Seiberling Nature Realm

The F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is 104 acres of nature to study and enjoy. Located within the Sand Run Metro Parks, it features a visitors' center, hiking trails, three ponds, gardens, and an array of special programs throughout the year.

Trails:

The Nature Realm features 2.3 miles of trails rated from easy to moderate with clearly marked signs throughout the park. Stroll the beautifully-landscaped grounds where you will enjoy seasonal flowers and flowering trees, a rock and herb garden with display pond, a 16-acre Arboretum with 300 species of shrubs and trees, vine arbors overflowing with flowers, and many other plant life displays.

Many of the trails are paved, while others are non-paved including ones leading to the 110-foot-long suspension bridge that crosses over a 45-foot-deep ravine. Pets, bicycles and sports equipment are not permitted.

Wildlife:

This park is a true nature's paradise for both people and animals to enjoy. There are three pond observation decks where the fish and turtles swim up to the deck to greet you. Don't be surprised if you see a deer walking about unafraid of you, bunnies hopping about, squirrels scurrying to and fro, ducks splashing in the water, and if you hold out you hand, a bird might just land on it. It isn't uncommon to spy red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures high in the trees. After dark, be cautious as there are coyotes and other animals that can be unpredictable.

Seiberling Nature Realm's Visitors Center:

The 9,400 square foot Visitor's Center (pictured above) is an underground building with various exhibits and displays of animals and plants native to our region. There is a seasonal display that explains behavioral patterns of the animals, an observational beehive where you can watch the busy insects at work, and a bird-feeding window.

Visit the animal room where there are live animals native to Ohio including several kinds of snakes and turtles. Every 5 months, there is a feature exhibit. The current exhibit is on research on the chickadees that can be found at the Nature Realm.

Park Programs:

Join the naturalists on bird or butterfly watching hike; attend a bonfire talk; attend one of the many children's programs; enter the park's photography exhibits; take a workshop; or sit back and relax while watching movie screening. Seiberling Nature Realm offers many scheduled programs throughout the year.

Photography:

With the beautiful scenes to behold, many choose to have professional wedding and family portraits taken on the grounds. A permit is required for all professional photography.

Contact Information:

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
1828 Smith Rd.
Akron, OH 44313
330-865-8065 or 330-865-8060

Hours and Admission:

The park is open daily from 6am to 11pm. The visitor's Center is open Monday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from noon to 5pm, except holidays. Admission is free.

Getting There:

From Cleveland: Take I-77 S to Ghent Rd (Exit 138), Merge onto Ghent Rd.; turn Left on Smith Rd
From Akron: Take Rt 18; turn Left onto Shiawassee Ave; turn Right onto Smith Rd.

^{(Last updated 5-8-08)}