Deep Lock Quarry
Metro Park
Deep Lock Quarry holds a wealth of history from ancient Indigenous trails to pioneer quarrying, narrow gauge railroads and hobo jungles.
The early State Quarry provided blocks of Berea sandstone for structures locally and beyond, including locks along the Ohio & Erie Canal. The park is named after Lock 28, located within the park, which was the deepest lock along the canal at 17 feet.
Ferdinand Schumacher, a founder of Akron’s American Cereal Works (later known as Quaker Oats), harvested sandstone to create millstones for removing the outer hulls of oats. Stone was last taken from the quarry in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to construct several facilities within the park district, including Pioneer Shelter in Goodyear Heights Metro Park.
Walking through the park today, it may be hard to believe that most of the forest was cleared during quarrying days. Nature has reclaimed the land, and today it is home to more Ohio buckeye trees than any other Metro Park in the county. Resident frogs, turtles and salamanders live in the old canal bed, while natural seeps of water in the porous sandstone have developed a shallow swamp on the quarry floor. The park is also designated as an Important Bird Area, providing critical habitat for nesting migrants and the opportunity to research hybrid warblers.
Explore the park
Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park offers plenty of beautiful scenery and landscapes for you to explore. The park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Trail Classes: A = Multipurpose | B = Accessible* | C = Basic | D = Primitive** | E = Bridle Trail
Ratings: 1 = Easy | 2 = Moderate | 3 = Difficult
*Flat, easy trail or section with asphalt or crushed limestone surface. ** Rugged and challenging with uneven surfaces and steep, narrow routes
Deep Lock Quarry
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Discarded millstones and building foundations are scattered along this moderate trail, which leads through the forest to Deep Lock Quarry and vistas of the Cuyahoga River. A multi-purpose trail link goes to the park’s namesake, the deepest lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal, and the Towpath Trail.
Photo Gallery
Photos of Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park’s past and present
Events in Summit Metro Parks
Come Join the Fun!
From kayaking to birdwatching, we’ve got you covered. Explore the calendar to find and register for upcoming events and programs.
