Here at the Lorain County Metro Parks, we offer hundreds of different activities for you . Outdoor enthusiasts, sports fanatics, nature lovers and fun families can all find something to keep them busy in our park district. There is sure to be something to do in every corner of our beautiful county.
Can’t find what you’re looking for in the buttons below? Try searching in the search bar below:
Trails
Hiking | Biking | Running | Dog-Walking
Are you looking to get outside and enjoy nature? What better way than to take a stroll in one of our gorgeous parks? The Lorain County Metro Parks are full of trails for our guests to explore. Listed below are our major marked trails, the length of the trails, and what type of surfaces these trails consist of. For a more detailed look into these trails and what they have to offer, click the “more information” button below each park.
Since 1986, the Friends of the Metro Parks’ Hiking Stick Program has been encouraging visitors to explore nature nearby! Now more than 35 years later, the Hiking Stick Program remains a popular activity. The program runs from April 1-June 30 each year. During the 2019 Coronavirus pandemic, the program introduced a hybrid model allowing participants to choose from naturalist-led program hikes or self-guided hikes. This option continues today and staff signatures are no longer required.
Participants who complete this program will receive a hiking stick (available to first-time participants only) and an annual metal pin to adhere to their hiking stick. Participants must complete at least 10 hikes at 6 different Lorain County Metro Parks and submit the Hiking Stick Program form by July 7. Forms may be sent to pr@loraincountymetroparks.com or delivered to Carlisle Visitor Center, c/o Hiking Stick Program, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050. No late submissions are accepted.
913 North Lake St., Amherst, OH 44001
Length: 1.5 miles
Surface: Asphalt
Day’s Dam, 2720 East 31st St., Lorain, OH 44055
Bur Oak, 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035
High Meadows, 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035
Length: 6.5 miles
Surface: Asphalt
18207 West Rd., Wellington, OH 44090
Length: 0.75 mile
Surface: Natural
Bikes are not allowed
Dog Walking is prohibited
Duck Pond, 12550 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Length: Over 11 miles of total trails
Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
Over 6 miles of equestrian/bridle trails
387 Furnace St., Elyria, OH 44035
Length: Over 2.5 miles of total trails
Surface: Asphalt, Natural Dirt, Grass
815 Highbridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089
Length: 1.8 miles of total trails
Surface: Sandstone gravel
48600 New London Eastern Rd., New London, OH 44851
Length: 5.2 miles
Surface: Natural
25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028
Length: Over 4 miles of total trails
Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Natural
Dog-Walking is allowed only on specific trails
Pine Tree Picnic Area, 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, OH 44054
French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH 44054
Length: Over 4.5 miles of total trails
Surface: Crushed Stone, Natural
47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001
Length: 0.6 mile
Surface: Asphalt
Sheldon Woods, 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, OH 44044
Royal Oaks, 1057 Parsons Rd., Grafton, OH 44044
Length: Over 5 miles of total trails
Surface: Crushed Stone, Natural
16000 St. Rt. 511, Oberlin, OH 44074
Length: 2.2 miles
Surface: Natural
32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012
Length: 3 miles
Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Main Entrance/Conservatory, 2739 Center Road, Avon, OH 44011
Avon Wetlands Trailhead, 35120 Riegelsberger Rd., Avon, OH 44011
Length: Over 2 miles of total trails
Surface: Asphalt, Gravel, Natural
Gateway Trailhead, 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035
Butternut Ridge Trailhead, 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., Oberlin, OH 44074
Length: 13.1 miles
Surface: Asphalt
6195 Otten Rd., North Ridegville, OH 44039
Length: 2 miles
Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Dog-Walking is not allowed in wetlands area
Bicycling is not allowed in wetlands area
11106 Market St., Wakeman, OH 44889
Length: 2 miles
Surfaces: Natural Grass & Dirt
Dog-Walking is not allowed
Bicycling is not allowed
51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089
Length: Over 3 miles of total trails
Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Natural
535 Jones Rd., Wellington, OH 44090
Length: 4 miles
Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Kids
Are you looking for something to do with your kids? Whether they're in preschool or high school, there is certainly an activity for them in the Lorain County Metro Parks. The Metro Parks has two kids' nature play spaces that are open year-round and a children's garden that is open during the summer months. And don't forget other fun activities in the parks such as hiking, bike riding, paddleboats and more.
Open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Daily
Climb and crawl while you learn about dinosaurs. Conduct a puppet show, crawl through the tunnels and color dino pictures. The Children's Nature Space is a great place to have fun while learning dinosaurs and more.
Open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Daily
Stop in and learn more about the plants and animals of the forest. The climbing tree is an exploration area where children can learn about the forest through fun activities and a puppet area. While children play and learn, adults can watch birds and other wildlife in the lower observation area.
