North Hawkins Area

Sand Run Metro Park-North Hawkins Area is a section of the larger Sand Run Metro Park located in Akron, Ohio. The park, which opened in 1929, spans 998 acres and has been a significant destination for centuries. The North Hawkins Area is particularly known for its winter activities.

The park features diverse terrain, including shady ravines, tributary streams, and wooded areas. Visitors can observe a variety of flora, including hemlocks, ferns, skunk cabbage, and large colonies of horsetails. In spring, wildflowers such as large-flowered trilliums, foam flower, bloodroot, spring beauty, and trout lily bloom throughout the park.

Sand Run Metro Park is home to a rich array of wildlife. Squirrels of various species (red, gray, and fox) can be spotted, along with different owl species (screech, barred, and great horned). The park also hosts pileated woodpeckers and red-tailed hawks. Some rare species inhabit the park, including sharp-shinned hawks, butternut trees, and native orchids.

The North Hawkins Area specifically is popular for winter sports. It features a sled hill that attracts visitors during snowy months. This area connects to other parts of Sand Run Metro Park via trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's diverse landscapes and ecosystems.