Furnace Run
Metro Park
Discover one of the cleanest tributaries to the Cuyahoga River at Furnace Run Metro Park, nestled on the northern edge of Summit County.
Named after early iron smelting furnaces along the Cuyahoga River, Furnace Run Stream passes through this 890-acre park created in 1929 when the family of Charles Francis Brush Jr. donated 272 acres to the park district. In the 1930s, much of the park was developed by work relief crews, including structures still seen today like Brushwood Lodge. Brushwood Lake, a once-popular swimming spot before erosion and sedimentation forced its closing in 1956, was created by diverting the natural flow of Furnace Run Stream.
Furnace Run’s excellent water quality provides habitat for pollution-sensitive species like rainbow darters and mayflies. Rock Creek, a tributary to Furnace Run, runs along Rock Creek Trail, providing habitat for countless macroinvertebrates and scenic bridge crossings for park visitors.
Along the trails, find mature beech-maple forests, spring wildflowers and many species of birds, including owls, hawks, herons, warblers and waterfowl. Brushwood Lake is home to a diversity of pond life and downstream from the lake, the wet woods of sycamores, black walnuts, willows and shrubs welcome an occasional family of beavers.
Explore the park
Furnace Run 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
Brushwood Area
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Enjoy this scenic hike through beech-maple woods and be sure to look for the Brush Family marker, which reads: “To all those who love as he loved the far sky and smiling land.”
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Hike along Rock Creek past sycamores and scenic beech-maple woods before crossing a bridge and returning along the opposite side of the creek.
Daffodil Trail
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Named after the park district’s first director-secretary and previous owner of the property, the H.S. Wagner Daffodil Trail features thousands of daffodil blooms enjoyed by visitors each spring, the first of which were planted by Wagner himself in the late 1930s.
Photo Gallery
View photos of Furnace Run 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.
