The park preserves the site of the former Johnnycake Lock, which was part of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal infrastructure.
The name 'Furnace Run' refers to the historic 1800s iron furnace industry that utilized the stream to power bellows and machinery.
The park's geology includes exposed Chagrin Shale, a sedimentary rock formation dating back to the Late Devonian period.
Brushwood Lake, located within the park, was originally created as an ice pond for industrial use before being repurposed for recreation.
The park is a primary component of a larger protected green corridor that connects to nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park lands.
Furnace Run Metro Park is a 730-acre natural preserve in Richfield, Ohio, managed by the Summit Metro Parks system. The park is characterized by its deep, wooded ravines and the historic Furnace Run creek, which winds through a landscape defined by shale cliffs and mature hardwood forests. It features the Brushwood Area, which serves as a hub for both passive recreation and environmental education. The park's topography was significantly shaped by glacial activity, resulting in varied elevation changes and diverse micro-habitats. Visitors utilize a network of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and nature photography. The site provides a critical protected corridor for local wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and numerous migratory bird species. The area is named for the 19th-century iron smelting operations that once relied on the local stream's water power and iron ore deposits.
The wooden footbridge spanning Furnace Run near the Brushwood Area provides the most iconic view of the creek and surrounding forest.
Wear waterproof hiking boots, as the valley trails frequently cross small streams and can remain muddy for days after rainfall.
Bring binoculars, as the diversity of deciduous trees makes this an excellent spot for woodland birding during migration seasons.
Check the official Summit Metro Parks website for trail maps before arriving, as some interior paths are not heavily signed.
Do not attempt to scramble down the steep, unmarked shale cliffs near the creek as they are prone to crumbling.
Open daily from dawn to dusk; some interior hiking trails may close seasonally during spring thaw to prevent soil erosion.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive erosion-prone slopes; carry out all trash; leashed pets are permitted.
