Silver Creek
Metro Park
The 1,008-acre Silver Creek Metro Park is tucked away in a quiet, rural area of southern Summit County.
Open fields, fence rows and a stately old barn, part of which dates to the Civil War, are evidence of the park’s former life as the Harter Dairy Farm. Other history hides beneath your feet, where coal was mined during much of the 19th century.
The land has changed a great deal since Summit Metro Parks acquired it in 1966. Thousands of trees have been planted, and the lake house and 50-acre lake – fed by a spring from an old mine near Wall Road – were built in the early 1990s.
The open fields are home to many bird species, while butterflies flutter among the flowers and grasses. Birds of prey can be seen circling above, looking for meals in the water and grass below, and deer travel among the woods, fields and wetlands. Tall sycamores grow in soggy areas, hickory woods in drier ones, and beech-maple woods grow among spring wildflowers. One of the largest northern red oaks in Summit County – 20 feet in circumference – stands in this park.
Explore the park
Silver Creek Metro Park is a large property with several trailheads and park areas. To help you navigate, we have broken down each area’s trails, activities and amenities below. 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
Archery Range
Lake House & Pheasant Run Area
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Pheasant Run Trail takes you through several different types of habitats on a fairly flat trail. You’ll pass through an old field, young woods, old forests and pines, as well as two quiet ponds.
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Enjoy safe, scenic views of Silver Creek Lake while traveling along this trail, which utilizes a portion of the parkway. The trail is ADA accessible and plowed during winter, making it a great year-round option for all visitors.
Boathouse Area
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Enjoy the Norton Loop of the Bridle Trail, the only horseback trail managed by Summit Metro Parks.
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Enjoy the Wadsworth Loop of the Bridle Trail, the only horseback trail managed by Summit Metro Parks.
Big Oak Area
- A – Multipurpose
- B – Accessible*
- C – Basic
- D – Primitive**
- E – Bridle
Chippewa Trail showcases the area’s history, from the Harter Dairy Barn to the thin wood lines that separated farm fields and old apple orchards. Seedlings planted by Girl Scout troops between 1967 and 1983 have matured along the trail, providing shade for hikers.
Cross Country & Disc Golf Course
View Disc Golf Map Cross Country Course Cross Country Course Rules & Regulations
Photo Gallery
View photos of Silver Creek 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.
