Hiking Firestone Metro Park's Redwing Trail: Wetlands, Wildlife & Rubber History

The Redwing Trail at Firestone Metro Park in Akron offers a peaceful hike through wooded floodplains, wetlands, and the scenic Tuscarawas River valley. The easy loop features a wooden boardwalk, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and a landscape shaped by more than a century of farming and industrial development. Sharing portions of its route with the park's Willow Trail, the Redwing Trail is a great choice for a short nature walk or a longer adventure exploring one of Summit Metro Parks' most historically interesting properties.

Trail Info

Length 1.4 miles

Elevation gain 35 feet

Route Loop

Permit required No

Dogs allowed On leash

Trailhead elevation 987'

Water fountain at the trailhead

Hiking the Redwing Trail

The hike begins at the Tuscarawas Meadows parking area, where a large parking area, restrooms, a large field, and picnic pavilion are steps away.

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From the trailhead, hikers follow the Willow Trail toward the Redwing Trail junction. Surrounded by a mixture of mature hardwoods and low-lying wetlands, the trail quickly introduces visitors to the natural beauty of the Tuscarawas River floodplain. The relatively flat terrain makes this an approachable hike for families and casual hikers, although sections can become very muddy following heavy rainfall.

Interestingly, the peaceful landscape surrounding the trail was once part of Akron's agricultural countryside. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Farriss family operated a dairy farm near what is now Coventry Oaks Lodge and the park's sledding hill. The Warner family, whose name remains familiar to local residents through nearby Warner Road, also farmed portions of the surrounding area. Today, the former agricultural landscape has largely given way to forests, wetlands, and meadows that provide important habitat for native wildlife.

As the Redwing Trail branches away from the Willow Trail, it winds through a mixture of hardwood forest and wetland habitat. Towering trees shade portions of the path, while occasional openings reveal the low-lying terrain that characterizes much of Firestone Metro Park. The park's proximity to the Tuscarawas River creates ideal conditions for moisture-loving plants, amphibians, and a remarkable variety of birds.

The trail's name comes from the red-winged blackbird, a familiar resident of Ohio's wetlands. Male red-winged blackbirds are easily recognized by their glossy black feathers and brilliant red shoulder patches, which they display while defending their territories. During spring and summer, their distinctive calls can frequently be heard coming from cattails and other tall vegetation throughout the park.

One of the more enjoyable features of the Redwing Trail is its wooden boardwalk, which carries hikers across sections of the wetland. The elevated walkways offer an opportunity to experience the marshy landscape without disturbing the fragile habitat beneath them. During warmer months, dragonflies and damselflies dart above the vegetation, while frogs, turtles, and other aquatic creatures inhabit the surrounding wetlands. Firestone Metro Park is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, with more than 175 bird species recorded throughout the property.

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Beyond its natural attractions, Firestone Metro Park has an interesting connection to Akron's industrial past. In 1941, the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company donated 89 acres to the Akron Metropolitan Park District, helping establish the park during a period when Akron was internationally recognized as the Rubber Capital of the World. The donation came just before America's entry into World War II, which delayed the development of the new recreational area. Subsequent land acquisitions eventually expanded the park to approximately 258 acres.

The park's industrial connections extend beyond its famous namesake. During the 19th century, the nearby Tuscarawas Race served as part of the area's developing transportation and water-management infrastructure. Coal was transported along a railroad bed beside the race, which directed water toward the Ohio & Erie Canal. Although much of this industrial activity has disappeared, the waterways and altered landscape remain reminders of the important role the Tuscarawas River valley played in northeastern Ohio's development.

Another interesting piece of Redwing Trail history dates to 1964, when it was included in the very first Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree. The inaugural event encouraged residents to complete seven designated hikes during the fall season, rewarding those who finished with a wooden hiking staff. More than 600 staffs were awarded that first year, beginning a tradition that continues to introduce generations of northeastern Ohio residents to the region's parks and trails.

As the Redwing Trail continues through the wooded floodplain, hikers eventually reconnect with portions of the Willow Trail. Although the two trails are marked as separate hiking routes, they share sections of the same pathway, making it easy to explore both during a single visit. The Redwing Trail is the shorter option at approximately 1.4 miles, while the Willow Trail extends roughly 1.6 miles and offers additional opportunities to experience the park's wetlands, woodlands, and historical landscape.

Eventually, the shared trail system leads hikers back toward the Tuscarawas Meadows parking area, completing an enjoyable walk through one of Akron's most diverse natural landscapes. While the Redwing Trail may lack the dramatic waterfalls and towering sandstone ledges found elsewhere in Summit County, its peaceful wetlands, abundant wildlife, and connections to Akron's agricultural and industrial history make it a rewarding place to explore throughout the year.

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For hikers looking to spend more time in Firestone Metro Park, combining the Redwing and Willow trails makes for a longer outing without requiring a second parking area or trailhead. The Willow Trail also introduces visitors to additional features, including the historic Tuscarawas Race. Because portions of the trails overlap, the total hiking distance depends on the route taken rather than simply adding their individual mileages together.