The Prather & Lacking Hyperlink Loops in Cascade Valley Metro Park provide probably the greatest simple hikes in Akron, combining scenic woodlands, rolling hills, and sweeping views of the Cuyahoga River Valley. Situated throughout the Summit Metro Parks system, the figure-8 loop is ideal for hikers of all ability ranges trying to escape into nature with out leaving the town. Alongside the way in which, guests can get pleasure from peaceable forest trails, seasonal wildflowers, plentiful wildlife, and some scenic overlooks that make it probably the greatest sundown hikes in Akron.
Do not miss sundown at Prather Vista
Mountain climbing the Prather & Lacking Hyperlink Loops
The hike begins from the Oxbow Space of Cascade Valley Metro Park, the place a big parking zone, restrooms, the Crooked River Shelter, and a trailhead kiosk mark the start line.
From the parking space, observe indicators for the Lacking Hyperlink Path, a large gravel path that shortly enters an open, prairie-like panorama. Though the park sits simply minutes from downtown Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, the broad valley feels surprisingly distant, with solely the occasional overhead energy line hinting on the metropolis’s proximity.
The Lacking Hyperlink Path gently winds by the valley with solely modest elevation modifications, making it a superb hike for guests of all ages and ability ranges. Native grasses and seasonal wildflowers border a lot of the path in spring and early summer time, whereas pockets of woodland burst into good shades of pink, orange, and gold every autumn. After serving as farmland, residential property, and finally a golf course for many years, the land was acquired by Summit Metro Parks in 2016. With the help of native, state, and federal companions, park workers have since remodeled the once-manicured fairways and synthetic water options right into a thriving pure panorama that helps a wealthy range of native vegetation and wildlife.
After finishing the mile lengthy Lacking Hyperlink Loop, proceed onto the Prather Path, which affords an analogous mountaineering expertise because it meanders by a mixture of open meadows and quick stretches of hardwood forest.
Like the primary loop, this part of path is lined with seasonal wildflowers and affords peaceable views throughout the encircling valley, creating a soothing stroll that feels worlds away from the close by cities. So, the place does the Prather Path get its title? The story begins in 1948, throughout an period when segregation was nonetheless frequent throughout a lot of america. At the moment, properties on this space had been marketed as being accessible to anybody, no matter race, and the Wheelock Cuyahoga Acres group turned a uncommon instance of an built-in neighborhood. Many households got here right here hoping to construct self-sufficient homesteads away from the pressures of metropolis life. Amongst them had been Willie Mae and George Conrad Prather. In 2018, archaeological surveys uncovered the muse of the Prathers’ house together with artifacts that helped inform their story. Immediately, their legacy is honored by the Prather Path, which winds by the very panorama they as soon as known as house.
Because the path nears its finish, it reaches Prather Vista, a scenic overlook perched above a sweeping U-shaped bend within the Cuyahoga River. That is the spotlight of the hike and broadly thought-about probably the greatest locations to observe the sundown in Akron. As night approaches, heat golden mild spills throughout the river valley, making a spectacular show that makes timing your hike for sundown nicely well worth the effort.
From Prather Vista, it is only a quick stroll again to the trailhead and the newly constructed Crooked River Shelter.
Earlier than leaving, take a second to benefit from the overlook behind the shelter, the place a fantastically maintained picnic space offers one closing alternative to soak within the surroundings of Cascade Valley Metro Park earlier than heading house.
Whether or not you are keen on a straightforward afternoon stroll, a family-friendly stroll, or probably the greatest sundown hikes in Akron, the Lacking Hyperlink Path and Prather Path ship. Pack a lunch or dinner, and make use of the picnic space close to the shelter. You will not be dissatisfied!
