Our walks are designed to be educational and fun, featuring Twinsburg’s unique natural areas. As a result, they are slow-paced. For a heart-strengthening hike, try our Meadow & Woodland Trails in Liberty Park and the footpaths and bike path in Center Valley Park. Questions? Call the naturalist at 330.963.8704.
Schedule Enhancement: As the Metro Parks, Serving Summit County prepares for a future trail and nature center opening at Liberty Park, opportunities for the Twinsburg public will be enhanced. Beginning with this schedule, updated and new hikes will be offered in anticipation of these future developments. Some of the past Twinsburg hikes may return in the future but we think you’ll enjoy what we are offering this season. We’ll be listening to your responses as these innovative experiences are offered. Length of time listed is an estimate. Do understand that time should be allowed for unforeseen variations.
Jan. 22 – “Top of the South Ledges Hike” 2pm
Metro Parks and the Twinsburg naturalist will explore, off trail, an area seldom visited by the public. We’ll be looking for signs of wintering animals and perhaps hear the daylight call of an owl as they prepare for nesting. Somewhat rugged conditions; where the land is returning to forest after being grazed and planted in orchards. Binoculars, sturdy winter clothing recommended. Meet at the ball field parking area – Liberty Park. About 2 hrs expected.
Jan. 28 – “Winter Naturalist’s Utopia” 1pm
Naturalists from the Metro Parks and City of Twinsburg will combine to lead this walk into one of the most spectacular areas of Liberty Park. We’ll be seeking rare northern birds and signs or tracks of other animals in either mud or snow, so wear waterproof boots and bring cameras and binoculars. A snack and water recommended as this hike will be about 3 hrs in duration. Meet at the Buttonbush Trailhead, Pond Brook Conservation Area, Rt. 82, east of Twinsburg.
March 24 – “Signs and Sounds of Spring” 7pm
Search for the signs of early spring along the boardwalk and “living skin” of the ledges, while hiking the 1.1-mile Ledges Trail with Metro Park and Twinsburg naturalists. Bring your favorite flashlight (check the batteries!). Twinsburg Ledges parking area, intersection of Post and Liberty Roads. About 2 hrs.
Feb. 10 – “Under The Stars Hike” 6pm
Metro Park naturalist Sarah Matheny and the Twinsburg naturalist will lead a night journey on the beautiful Buttonbush Trail. Owls will be nesting now, so their calls may be a high point of the walk. An outdoor walk in February is a memory maker and a way to clear the mind of winter’s doldrums. Bundle-up, grab a flashlight and join us for this adventure under a winter night’s sky. Meet at Buttonbush Trailhead, Pond Brook Conservation Area, Rt. 82, east of Twinsburg. Expect about a 2 hr. adventure.
Feb. 12 – “Winter Naturalist’s Utopia” 1pm (repeat outing) see Jan. 28 description
Feb. 25 – “Top of the South Ledges Hike” 2pm (repeat outing) see
Jan. 22 description
March 25 – “Double Lives” 3pm
A Metro Parks naturalist and the Twinsburg naturalist will peek into the vernal pools in the Pond Brook Conservation Area. Knee boots are recommended as we plan to get a little wet and muddy, seeking a close view of these areas. Bring binoculars and camera, as this is a special time of year for observations of everything natural. Meet at the Rt. 82 parking lot, between Twinsburg and Aurora. 2 hrs.
April 18 – “Heart-Healthy Hike” 10am
Metro Park naturalist Sarah Matheny and the Twinsburg naturalist will lead a stroll along the new Ledges Trail (1.1-mi). Good for both heart and soul, this hike will offer opportunities for attendees to ask questions about nature and the park itself. Elder walkers are encouraged to attend. Meet at the Liberty Park trailhead, intersection of Post and Liberty Roads. 1.5 – 2 hrs.
April 29 – “Birding with the Best” 10am
Veteran birders, Larry Rosche and Judy Semroc will be partnering with the Twinsburg naturalist for a special morning of bird watching in Liberty Park. Join us as we learn in the best way possible, by experience with these two experts. Questions about equipment? Here’s an opportunity to get answers. Meet at the Rt. 82 parking lot, between Twinsburg and Aurora. About 2 hrs.
May 4 – “Sounds of Nighttime Nature I” 8pm
The salamanders have now ended their commute to the vernal pools and other amphibians congregate to take their turn in the waters of Center Valley Park. We’ll be taking a slow paced walk along the bike path to listen and look for the mid-springtime inhabitants. Flashlights necessary and rubber boots (if you intend to look closely) recommended but boots are simply an option. Photographic opportunities are likely.
Meet at Dodge School parking area of the bike path. About 2 hrs.
May 6 – “Wildflowers at the Ledges” 2pm
Metro Parks and Twinsburg’s naturalists will search for the beauties, which have made their way back to this now protected land. Feel free to bring along your wildflower and fern guides to become more comfortable in using them. Bird migration will also be in full swing, so binoculars and cameras recommended. Meet at the Twinsburg Ledges parking lot, at the intersection of Liberty and Post Roads. About 2 hrs.
May 11– “Sounds of Nighttime Nature II” 8pm
See May 4 description
May 20 – “Birding in Liberty Park” 8am
There’s never enough time to view springtime birds, so put this morning opportunity on your calendar. A light rain often makes the bird watching even better, as they drop lower in the trees to locate insects. So, rain or shine, we’ll be seeking the colorful migrant bird species as they seek both nest sites and food. A cooperative hike, shared by Metro Park and Twinsburg naturalists, meet at the Rt. 82 parking lot, between Twinsburg and Aurora. About 2 hrs.
Too busy to get out on the trails? Enjoy reading about our local nature in Nature Passages found here.