F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm

Receiving its name from former landowner F.A. Seiberling, this Metro Park is a testament to the foresight of Akron visionaries more than a century ago.

Seiberling co-founded Goodyear Tire & Rubber in 1898 and played a leading role in developing Akron into the “rubber capital of the world,” but his interests went well beyond tires. He helped form the original Akron Metropolitan Park District and was a member of the Board of Park Commissioners from 1924 to 1935.

Seiberling donated more than 400 acres to expand Sand Run Metro Park, and land that he owned from 1920 to 1948 was purchased by Summit Metro Parks in 1964 to become F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. It became home to the park district’s first nature center, with naturalists hosting educational programs out of the existing barn and farmhouse before the current visitors center was constructed.

Today, F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is a special-use area that has been set aside for the study and enjoyment of nature. Visitors are welcome to explore the Nature Realm Visitors Center and wander the park’s gardens.

Explore the park

We hope you enjoy your next visit to F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm and ask that you to keep in mind special guidelines for this designated study area. Pets, wedding ceremonies and cooking grills are not permitted at this park, and bicycles are only permitted in the parking lot. Remain on designated trails and walkways, and refrain from climbing trees and structures, picking flowers, walking in garden beds and collecting plants.

Please also remember that group photography, professional photography and photography for commercial purposes are prohibited at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. We encourage you to visit alternate locations throughout the park district and submit a special-use permit when applicable.

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.

*Flat, easy trail or section with asphalt or crushed limestone surface. ** Rugged and challenging with uneven surfaces and steep, narrow routes

Activities & Amenities: Scenic hiking Nature/Visitors Center Picnic Tables Restrooms

Trail Icon

Trail Name

Length

Class

Rating

Cherry Lane Trail

0.6mi

C

1

Cherry Lane Trail is an easy-to-travel loop which includes a 110-foot-long suspension bridge, taking visitors over a 45-foot-deep ravine. The scenic trail travels past Echo Pond before returning you to an accessible trail near the visitors center.

Fernwood Loop

0.9mi

C

1

Fernwood Trail is a moderate loop traveling along the same path as Cherry Lane Trail before forking off after the suspension bridge. The trail continues through the woods before reconnecting to Cherry Lane Trail and passing Echo Pond.

Seneca Trail

1.4mi

C

2

Seneca Trail is a mostly unpaved loop leading visitors past pines, a deciduous forest and through an open prairie before reaching the Rock & Herb Garden. Portions of the trail may be considered strenuous due to hilly terrain.