows, which provide critical environments for various wildlife. Over 175 bird species have been observed in the park, including wrens, thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers, herons, ducks, and raptors such as bald eagles and osprey. Other wildlife inhabitants include dragonflies, damselflies, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, and various rodents.

Firestone Metro Park offers several trails for visitors to explore its natural beauty. The Willow Trail loops past an ancient sand hill, Little Turtle Pond, wetlands, the Tuscarawas River, and the Tuscarawas Race - a channel that once directed water to the Ohio & Erie Canal. This trail is particularly popular among birdwatchers and plant enthusiasts. Another notable path is a wooden boardwalk that provides peaceful views of the Tuscarawas River and traverses wetland areas.

The park's landscape reflects its historical uses. Dairy cows once grazed on its hillsides, and a railroad bed along the Tuscarawas Race was used to transport coal. In 1956, a dam was constructed to create a reservoir for industrial water, further shaping the park's current features.

Visitors should be aware that poison sumac, a plant containing a powerful skin irritant similar to poison ivy, is found in some wet areas of the park. To avoid contact, it is recommended to stay on designated trails.