5 Best Nature Spots Around Hermitage, PA

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine after being cooped up indoors all winter long. If you’ve missed being out in nature, then you’re likely on the hunt for some good spots to reconnect with the outdoors. That’s why we had our team put together a list of some of the best places to go if you want to be one with nature this spring. So here it is, our top nature spots in Hermitage, PA, that you don’t want to miss.

Buhl Park

Location: 715 Hazen Road, Hermitage, PA

Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (spring hours)

Spanning 270 acres, Buhl Park is a jewel in Hermitage. It offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, including green spaces, trails, lake views, and an off-leash dog park. Most of the trails are easy and only a mile or less, so take a short walk or hit up more than one trail to make it a workout. If you walk the entire perimeter of Buhl Park, you’ll have accomplished a 2.5-mile trek. After your walk, consider practicing your swing at the only free nine-hole golf course in the nation.

When the temperatures really rise, you can also swim at the outdoor pool, while cooler days and evenings are an ideal time to let the kids run around in the playground to burn off some energy before bed. Warmer months also allow the park to rent out paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes so you can find a tranquil spot to watch nature.

Mosquito Lake State Park

Location: 1439 Wilson Sharpsville Road, Cortland, OH

Hours: Open 24 hours

Mosquito Lake is one of Ohio’s largest lakes, with a surface area of over 7,000 acres. The land area of Mosquito Lake State Park comprises 2,483 acres. So true nature enthusiasts will have much to explore when they visit this unique location. Book a stay at one of the 218 campsites that provide visitors with power and water connections right at the site. Bring your boat so you can get out on the lake and fish for walleye, bass, and northern pike, or just enjoy the shores from a different perspective.

Plan to hike or bike all or part of the 5 miles of multi-use trails in the park. This gives you the opportunity to see one of the many species that call the park home. You may catch a glimpse of a red fox, woodchuck, muskrat, beaver, fox squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, or white-tailed deer as you explore Mosquito Lake State Park.

Maurice K. Goddard State Park

Location: 684 Lake Wilhelm Road, Sandy Lake, PA

Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset

While Maurice K. Goddard State Park is open all year and can be a fun place to sled or ice skate during colder months, the park really starts to shine during the spring months. You can take your boat out on Lake Wilhelm, which spreads across 1,680 acres. This lets you spend the day fishing or exploring by water. If you prefer to stick to land, hike some of the 16 miles of trails in the park. They go along the shoreline of the lake, through forests, and past fields.

As you explore, you may see wildflowers in bloom, and there are sure to be signs of wildlife everywhere. Noteworthy birds you may get to see include the loon, merganser, and bufflehead, but also keep your eye out for the American woodchuck and common nighthawk.

Pymatuning State Park

Location: Several access points around the reservoir in both Ohio and Pennsylvania

Hours: Depends on the location

Pymatuning State Park is a 14,000-acre reservoir that offers ample opportunities to take in nature. Multiple boat launch access points make it easy to get out on the water for that calm feeling that will help you feel refreshed. If you decide to drop in  a line, you might be treated to some of the best walleye and muskie fishing around. Visit the nature center and find out about the nature programs it offers. These programs run throughout the year and can help you learn more about the reservoir and the plants and animals that live in the park.

A campground with electric and nonelectric sites makes the perfect spot from which to launch your adventure. Because Pymatuning State Park is spread out over a large area, you’ll want to plan for plenty of time to get around and see all that you can. If you can only make it for the day, make sure to pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the several shaded picnic areas found around the reservoir.

Mill Creek Metroparks

Location: Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown, OH

Hours: daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There are endless ways to connect with nature at Mill Creek Metroparks. Biking and hiking are excellent ways to explore the park. Check out a little bit of the park’s 45 miles of trails every time you visit. You’ll find both paved and unpaved trails that range in difficulty, length, and popularity. There are paths that make their way around most of Mill Creek — the creek that runs through the park.

Along the trails, you’ll encounter historic sites, such as Lanternman’s Mill and a covered bridge; see breathtaking views, such as the one from Mill Creek Gorge; and stroll through a public 12-acre garden that has many flowers in bloom this time of year. You can also stop by the Ford Nature Center to see what programs are available or pick up something from the gift shop.

Whether you’re a nature lover or just someone looking to get a breath of fresh air now that the snow is starting to melt, these are some of the must-visit nature spots in and around Hermitage. If you know of any other locations we should check out when we need to reconnect with nature, we’d love to hear about them. Contact us so we can learn more about your favorite spot and maybe go see for ourselves why you like it so much.

Image by Ally Griffin is licensed with Unsplash License