913 North Lake Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001
The Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation Playground was built in 2001 and has close access to bathrooms, water, and a picnic shelter.
High Meadows Picnic Area, 1750 Ford Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035
Located at the High Meadows Picnic Area, this playground is near the shelters and restroom.
Day's Dam Picnic Area, 2720 East 31st Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055
The modern playground at Day's Dam Picnic Area is close to the Bridgeway and Steel Mill trails that winds through the park. The playground is also near a water fountain, restrooms, and a picnic shelter.
387 Furnace Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035
This large inclusive playground was built in partnership with the Elyria Rotary Club and the City of Elyria. It is rock- and water-themed and can be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities. It features a splash pad, swingsets, slides, and musical instruments. It even has a small bear statue in honor of the old bear cages once featured at Cascade Park.
Elywood, 552 Washington Avenue, Elyria, Ohio 44035
Opened in 2022, this modern playground features slides, swings, and climbing structures. A parking lot is very close by as well as a covered shelter and restrooms. A large bridge spanning the Black River is also only steps away!
19 Acres Picnic Area, 120 Floradale Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035
This small rock- and water-themed playground is all-inclusive. A restroom facility accompanies Shelter #3. This area is accessible from the North Entrance off Floradale Street. Parking is at the top of the hill and requires a short walk down to reach the playground area.
Duck Pond Picnic Area, 12550 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, Ohio 44050
Located in the Duck Pond Picnic Area, this Playground was built in 1998 and was created with smaller children in mind. The modern equipment consists of plastic tunnels, slides, swings, and plenty of things to climb on!
25145 Royalton Road, Columbia Station, Ohio 44028
Opened in 2003, this is a modern playground next to the visitor center with miniature golf, snack bar, restrooms, picnic shelter and trailhead.
Pine Tree Picnic Area, 4951 French Creek Road, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054
The playground at the French Creek Pine Tree Picnic Area is located near Shelter #1. This large, modern playground has access to restrooms and a drinking fountain.
47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001
The Inclusive Playground and Splash Pad at Hollstein Reservation is located behind the Amherst HealthPlex and offers a sand pit, slide, swingset, fishing pond and a full splash pad and can be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities.
Sheldon Woods Area, 38744 Parsons Road, Grafton, Ohio 44044
The playground at Indian Hollow is the perfect place for kids to play while parents relax in the nearby picnic shelter. The playground also has close access to restrooms and water fountains.
1800 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44052
This playground is located on the east end of the beach next to the board walk. It has several slides and plenty of things to climb on!
6195 Otten Road, North Ridegville, Ohio 44039
Located right outside the Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center, this new playground has a small nearby shelter with picnic tables so that mom and dad can sit in the shade and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
11106 Market Street, Wakeman, Ohio 44889
This playground is located in the Schoepfle Children’s Garden. It is a great addition to this fun garden designed specifically for kids.
95 West Hamilton Road, Oberlin, Ohio 44074
Splash Zone’s playground is adjacent to the outdoor pool and features swings, slides and other climbable obstacles. The playground is open only during outdoor pool hours (Noon-7:45 p.m. daily during the in-season).
Bacon Woods Area, 51211 North Ridge Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089
Vermlion River Reservation boasts two playgrounds. The first is located at the Bacon Woods Picnic Area by the Amphitheater and has close access to drinking fountains, restrooms, and a picnic shelter.
Mill Hollow Area, 51211 North Ridge Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089
Vermlion River Reservation boasts two playgrounds. The second playground is near Shelter #1 at Mill Hollow and is close to a drinking fountain and restrooms.
535 Jones Road, Wellington, Ohio 44090
Wellington Reservation has a playground located next to the Visitor Center. This climbable playground has two slides and has a restroom nearby inside the Visitor Center.
In 2007, the musically themed Children’s Garden was added to Schoepfle Garden. Inspired by Mr. Otto Schoepfle’s love of gardening, music and youth, the Children’s Garden was a true community project as local landscapers constructed each unique garden, local artists restored carousel horses, and local businesses and citizens donated to this amazing project. Each unique piece of the garden blends nature and music to create an enchanting garden for children to learn and play in. Children, young and old, can climb the Rocky "G" Clef, crawl through the Flute-A-Pillar, and ride the restored carousel.
2024 OPENING DAY: Friday, May 24
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (1:00-4:00 p.m.)
Fridays (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Everyone loves the Little Green Choo. This little train-themed vehicle allows children and adults to ride along the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail at Carlisle Visitor Center. Train rides meander along the asphalt trail and wind through fields and forests.
The Little Green Choo offers a limited summer schedule. Rides are free and open to everyone (handicapped accessible) on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting.
The Little Green Choo is also included at some special events, including Halloween Fair and Holiday Lights; event restrictions and admission fees apply.
