The best walks and hikes around New Franklin
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Hiking around New Franklin is centered on the region's parks and historic waterways in Summit County, Ohio. The landscape is characterized by lakes, wetlands, and mostly flat terrain, providing diverse scenic backdrops. Trails often follow the former Ohio & Erie Canal, offering accessible paths. Many routes are set within metro parks, providing well-maintained paths through woodlands and along reservoirs.
Best hiking trails around New Franklin
- The most popular hiking route is Olde Muskingum and Towpath Trail Loop, a 5.4…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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hikers
2.08km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
hikers
8.77km
02:13
10m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
7.05km
01:47
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6.29km
01:36
20m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.69km
00:41
10m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Lock 4 Park, located about 20 miles south of Akron, features the historic "Fulton Lock," the fourth lock south of the Akron summit on the Ohio & Erie Canal. Built in 1827, this sandstone structure is one of 146 lift locks —mechanisms that raised or lowered boats between stretches of water at different elevations — enabling navigation along the canal's 1,000 feet of vertical relief from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Though no longer operational, the lock and surrounding park has long been a favored local picnic and fishing spot. The park also provides access to the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail and includes amenities like a historic mill, picnic areas, a handicap-accessible fishing dock, and parking.
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The St Helena Heritage Park is a beautiful park on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The park has a picnic area, playground and ball fields. The park is on the outskirts of Canal Fulton, so if you need a place for a lunch break, you have the option to leave the trail and head into town.
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This park gets its name from the historic canal lock located here, the fourth lock south of Summit County. It features picnic tables, grills, a fishing dock, and restrooms, making it a great spot for a break.
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This park gets its name from the historic canal lock located here, the fourth lock south of Summit County. It features picnic tables, grills, a fishing dock, and restrooms, making it a great spot for a break.
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Located right on the Ohio & Erie Canal, this park offers a playground, picnic area, ball fields, tennis courts, and much more right on the waterfront. From this park, you can head north or south along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, providing plenty of options for your run.
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nice local coffee shop. serves some light food and pastries too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the New Franklin area?
Yes, the region has several great options for families. The Firestone Metro Park loop is a particularly good choice. It's a short, easy walk through woodlands that's perfect for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Many trails in the Summit County Metro Parks system are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. This includes trails within Portage Lakes State Park and along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. However, it's always a good practice to check the specific park's regulations before you go.
What is the trail surface like on the main paths?
Most of the popular trails, especially the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, have a surface of finely crushed limestone. This creates a stable and relatively flat path that is comfortable for walking and accessible for most fitness levels.
Where is a good place to park to access the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail?
The Franklin Trailhead on Center Road is a popular and well-regarded starting point. It offers dedicated parking and provides direct access to the towpath for a scenic hike.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, there are several loop trails that allow you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. For a pleasant walk around a lake, consider the Summit Lake loop — Akron, Ohio. It's an easy and flat route perfect for a relaxed outing.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking?
The wetlands and woodlands around the Portage Lakes and canal towpath are excellent for birdwatching. You can expect to see a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. The parks are managed to support diverse habitats, so keep an eye out for other local wildlife as well.
Are there any options for longer, more challenging hikes?
While most trails are relatively flat, you can create a longer hike by combining sections of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. For a route with a bit more elevation change, the Portage Lakes State Park loop is classified as moderate and offers a more substantial distance of over 5 miles.
Are restroom facilities available along the trails?
Yes, restroom facilities are typically available at major trailheads and within the state and metro parks, such as the Franklin Trailhead and Portage Lakes State Park. Availability can vary, so it's wise to use facilities at the start of your hike.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around New Franklin?
The komoot community rates the area's trails highly. Hikers often praise the well-maintained, flat paths of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which make for easy and enjoyable walks. The scenic beauty of the lakes and the quiet, natural setting of the metro parks are also frequently mentioned highlights.
Are there any trails specifically good for trail running?
The flat, crushed limestone surface of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail makes it an excellent choice for trail running, allowing for a consistent pace over long distances. Park trails, like the Chippewa Trail — Silver Creek Metro Park, also offer great, contained loops for a shorter run.
Where can I find more official information about the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail?
For detailed information including alerts, maps, and the history of the trail, the National Park Service is the best resource. You can find more on their official page for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
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