HomeOhioAkron › Sand Run Metro Park-Big Bend Area

Sand Run Metro Park-Big Bend Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 284 Google reviews · Running trail in Akron, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Sand Run Metro Park-Big Bend Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

MixedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsWaterQuiet

Easy-to-moderate trails (some paved) and towpaths, plus bridges, for hikers, runners and bikers.

What runners say about Sand Run Metro Park-Big Bend Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (284 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“I've rode the whole Towpath and think this is probably the most scenic area of the trail.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“Sand Run Park is just a great place for a walk, run, mediate and connects to bike paths all the way to Cleveland.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Quiet, serene & beautiful section of the towpath.”

Great area to start your hike on the Towpath. There's a small lake that is used for ice skating. Restroom on site.

★★★★★ — Dave , Aug 2025

Had a great time taking a walk in the rain! It was very peaceful! I would love to come back during the summer!

★★★★★ — Katrina , Feb 2022

Sand Run Park is just a great place for a walk, run, mediate and connects to bike paths all the way to Cleveland. I met a couple that came all the way trough Cali , rented a bike and took off.

★★★★★ — Roberto , Dec 2016

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite locations to go for a walk or hike. Great central location for paved walking/biking trails, as well as natural trails. You can connect easily to Sand run or Cascade Valley from here so you have so many options.

★★★★★ — S , Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 284 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“I've rode the whole Towpath and think this is probably the most scenic area of the trail.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 4 mentions

“Great central location for paved walking/biking trails, as well as natural trails.”

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🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“The restrooms are clean and kept decent (they are put toilets).”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Quiet, serene & beautiful section of the towpath.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 2 mentions

“Well maintained paths, mostly gravel with some paved and boardwalk sections.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 2 mentions

“My dog and I Love this park.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Pretty, good trails, ada accessible overlook which is pretty rare.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

“Well maintained paths, mostly gravel with some paved and boardwalk sections.”

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🚰 Water fountains

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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Plan your run at Sand Run Metro Park-Big Bend Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitesummitmetroparks.org
  • Phone+1 330-867-5511
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–11 pm
Tuesday 6 am–11 pm
Wednesday 6 am–11 pm
Thursday 6 am–11 pm
Friday 6 am–11 pm
Saturday 6 am–11 pm
Sunday 6 am–11 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Sand Run Metro Park-Big Bend Area

1337 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313

Get directions

Running trails near Akron

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Summit Metro Parks

4.6 ★★★★★ 134 reviews

Akron, OH

150 miLoopScenic

City park featuring kid-friendly hiking trails and picnicking opportunities.

under a mile away

CASCADE VALLEY METRO PARK Celebration Trail Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 58 reviews

Akron, OH

LoopMixedScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Cascade Valley Metro Park-Valley View Area

4.9 ★★★★★ 83 reviews

Akron, OH

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Riverside park featuring trails, a playground and kayaking access.

under a mile away

Overlook Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 82 reviews

Akron, OH

150 miLoopPavedScenic

A flat hiking trail alongside the Cuyahoga River that leads to overlooks.

under a mile away

Cascade Valley Metro Park - Overlook Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 451 reviews

Akron, OH

0.5 miLoopMixedShaded

Paved and scenic loop trail featuring a river overlook.

under a mile away

Hampton Hills Metro Park Mountain Bike Area

4.9 ★★★★★ 260 reviews

Akron, OH

LoopMixedDog-friendly

Mountain-biking area with beginner to expert options, plus a pump track.

1.7 miles away

All running trails in Akron, OH →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.