Lorain County Metro Parks offers youth camps for kids entering Kindergarten through 12th grade. Camps include a wide variety of activities to promote learning, recreation and FUN outdoors! Camps typically take place during the months of April through August. Some offerings include ‘Spirit of America’ Boating Camp, Nature Camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp, Acting Camp, Fishing Camp, Adult Summer Camp, and more! Visit the Summer Camps page for more information and to register.
Winter Activities
Cross Country Skiing | Sledding | Snowshoeing | Winter Hikes
Many people wonder if the Lorain County Metro Parks are still open during the winter months. The answer, of course, is “Yes!” There are plenty of things to do in our parks when it’s cold outside whether there is snow on the ground or not. Every single one of our parks are open during the winter season and there are plenty of winter activities such as brisk winter hikes, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
Cross-country skiing is allowed in all of our parks! Bring your own skis and enjoy the parks in the winter. Cross Country Skiing is only allowed in Forest Hills Golf Course and the formal gardens at Schoepfle Garden when there is at least 3” of packed snow.
For safety, snow removal efforts are first focused on parking lots and walkways. Many trails are cleared when staffing, equipment, and time is available. Some trails, however, are purposely left snow-covered to allow visitors to enjoy winter recreational activities on their own. Below is a list of recommended trails where visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing.
Cascade Park is home to one of the most popular sledding spots in all of Lorain County. Visitors to the park can see the large sledding hill as they enter the park at the main entrance on Furnace Street. It has been a mainstay during the winter season in Elyria for generations and will hopefully remain one for generations to come. The sledding hill is one of the main draws of Cascade Park. View the park’s trail map for a more detailed look at the location of the sledding hill.
The sledding hill at Vermilion River Reservation is a favorite of northwest Lorain County residents and has been for many years. Visitors will see the hill on their right as they enter the Bacon Woods area of the park. It is a larger-sized hill and that area of the park also has a semi-enclosed shelter nearby to warm up in. View the park’s trail map for a more detailed look at the location of the sledding hill.
Many trails throughout the park district remain unplowed during the winter season. This makes a perfect canvas for snowshoeing!
Snowshoeing is permitted in all of our parks. However, a minimum of 3 inches of snow is required to snowshoe at our Forest Hills Golf Course and Schoepfle Garden.
Snowshoe rentals and hikes are available during the winter. So when the snow flies, watch our Programs page and the Lorain County Metro Parks Facebook page for pop-up snowshoe programming.
Bicycling
Bikes are a great way to explore the parks and get some exercise. North Coast Inland Trail is our longest bike trail at 13 miles and extends from Elyria to Oberlin to Kipton. Another park that is a favorite of bikers is the Black River Reservation with many miles of trails connecting Elyria to Lorain. Below is a list of parks with asphalt and/or crushed stone trails that are conducive for biking. Bikes are not allowed at Caley Reservation, Schoepfle Garden, and in the wetlands area of Sandy Ridge Reservation.
The North Coast Inland Trail (NCIT) is a 12 foot wide, primarily asphalt paved trail, built over the abandoned Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland Railroad and runs for 65 miles from Elyria to Toledo with some sections still being built. In 1992, seven park districts agreed to develop a system connecting trails in northwest Ohio, each managed by local jurisdictions. The NCIT is the result. The Lorain County Metro Parks’ portion runs from Elyria to Kipton, passing through Oberlin along the way. The northernmost end of the NCIT is the Gateway Trailhead, which is also the southernmost end of the Black River Bikeway.
Butternut Ridge Trailhead, 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., Oberlin, OH 44074
Access to the NCIT is available near 265 South Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074**
Access to the NCIT is available near the Kipton Community Park, 57 Rosa St., Kipton, OH 44049**
**PLEASE NOTE: These locations are not owned by the Lorain County Metro Parks, thus visitors should park at their own risk.**
The Black River Bikeway is an 11-mile trail that connects multiple reservations to each other beginning on the southern end in Elyria and ending on the northern end in Lorain. This trail offers multiple access points and trailheads (listed below) and connects the North Coast Inland Trail, Cascade Park and Black River Reservation. While the majority of the trail runs through Lorain County Metro Parks’ reservations, there are sections of the trail that travel through the city of Elyria on public sidewalks and roadways.
The paved bike trail at Black River Reservation’s southern end begins at the High Meadows picnic area and travels north through the the Bur Oak and Day’s Dam picnic areas and comes to its northernmost point at Colorado Ave. (St. Rt. 611) in Lorain. The trail travels along the scenic Black River and over 2 large bridges that allow for bikers to look down on the river from the treetops. There are numerous scenic lookout points including a 0.5-mile offshoot trail that leads to a waterfall near the Day’s Dam picnic area.
