Goodyear Heights
Metro Park
One of the first parks in the district, the forests and amenities of Goodyear Heights Metro Park tell its nearly 100 year history.
Goodyear Heights Metro Park opened in 1930 on land donated by Akron’s Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and land purchased from local resident Gilbert Waltz. During the Depression, Metro Parks acquired additional acres by paying delinquent taxes on surrounding properties. In the 1950s, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company donated more land, bringing the current total to 410 acres.
Thousands of pines and tulip trees were planted in the park. During World War II, Victory Gardens were planted along Newton Street on the former Waltz farm. In 1957, Charles Goodyear Memorial Pavilion was constructed and served as the park district’s headquarters until 1974, when the offices were moved to Sand Run Metro Park.
Today, pines are slowly giving way to black cherries, oaks and tulip trees through natural succession, while beech trees, sugar maples, basswoods, pin oaks, red maples and blackgum trees grow in other areas throughout the park. These woods provide habitat for owls, red fox, raccoons and other wildlife. In the north-central section, acidic soils support sassafras and sarsaparilla, species that were once used in beverage making. Along the edge of Alder Pond, a cattail marsh provides refuge for a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, birds, snapping turtles and muskrats. The pond also supports sphagnum moss and yellow birch trees.
Explore the park
Goodyear Heights Metro Park offers many trails and activities for you to explore. All areas are open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., unless otherwise noted. We have also provided a key to help you find the perfect trail.
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
Main Entrance
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
If you’re looking for something other than a casual hike, challenge yourself on this trail with 20 numbered exercise stations. Each has a beginner and “par” level indicated on its sign, while trailside markers direct you to either walk or run at different intervals to enhance your workout.
Eastwood Area
Pioneer Area
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Alder Trail leads through the woods to Alder Pond, where an accessible boardwalk takes you through a cattail marsh. The start of the trail – a short, half-mile, round trip section – earns a class B status and is good for visitors with wheelchairs, walkers, canes and strollers.
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Although this trail is named for the many pines once planted in the park, they are giving way to a variety of other species through natural selection, including black cherries, oaks and tulip trees.
Photo Gallery
View photos of Goodyear Heights Metro Park’s past and present, scenery and visitors.
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.
