There is a roughly circular walking trail in the park with several designated access areas including the Coventry Oaks section with access from South Main Street at Axline Avenue, the Walking Course, and Sled Hill area with access from Warner Road, the Tuscarawas Area with access just around the corner from Harrington Road, and the Little Turtle Pond area with access also from Harrington Road. The Walking Course and the Tuscarawas Areas provide access to the Walking Course that runs between the very narrow Tuscarawas River and the Tuscarawas Race (locally known just as “the race”) and is probably the most productive section of the trail for birders.

Almost every warbler that can be found in Ohio during migration can be found here, including several vireo species, Yellow- and Black-billed Cuckoo, and various thrushes.

Dairy cows once grazed the hillsides of the area known today as Firestone Metro Park. In 1949, Metro Parks received a gift of 89 acres from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Acquisitions of nearby parcels expanded the park to 258 acres.

In 1956, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources completed the construction of a nearby dam, intended to create a reservoir for industrial water needs. As the reservoir of the adjacent Firestone Golf Course filled, the water table rose downstream, forming the large wetland and marshy meadows of Firestone Metro Park. Along with the Tuscarawas River and Tuscarawas Race, which once channeled water to the Ohio & Erie Canal, the area is home to fish, crayfish, frogs, and turtles.

The meadows and forest shelter foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, muskrats, rabbits, mice, voles, and moles, along with many beautiful summer and fall wildflowers. More than 175 bird species have been sighted in Firestone Metro Park, including various types of wrens, thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers, herons, and ducks. A number of different raptors –- including bald eagles -– have also been spotted.

Firestone Metro Park Trails
There are three trails in the Firestone Metro Park.

Redwing Trail – 1.1 miles
The loop off of the Willow Trail shares peaceful views of the Tuscarawas River and goes over a wetland on a wooden boardwalk.

Willow Trail – 1.6 miles
Willow Trail loops past an ancient sandhill left behind a pre-glacial sea, Little Turtle Pond, where young anglers 15 and under can fish, wetlands, the Tuscarawas River, and the Tuscarawas Race. This trail is a favorite for birdwatchers and plant enthusiasts.

Walking Course – .9 mile
The easy walking course from Warner Road to Coventry Oaks Lodge is a favorite among seniors and young families. It passes the Tuscarawas Race and the sled hill area where the trail may be wet but is a wildlife bonanza.