**Please Note: This bike trail also extends south beyond Black River Reservation along the Black River Bikeway (listed above) and into Cascade Park.**
The Beaver Creek Trail is a paved trail that connects Hollstein Reservation to Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation. This short hike and bikeway is primarily located within the two Metro Parks Reservations, however there is a 1-mile section that is a dedicated, paved trail that travels adjacent to public streets.
Carlisle Reservation’s bike trail can be accessed by any one of the three park entrances (Duck Pond Picnic Area, Visitor Center, or Equestrian Center). The winding trail includes sections of paved asphalt, crushed stone and dirt with the majority of the trail being crushed stone. There are many twists and turns along this trail so make sure to bring your map! However, these twists and turns add to the total trail distance and allow bikers to experience a different trail each time they bike.
Indian Hollow Reservation features two different biking paths. One at the Sheldon Woods section of the park, which has over 1 mile worth of dedicated mountain bicycling trails, as well as a portion of the trail that follows a railroad bed that once held the tracks that served the sandstone quarry that once thrived here. Scenic views of the Black River, sandstone outcrops and quarrying debris, and wildlife are plentiful along this trail also. The other path is located at Royal Oaks, the former golf course turned hiking, biking and fitness trail. This 1.9-mile crushed limestone path travels through beautifully scenic fields and features 3 catch-and-release ponds.
The list above features some of the most popular biking trails in the Lorain County Metro Parks system, however, biking is allowed in other parks. Below is an additional list of parks with asphalt and/ or crushed stone trails that are conducive for biking. Bikes are not allowed at Caley Reservation, Schoepfle Garden, and in the wetlands area of Sandy Ridge Reservation.
913 North Lake St.,
Amherst, OH 44001
DISTANCE: 1.5 miles
SURFACE: Asphalt
This one and a half-mile trail shows a surprising amount of diversity. The asphalt trail loops past a small cattail marsh, into the Beaver Creek Valley, and through a pine forest. The trail can be accessed from the main parking lot or from the neighborhood trailhead on North Main Street.
**Please Note: This bike trail also extends north along the Beaver Creek Trail (listed above) and into Hollstein Reservation.**
25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028
DISTANCE:
1 mile (Asphalt)
2.5 miles (Crushed stone)
This 425-acre primarily wetland reservation offers both paved asphalt and crushed limestone trails that run through both wooded and open areas. All trails are open to biking.
4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, OH 44054
DISTANCE: 2.1 miles
SURFACE: Gravel
The French Creek Reservation features over 3.5 miles of trails to guide you through the rich woodlands and along picturesque streams and cliffs, although only about 2.1 miles are suitable for biking. It is best to park at the Pine Tree Picnic Area for bicycling purposes and stick to the Big Woods Trail and the Nature Center Trail.
32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012
DISTANCE:
2 miles (Asphalt)
1 miles (Crushed stone)
Follow the Kopf Family Reservation trail through woodlands that boast many flora and fauna. You can access the trail at several different entrances including the Avon Lake Public Library parking lot, Woodstock St, Sunset Park and at Belle Road Park.
51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089
DISTANCE: 1.8 miles
SURFACE: Crushed stone, Dirt
The river valley at the Vermilion River Reservation provides for diverse communities of animal and plant life. The reservation has a visitor’s center (Carriage Barn) to assist you in finding the best trail for you. Once you find a trail you can begin your tour of one of the most historic sites in Lorain County.
535 Jones Rd., Wellington, OH 44090
DISTANCE:
1.4 miles (Asphalt)
2.25 miles (Crushed stone)
Nearly four miles of bikable trails meander through the Wellington Reservation grassland fields, wetland habitats and around the South Reservoir. The loop trail system highlights a different section of the park, providing visitors with a variety of vistas across the lake from atop an elevated observation mound, and throughout the intermittent wetlands in the grassland prairies.
Kayaking
A day on the water restores the soul. The Lorain County Metro Parks offers Kayak rentals seasonally at Wellington Reservation, but the other locations listed are strictly “bring your own boat” locations. Listed below are locations where you can enjoy the waterways in the Lorain County Metro Parks and in our county.
The water tail is a total of 27 miles long. It begins at the shale cliffs of the Vermilion River Reservation and follows until the Vermilion River empties out into Lake Erie, cutting through downtown Vermilion. It then continues along the shoreline, passing Showse Park of Vermilion and Lakeview Park of Lorain. It enters the mouth of the Black River and goes through downtown Lorain and passes the U.S. Steel Mill. The trail ends at Bur Oak Picnic Area of the Black River Reservation in Elyria. Kayakers and Canoers can access the trail at several points.
