Discover your back yard: Summit Lake Loop Trail
Dave Daly, Lead Naturalist
A fall hike along Summit Lake Loop Trail is an enchanting experience. As summer gives way to autumn, cooler temperatures and shorter days prevail. Late-season flowers like goldenrod and swamp mallow color the landscape. Deciduous oaks, cottonwoods and maples will take on brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red as leaves change color and the trees prepare for winter dormancy.
Look for early-season migratory songbirds like thrushes and warblers in September. In October, later-season dabblers like wood ducks and teals will gather in groups on the water in preparation for their migratory trip south to their winter homes.
As you cross the canal to the west side of the lake under Kenmore Boulevard, take note of the model canal boat on 1st Street and appreciate the history and former use of the lake as an industrial thruway that ignited Ohio’s growth and economic importance. Don’t forget to say “hi” to the Let’s Grow Akron chickens as you cross Harvey Avenue and continue your journey! There is so much to see and experience at Summit Lake.
For more stories like this, check out Green Islands Magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.
