Equestrian Trail Improvement Project at Vickers Nature Preserve

Through coordinated efforts, Mill Creek MetroParks personnel and Buckeye Horse Park volunteers successfully completed a trail improvement project at Vickers Nature Preserve, a 262-acre preserve located on Akron-Canfield Road (Route 224) in Ellsworth Township. The project consisted of creating a well-marked and cohesive trail system to be enjoyed by both first time and seasoned trail users. The marked trails consist of an outer loop (Buckeye Trail, 2.2 miles), an inner loop (Creekside Trail, 1.1 miles), Red Gate Trail (0.30 miles), and Midland Trail (0.31 miles). The newly installed trail markers consist of (8) trailhead signs, (9) access signs, (3) parking lot signs, (1) interpretative education sign, and color-coded directional markers at each trail intersection.

This partnership project between Buckeye Horse Park and Mill Creek MetroParks was funded through a 2017 STEP Grant. The $2910.00 grant, awarded by the American Quarter Horse Association, aimed to enhance the overall trail experience throughout Vickers Nature Preserve for both hikers and equestrian riders.