Vermilion River Reservation, 51211 North Ridge Rd, Vermilion, OH
City of Vermilion South Street Beach Boat Launch, 777 River Rd, Vermilion, OH
City of Vermilion Main Street Boat Launch, 480 Main St, Vermilion, OH
City of Vermilion Showse Park, 3325 Edgewater Dr, Vermilion, OH
City of Lorain Port Authority Lakeside Landing Park, 301 Lakeside Ave, Lorain, OH
City of Lorain Port Authority Black River, Wharf Boat Launch, 1355 Broadway Ave, Lorain, OH
French Creek Kayak Launch, Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield Lake, OH
Kayakers can put in on the banks of the Vermilion River on the Mill Hollow side of the reservation and paddle toward Lake Erie. The river travels northwest 6 miles before feeding into Lake Erie. The Vermilion River has no industry along its banks, making it especially rich in wildlife. Aquatic life includes freshwater clams and several species of darters (small fish that feed along the bottom of the river) that turn brilliant colors during the mating season. Some insect species include mayflies, cadis flies and water pennies (beetle larvae that lie flat against a rock surface and look like pennies.) (*CAUTION: Please check the water levels before kayaking this river as they tend to sometimes be low)
**Please Note: This water trail is part of the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail listed above.**
The French Creek Kayak/Boat Launch is part of French Creek Reservation and is located off of Colorado Ave (St. Rt. 611) in Sheffield Village. This water trail access point is at the confluence of the French Creek and the Black River and flows northwest for about 5 miles before emptying into Lake Erie near Lakeview Park in Lorain. The boat launch is free and open to the public.
**Please Note: This water trail is part of the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail listed above.**
Those looking to kayak at Black River Reservation can put their kayaks in on the banks of the Black River near the Bur Oak Picnic Area of the park. The river travels Northwest before reaching the French Creek Kayak Launch and eventually emptying into Lake Erie in Lorain. The river follows a similar path as the hiking/biking trail and, at times, travels underneath the pedestrian bridges high above. The scenery of the river is diverse; featuring meadows, forest groves, shale cliffs and even the slag fields of the U.S. Steel Mill along the Steel Mill Trail section of the park. (*CAUTION: Please check the water levels before kayaking this river as they tend to sometimes be low)
**Please Note: This water trail is part of the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail listed above.**
The beach at Lakeview Park is the perfect spot for kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, or simply enjoying the spectacular views of Lake Erie. This gorgeous Lorain County Metro Park is a great place for kayakers to put in without the hassle of finding a way back to where they started. Because it is a lake (as opposed to our river kayaking options) it allows kayakers to leisurely paddle in a wide open area. The break wall also helps make for a calm paddling experience this beautiful freshwater Great Lake.
Lakeview Park is also home to our annual “Paddle & Pedal Fest” event that takes place in May. The event allows visitors to try kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards all for free. It also features paddling education and safety instruction. Along with boating safety, bicycling safety with LCMP Rangers is also offered. Check the events page or the nearby button for more information on this event.
The 21-plus acre lake formed by the Wellington South Reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing. The park features a kayak livery that is available to rent kayaks on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning the Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in one-hour time blocks. Kayak rentals are first come, first serve and are $15/hour for a single kayak and $25/hour for a tandem kayak. The kayak livery is located in the gravel lot south of the visitor’s center (when in season). There is a kayak launch (available to renters and non-renters) located just behind the livery, on the western edge of the gravel parking lot.
Visitors can also explore the open water and the inlets of the lake on a four-person pontoon paddle boat available for rent for $5/hour. See the Wellington Reservation webpage for more information on Pontoon Paddleboats.
535 Jones Rd, Wellington, OH 44090 (Park entrance and Paddleboat dock)
About 545 Jones Rd, Wellington, OH 44090 (Kayak launch)
While there is no physical kayak launch at Columbia Reservation, visitors can put in their kayaks/canoes near the large river bank near the St. Rt. 82 bridge. This entry into the west branch of the Rocky River offers beautiful views of wetlands, ponds and other wildlife and offers the only public access to the Rocky River in Lorain County. This is not a heavily trafficked waterway and can sometimes have low areas or downed trees and branches so paddlers should be aware. (*CAUTION: Please check the water levels before kayaking this river as they tend to sometimes be low)
Sports
Basketball | Disc Golf | Golf | Mini-Golf | Soccer | Volleyball
Indoors or outdoors, Winter months or Summer months. The Lorain County Metro Parks has an 18-hole golf course, a mini golf course, a disc golf course, a fieldhouse, 3 soccer complexes and a beach that offer plenty of opportunities for recreation. Leagues and tournaments are available throughout the year as well as facilities to practice and play on your own.
