Pond View Trail Hike Overview
- Length: .8 miles (1.29 km) loop
- Hiking Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 0 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Summer. When wildlife is more frequent, and the weather is more enjoyable.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for all ages
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Pond View Trailhead. 10303 Aurora Hudson Road, Streetsboro, Ohio 44241
Pond View Trail Guide
Pond View Trail (Tinkers Creek State Park)
Pond View Trail is an 8-mile loop that starts at the Pond View Trailhead in the heart of Tinkers Creek State Park. You can access this trailhead off of Aurora-Hudson Road on Kinsman Road.
To begin, pull into a small parking lot right off of Kinsman Road. This parking lot is small, and you can’t miss it as the road dead ends (you can’t drive further).
To start, you can hike clockwise or counterclockwise. Either direction has zero elevation, and it is recommended to go counterclockwise to get a better view of the lake and forest.
As you leave your car, take a right at the pavilion onto the grass path. You will immediately have a beautiful view of the lake and quickly be surrounded by lush brush and greenery.
You will trek on a well-maintained and even grass path and over two wooden footboards before you get to a straight grass path.
This straight path is filled with trees, brush, greenlands, and the occasional bird and deer throughout the seasons. You can also stop by any point to go fishing or observe the wonderful lake.
After about 1/3 mile, you will curve to the left again, with different angles of the lake and more of the same woodland type. You will quickly take another left and head back to the pavilion.
During this 1/4 mile stretch, you can picnic at several picnic tables, find more fishing spots, and before you know it, you’ll be back to the trailhead. As you return to the trailhead there is also a nice spot to put in a boat (non-motor) or spend time in the pavilion.
Alternative Option
If you enjoy what Pond View Trail has to offer, but it’s not long enough, it is recommended to hike the Seven Ponds Trail in the Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve Area.
The benefits of this hike are that you get the following:
- It offers everything the Pond View Trail provides but with a longer trail (1.8 miles).
- It offers more waterfront views. Although the trail is named Seven Ponds, there are many more ponds and streams than that. This provides the perfect opportunity for bird and mammal sightings.
- More remote. You’ll find fewer people and noise on this trail than on any other trail in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is an easy hike for children of all ages, especially given the zero elevation.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
This hike is super easy, with zero elevation over .8 miles.
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, the summer is the best time of year for foliage, wildlife, and so much more!
Deer, turkeys, coyotes, owls, hawks, and fish!
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how hilly this trail is. It is flat and great practice for cross country.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
Yes, while there are no trail markers on this trail, it is well-maintained and impossible to get lost if you follow the lake.
You will park at the Pond View Trailhead parking lot off Kinsman Road.
No, a permit is not needed. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.
Because the trail is long, it is recommended that only water be carried. You can also bring a fishing pole if you would like.
This is one of the least crowded trails in one of the least crowded state parks in Ohio.
Pond View Trail Map
Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Pond View Trail is to input Tinkers Creek State Park (10303 Aurora Hudson Road, Streetsboro, Ohio 44241) into your phone and GPS, as the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Pond View Trailhead parking lot, you will travel north or south on Aurora Hudson Road. You will turn right or left into the Kinsman parking lot, and the trailhead will be on your right.
Learn More About Ohio Hikes
While the Pond View Trail is a beautiful hike in Tinkers Creek State Park, visitors can enjoy numerous popular hikes within a 30-minute drive. Some of the hikes in local community parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park include:
