The 4.5 miles of hiking trails at Lorain County Metro Parks’ French Creek Reservation wind through 450 acres of mostly wooded landscape that features big cliffs, deep ravines and often traces along the park’s three creeks: Sugar Creek, Fish Creek and the eponymous French Creek.
Whether you’re an avid runner who wants a scenic workout or simply want to meander through the white oaks, sugar maples, walnuts, cottonwoods and other deciduous trees, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here. The trails feature a variety of surfaces, including a paved trail near the park’s Nature Center and Theatre, which offers programs, exhibits an indoor play area and wildlife observation area.
“We also have trails that are gravel and wood chips as well as just natural trails through the woods,” says Mariah Deitz, public information officer for Lorain County Metro Parks. “But all of our trails have great views of the forest and waterways. You’ll also see a wide variety of wildlife, including white tail deer.”
The park is open in winter, “but when there is 4 inches of snow or more the trails are perfect for cross country skiing or snowshoeing,” says Deitz. “We even have a snowshoe rental at our Nature Center.”
In warmer weather, the nearby French Creek Kayak/Boat Launch offers water access at the confluence of French Creek and the Black River.
4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield, 440-949-5200,
loraincountymetroparks.com/french-creek-reservation
