Parkway Jogging Trail to Dogwood Trail loop

The loop is approximately 12.3 kilometers (7.6 miles) long and generally takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete at a jogging pace. This duration can vary based on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

While the loop is rated as 'moderate' due to its varied terrain, it is considered suitable for a range of fitness levels. The Parkway Jogging Trail section is relatively flat and accessible, while the Dogwood Trail adds a challenging, hilly component. It's a good option if you're looking for a varied workout.

The terrain is quite varied. The Parkway Jogging Trail offers mostly paved or hard-packed, winding paths alongside the Sand Run stream. In contrast, the Dogwood Trail is more rugged, exploring shady valley and ridge-top terrain with several up-and-down inclines, including a notable ascent to the North Hawkins Area sled hill.

You'll experience picturesque scenery, transitioning from the stream-side path of the Parkway Jogging Trail to the wooded valleys and ridge-top views of the Dogwood Trail. Sand Run Metro Park is known for its cool, shady ravines, hemlocks, ferns, and seasonal blooms like trilliums in spring. Keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks, various owl species, pileated woodpeckers, and squirrels.

Spring is excellent for viewing wildflowers like large-flowered trilliums. The park's cool, shady ravines make it pleasant during warmer months. Even in winter, parts of the Parkway Jogging Trail are plowed for year-round access, offering a unique experience.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access Sand Run Metro Park or its trails, including this loop. It's open for public enjoyment.

Yes, this loop is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

The starting point for this loop is conveniently located next to a parking lot. Specific parking areas are available within Sand Run Metro Park, often near the Old Portage Area or other access points for the Parkway Jogging Trail.

Yes, this route intersects with several other paths within Sand Run Metro Park. You'll find sections that overlap with the Buckeye Trail (Akron), Nuthatch Trail, and Seneca Trail. The park also has connections to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

The primary highlights of this loop are the two named trails themselves: the popular Parkway Jogging Trail, Sand Run Metro Park, known for its accessibility and stream-side path, and the more challenging Dogwood Trail, which offers a good workout and scenic ridge-top views after its initial climb.

The Dogwood Trail begins with a rather steep incline. A good strategy is to conserve energy for this initial climb. Once you're past the steepest part, the trail mostly evens out through the woods before dropping back down, though it does feature several more up-and-down inclines throughout its course.