Hiking Hudson Springs Park: Discover the Hidden History Behind the Lake

5 hours ago

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Located just minutes from downtown Hudson, Ohio, Hudson Springs Park offers one of the area's most enjoyable lakeside hikes, combining peaceful woodlands, scenic water views, and a surprisingly interesting history. The park's popular 1.9-mile loop circles a beautiful 50-acre lake, passing through mature hardwood forests, open meadows, and areas where wildlife is frequently spotted. Although the trail is relatively easy, the park's transformation from 19th-century farmland into a popular swimming destination and eventually a public park makes it especially interesting for hikers who appreciate local history.

Trail Info

Length 2.3 miles

Elevation gain 110 feet

Route Loop

Permit required No

Dogs allowed On leash

Trailhead elevation 1,038'

Water water spigots near the trailhead

Don't miss sunrise from the overlooks on the south end of the lake

Hiking Hudson Springs Park

The hike begins at the large parking area off Stow Road, where visitors will find restrooms, picnic facilities, and easy access to the lake. From the trailhead, the wide dirt and gravel path begins its journey around the water, offering occasional glimpses of the shoreline through the surrounding trees.

Unlike many hiking trails in Northeast Ohio that descend into steep ravines or follow rocky streams, the Hudson Springs Park Loop features mostly gentle terrain with a handful of modest hills. Its relatively easy footing makes it an excellent choice for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a relaxing walk through nature.

As the trail winds along the lake, it's difficult to imagine that this peaceful body of water didn't exist until the 1940s. Long before the park became a popular recreational destination, the surrounding landscape consisted of marshy woodlands, natural springs, and agricultural fields. The property was originally part of Lot 69 in Hudson Township's 1799 survey and eventually became associated with the Metcalf family, who were among Hudson's early settlers.

Horace Metcalf, a Connecticut native who arrived in Hudson sometime before 1819, married Eliza Thompson, the daughter of Moses Thompson, one of the area's earliest physicians. In 1825, Horace and Eliza established MapleWood Farm along present-day Hudson-Aurora Road, with their extensive property encompassing much of what would eventually become Hudson Springs Park.

The property remained in the Metcalf family for several decades before passing through a succession of owners, including Hudson attorney Horace B. Foster and his daughter, Marie Barnes. In 1942, Barnes sold the land to Summit County Probate Judge Dean May, whose vision would permanently transform the landscape. Having grown up on a farm, May dreamed of owning a peaceful country retreat where he could fish, relax, and spend time with his family. After searching the Hudson countryside, he discovered that the property's marshy, spring-fed terrain contained a natural basin ideally suited for constructing a lake.

May initially created a small three-acre lake and built a summer cabin where his family spent their free time. His children explored the surrounding woods, picked berries, and learned to swim, while the property occasionally hosted summer gatherings for members of the Hudson Rotary Club. Eventually, May undertook a much more ambitious project, constructing the approximately 50-acre lake that hikers enjoy today.

Sadly, he never had much opportunity to appreciate his accomplishment. In 1949, while the newly constructed lake was still filling with spring water, May became ill and passed away.

Continuing around the lake, hikers will encounter a mixture of open shoreline and wooded sections where the trail briefly moves away from the water. These quieter stretches are particularly enjoyable during the warmer months, when the forest canopy provides welcome shade. The surrounding woodlands consist primarily of deciduous trees, creating an especially colorful landscape during autumn as the leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. White-tailed deer are frequently spotted in the woods, while great blue herons, waterfowl, and other birds can often be observed along the lake's shoreline.

Following Judge May's death, his wife, Dorothy, transformed the property into a commercial swimming and recreation destination known as May's Lake. During the 1950s and 1960s, the lake became a popular summertime attraction, featuring a sandy swimming beach, diving board, picnic tables, and a refreshment stand. The May children helped operate the business, working as lifeguards, attendants, and groundskeepers. At its peak, May's Lake reportedly attracted as many as 2,000 visitors on summer weekends, with families traveling from throughout the Cleveland and Akron areas to spend the day swimming and picnicking. Today, one of the last surviving remnants of May’s Lake can be found along the northern shoreline, where the foundation of a former structure remains tucked just off the trail, offering a glimpse into the park’s past.

As the trail continues, hikers may notice anglers casting from the shoreline or small boats moving across the water. Today, the lake is a popular fishing destination, supporting species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rainbow trout, and walleye.

Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are also permitted, making Hudson Springs one of the more versatile outdoor recreation areas in the city. The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic pavilions, and several recreational facilities that attract visitors throughout the year.

By the late 1960s, Dorothy May was ready to sell the property. Although she initially offered the land to Hudson Township, local officials declined the opportunity. The property was subsequently purchased by investors who envisioned developing a residential neighborhood around the lake, but their plans ultimately fell through. In 1970, the land was again offered for sale, presenting Hudson with another opportunity to preserve the property. The Hudson Jaycees leased the grounds in 1972 while efforts to secure public ownership moved forward. During this period, the property also became the original home of the Hudson Haunted House, a popular local Halloween attraction.

On February 1, 1974, Hudson officially acquired the original 213-acre property, establishing what would become Hudson Springs Park. Subsequent land acquisitions expanded the park to approximately 260 acres and made it possible to develop the hiking trail that now circles the lake. One of the park's picnic shelters, May Pavilion, preserves the family name and serves as a reminder of the man whose vision created the lake nearly eight decades ago.

Eventually, the trail completes its circuit of the lake and returns to the parking area, bringing an easy but rewarding hike to an end.

While Hudson Springs Park may lack the dramatic waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and deep gorges found elsewhere in Northeast Ohio, its peaceful setting and interesting past make it a destination worth exploring. From the Metcalf family's 19th-century farmland to Judge Dean May's ambitious lake-building project and the thousands of swimmers who once flocked to May's Lake, the property has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, hikers following the shoreline are enjoying a landscape shaped not only by nature, but also by generations of Hudson residents who recognized its potential as a place for recreation and relaxation.