The fieldhouse at Splash Zone features two full-size basketball courts or four short-courts (These courts can also be reconfigured to four regulation size volleyball courts). Open Gyms are available throughout the day. Borrow our basketball or bring your own. Visitors under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
The Field House is available for rent Monday-Thursday (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), Friday (6 a.m.-5 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (Noon-5 pm). The Field House closes 15 minutes prior to the closure of the building. All court rental requests must be made at least 3 days (72 hours) before the date requested.
Field House Short Court: $30/hour
Field House Full Court: $60/hour
Full Field House: $120/hour
The Bacon Woods area of Vermilion River Reservation is home to a Disc Golf course open to the public. This beautiful 12-hole course takes full advantage of the open meadows of the park. Spanning open fields, along ponds and through tall grass, players can enjoy a wide array of scenic and challenging terrain. The Carriage Barn provides a course map as well as a fill-in scorecard.
Forest Hills is an 18 hole golf course owned and operated by Lorain County Metro Parks, featuring holes of all difficulties, including a driving range, pro shop, and snack bar at the clubhouse. The course is always being improved one way or another, so if you haven’t been here for a while it might be time for another visit!
**NOTE: Junior: 15 years & younger | Senior: 62 years & older
Check out www.golftheforest.com for tee times online, specials, and information on lessons!
Cherry Ridge Golf Club was donated to the Lorain County Metro Parks by the Kopf Family in 2020. The course was re-named the Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge in recognition of the donation. The 9-hole regulation length golf course is currently operated and maintained by the Park District. The course includes a pro shop and snack bar in the clubhouse.
**NOTE: Junior: 15 years & younger | Senior: 62 years & older
Open 7 days a week seasonally | 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.
(440) 371-1430 | SundaesatColumbia@gmail.com
Cost: $5 per person
Sundaes in the Park is a dino-themed mini-golf course and ice cream shop located in Columbia Reservation. We serve hard scoop ice cream, sundaes, floats, and other treats along with hot dogs and other delicious snacks. Behind the ice-cream shop is the 18-hole dinosaur-themed miniature golf course. Stop in, eat, play, and enjoy an ice cream treat while taking a stroll through the park. It’s a roaring good time!
Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation is host to one large soccer field that is located right next to the parking lot of the park. This soccer field is primarily used for soccer leagues and team practices for the city of Amherst public soccer leagues, but is also open to the public when it is not already in use.
While the Midview Soccer Complex is part of Indian Hollow Reservation, it is located about 3 miles south of the Sheldon Woods and Royal Oaks sections of the park on Chamberlain Road in Grafton. Opened in 2005, it was made possible by a partnership with the Midview Soccer League. With 15 soccer fields, a concession stand, restrooms, two reservable shelters and a playground, the complex is a busy place during soccer season.
The fields are open to the public if they are not being used by the league. Please visit the Midview Soccer League website for more information about leagues.
The Vermilion Soccer Club complex is located about 1 mile southwest of the main entrance to Vermilion River Reservation on North Ridge Road. The facility has a shelter area and a restroom.
Please visit the Vermilion Soccer Club website for more information.
The beach at Lakeview Park is the perfect spot for a game of pickup volleyball. During the summer months, a net is put up that is free for visitors to use on a first come, first serve basis. Lakeview Park is also host to one of the largest beach volleyball tournaments in the state, taking place annually during weekends at the ends of June and July. There are also adult and youth volleyball leagues that take place throughout the summer. Please visit “Lakeview Beach Volleyball” online for more information!
The fieldhouse at Splash Zone features four regulation size volleyball courts (These courts can also be reconfigured to two full-size basketball courts or four short-courts). Open Gyms are available throughout the day. Borrow our volleyball or bring your own. Visitors under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
The Field House is available for rent Monday-Thursday (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), Friday (6 a.m.-5 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (Noon-5 pm). The Field House closes 15 minutes prior to the closure of the building. All court rental requests must be made at least 3 days (72 hours) before the date requested.
Field House Short Court: $30/hour
Field House Full Court: $60/hour
Full Field House: $120/hour
Swimming
Swimming is only allowed at three parks or reservations in the park district. Lakeview Park offers a wonderful beach setting on Lake Erie and has lifeguards on duty daily in the summer months from noon to 6pm. Splash Zone and the Amherst HealthPlex offer rec facilities with indoor pools while Splash Zone offers an outdoor water park with two 24-foot high waterslides perfect for kids and families.
The beach at Lakeview Park is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the spectacular views of Lake Erie. Visitors can relax on the sand as their children play on the playground. During summer hours, lifeguards are on duty daily from Noon to 6pm. The lower level of the Bathhouse has been updated to include eight family changing rooms (five have showers) and a concession stand in case you get hungry while enjoying the day at the beach.
The large indoor pool is an eight-lane, 25-yard high school regulation pool. A smaller pool is also available and is used more for classes such as swim lessons and water aerobics. It is four lanes, 20 yards long and its deepest end is 5 feet for those who like to water walk. Both pools are handicap accessible. The larger indoor pool hosts high school swim meets and practices, programs for all ages and is available for lap swimming during open swim times.
The outdoor pool has 6,000 sq. feet of water and is perfect for serious swimmers or those who just want to get wet on those hot summer days. The adventurers can choose between two 24-foot high waterslides. The main pool also features tumble buckets, 4 lap lanes, water jets, a smaller slide feature with water cannons, and a separate tot pool with a mushroom waterfall. An outdoor concessions stand is open all summer and is conveniently located right next to the pool. There's even an adjacent playground for the youngsters and dry-at-heart.
The Amherst HealthPlex offers a large eight-lane competition swimming pool that even features a slide. The pool is open to those who are looking to get aquatic exercise and is also home to many water aerobics and aquatic fitness classes. The facility has premiere locker rooms and a 2nd-story deck that overlooks the pool area. The large enclosed slide begins inside, travels outside the facility and then returns back inside and drops back into the pool for a fun adventurous ride. The facility also offers many fitness opportunities out of the water including a workout facility, walking track and numerous aerobics rooms.
Horseback Riding
There are several trails within the metro parks geared towards horseback riding. Bring your own horse and enjoy the park. Horses are not allowed on asphalt trails. It is encouraged to check if there are any trail closures before bringing your horse as some trails are periodically closed for hunting season and/or routine trail maintenance.
The Equestrian Center, the most southwest entrance to Carlisle Reservation, is not just for horses, although horse lovers find it a favorite place to ride. Easily recognized by an outdoor arena with stands and judge's stand, the area is strictly BYOH (Bring Your Own Horse) with trailer parking beside the arena. Once you’re saddled up there are over 6 miles of equestrian trails to follow through all kinds of terrain, and the arena itself is open for public use.
Charlemont is a 757-acre undeveloped park in southern Lorain County and is a favorite for horseback riders, who are free to enjoy the equestrian trails built and maintained by the Lorain County chapter of the Ohio Horse Council. The natural habitat at Charlemont includes forest, meadows and fields, successional and some wetland areas. Two small headwater streams, Buck and Charlemont Creeks, run roughly south to north through the reservation. Youth hunting season starts the third weekend of October so the trails will be CLOSED TO HORSEBACK RIDING during the third week of October until December 31st while ODNR is having regular pheasant releases at the park and hunting activity is at its busiest. Please note, there are no picnicking facilities at this park, simply natural trails.
Kipton Reservation is a primitive, undeveloped reservation that once housed the city of Oberlin’s water supply and was known as the Kipton Reservoir. Today, most visitors use this reservation primarily for horseback riding through the 2.2-mile loop trail. The unimproved trails travel primarily through wooded areas, while going over a shallow river bank about 4 times. Please note, there are no facilities at this reservation aside from 1 shelter that is open to the public on a first come, first serve basis.
Wellington Reservation is a beautiful park that provides visitors with a 21-plus-acre lake for paddling as well as over 4 miles of crushed stone and natural trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The trails meander through the park’s grassland fields and wetland habitats and provide a different setting than the Park District’s other horseback-friendly parks. Along the trails, visitors are treated to a variety of vistas across the lake, from atop an elevated observation mound, and throughout the intermittent wetlands in the grassland prairies.
Parking for horse trailers is available in the gravel parking lot.
Boating is only allowed at the Wellington Reservation in the Reservoir. Visitors may bring their own non-gas motorized boats for fishing the South Reservoir.
Explore the Southern Wellington Reservoir with paddle boats offered at Lorain County Metro Parks' Wellington Reservation. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m in one-hour time blocks. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
These paddle boats are available to rent from the Wellington Reservation Boat Livery. Each paddle boat can hold four people and costs $5/hour. The paddle boats are available on a first come first serve basis and have a time limit of 1 hour. All passengers on the boats must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, which is provided. The Wellington Reservation Boat Livery is located at 535 Jones Rd, Wellington, Ohio 44090. Call (440) 420-6513 for more information.
**Life jackets are available but participants may bring their own U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets as a public health precaution**
The Lorain County Metro Parks offers Kayak rentals seasonally at Wellington Reservation, but also have numerous other locations that are strictly “bring your own boat” locations that allow Kayak and Canoe usage. Click the button below for more information about locations where you can enjoy the waterways in the Lorain County Metro Parks and in our county.
Wellington Reservation features a boat livery that is available to rent kayaks on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in one-hour time blocks. Kayak rentals are first come, first serve and are $15/hour for a single kayak and $25/hour for a tandem kayak.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the more popular activities in the Lorain County Metro Parks. There are several rivers and ponds to cast your rod. Anglers are reminded that a fishing license is required on all Lorain County Metro Parks waters.
Park district ponds located at Caley Reservation, Carlisle Reservation: Duck Pond, and Indian Hollow: Royal Oaks are restricted to catch and release fishing only. All other ponds, rivers, creeks, and Lake Erie are open for catch and keep fishing within the limitations of regulations set forth by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Visit ohiodnr.gov for details. An Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Waters may be closed to fishing as posted. Where fishing is permitted, it is subject to the statutes of the State of Ohio, except that the use of unattended hooks, traps, gigs, spears, or bows and arrows, fishing during hours the park is closed or in areas posted as such, is prohibited. Waters not controlled by state laws may be subject to special regulations. Ice fishing is prohibited on Park District waters.
Day’s Dam, 2720 East 31st St., Lorain, OH 44055
Bur Oak, 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035
High Meadows, 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035
The Black River makes it way through this reservation and contains primarily largemouth bass, steelhead, and channel catfish.
18207 West Rd., Wellington, OH 44090
Caley Reservation has two large ponds and Wellington Creek runs roughly through the middle of it. These waters contain primarily largemouth bass and various sunfish.
*Catch & Release only
Duck Pond, 12550 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Anglers can try their hand on the west branch of the Black River or at the Duck Pond* and fish for largemouth bass and various sunfish.
*Catch & Release only
387 Furnace St., Elyria, OH 44035
The Black River traverses through the park before breaking off into the east and west branches in the middle of Cascade Park. The river contains primarily largemouth bass, steelhead, and channel catfish.
25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028
Fishing is available in the Hitchcock Lake and the west branch of the Rocky River.
Pine Tree Picnic Area, 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, OH 44054
French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH 44054
The French Creek empties into the Black River and contains smaller fish.
Sheldon Woods, 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, OH 44044
Royal Oaks, 1057 Parsons Rd., Grafton, OH 44044
The east branch of the Black River snakes it way through Indian Hollow Reservation and contains mostly largemouth and small mouth bass and channel catfish.
Royal Oaks features 3 small ponds* for fishing.
*Catch & Release only
51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089
The Vermilion River winds through this park and is stocked each year with steelhead. You can also find small mouth bass and channel catfish in the river.
535 Jones Rd., Wellington, OH 44090
Bring your own non-gas motorized fishing boat or drop a line or two from the shore of the southern Wellington Reservoir, which holds largemouth bass, channel catfish and a lot of bluegill.
Hunting
Pheasant & Rabbit hunting are only allowed at Charlemont Reservation in Huntington Township during State of Ohio designated “open season." See below for more information.
Charlemont is a 757-acre undeveloped park in southern Lorain County and is the only reservation in the Lorain County Metro Parks district that allows hunting. The natural habitat at Charlemont includes forest, meadows and fields, successional and some wetland areas. Two small headwater streams, Buck and Charlemont Creeks, run roughly south to north through the reservation. You must follow hunting regulations. No other hunting is allowed in the metro parks. Click or tap the button below for more hunting information from the ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources).
Geocaching
Geocaching is a treasure hunting sport where people use GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) units to find caches that have been hidden. Geocachers use a handheld GPS unit and known coordinates to find the hidden caches. This cache hunt is an entertaining adventure game. Caches are set up all over the world and the locations are shared online at www.geocaching.com.
Geocaching is permitted in most of our parks. In order to keep participants safe and caches maintained, all geocaches must have a Lorain County Metro Park's permit. Caches are not permitted at our recreation centers, golf courses, inside buildings/facilities, or at Schoepfle Garden or Sandy Ridge Reservation.
All Geocache containers must be clearly marked with the word "Geocache", the permit number, and "Authorized On" date of permit. Caches must also be registered at www.geocaching.com.
Permits for caches are good for a period of one year from the permit date. At that time a new permit must be requested and the cache must be updated with the new permit number and date. Unauthorized or unmaintained caches will be removed and disposed.
Please contact the administration office at (440) 458-5121 or pr@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions related to geocaching.
There is no fee for a geocache permit.
These additional rules will apply to all geocache permits:
Caches may not be buried, but must be located above ground in a location that does not place the visiting public at risk of injury or harm and does not damage any tree, vegetation or natural feature.
Caches may not be placed in any location that interferes with maintenance or resource management objectives.
The Lorain County Metro Parks retains the right to limit the number and density of caches.
The placement of a “Premium Member-only Geocache” will not be permitted on LCMP lands. All caches on LCMP lands shall be available to the public without a fee.
Maximum size of cache containers shall not exceed 600 cubic inches of capacity. Minimum size of cache containers shall not be less than 50 cubic inches of capacity.
Cache containers may only contain a log book and non-perishable, family-friendly items.
Cache seekers or cache owners must abide by all other rules and regulations.
