Seven Ponds Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 1.8 miles (2.89 km) loop
- Hiking Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 25 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Summer. The weather is more enjoyable, and wildlife is more frequent in the wetlands and ponds.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for all ages
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Seven Ponds Trailhead. 1230 Old Mill Road, Aurora, Ohio 44202
Seven Ponds Trail Guide
Seven Ponds Trail (Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve)
Seven Pond Trail is a beautiful 1.8-mile loop that starts at the Seven Pond Trailhead in the heart of Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve. You can access this trailhead off Old Mill Road.
To begin, pull into the small parking lot right off Old Mill Road. This parking lot comes up right before or right after the railroad tracks (depending on the direction you are coming from). You will then want to cross the road to start the trail.
As you enter the trail, you will notice that it is a double-wide path made of compact dirt (and sometimes limestone), making it the perfect trail to avoid puddles and mud during the rainy season.
As you hike on this trail, you will notice it is incredibly flat and straight for approximately 3/4 mile. You will pass through an entire wooded forest of maple, evergreen, and much more. The railroad tracks are always in sight throughout this section; you may even witness a train. Not only that, but there are small vernal pools along the way, making it a perfect place in the spring to witness the salamander migration.
After 3/4 of a mile, you will quickly come up one of the first ponds on your left-hand side and a bench. This is a great spot to rest briefly or allow children to enjoy the view if hiking with a family. Don’t stay too long, though, as you are about to come upon an abundance of ponds.
After stopping at this pond, you will continue to hike straight for another few minutes before you can turn left to begin your loop. During this section, your eyes will be filled with marshlands and ponds. As you hike, you will experience numerous ponds with unique features. Keep an eye out for different types of wildlife and plants around these bodies of water.
Within about 5 minutes or 1/10 of a mile, you will come upon an intersection where you can either take a left and follow the loop back to the main trail or take a right to a lookout. It is recommended you take the additional 5-minute hike to the lookout. Here, you will have a broad view of the scenery and how Mother Nature has carved out the plateau surrounding you. Again, this is an excellent area to visit in spring evenings when spring peepers fill the air.
After taking a break at the bench at the overlook, head back the way you came. You will then take a right at the intersection and follow the loop back to the main trail. Expect more views of bodies of water during this section. In addition, this is very well maintained, making it one of the best hikes in Ohio in winter.
Once you are back on the main trail, you have another 3/4 mile back to the parking lot. Take your time, enjoy more rest at the numerous benches, and keep an eye out for deer, hawks, and other wildlife that frequent this area.
Alternative Option
If you enjoy what Seven Ponds Trail offers but want something shorter, check out Pond View Trail in Tinkers Creek State Park.
The benefits of this hike are that you get the following:
- Beautiful views of a large pond during the entire .8-mile hike.
- There are lots of benches you can sit on throughout the whole loop.
- Fishing. You cannot fish at the Seven Ponds Trail but at the Pond View Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is an easy hike for children of all ages, especially given the zero elevation, ponds, and wildlife.
This hike is super easy, with 25 feet of elevation over 1.8 miles.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
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!
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how flat this trail is. It is flat and great practice for trail running.
Deer, coyotes, bald eagles, beavers, owls, hawks, and fish!
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
You will park at the Seven Ponds Trailhead parking lot off of Old Mill road.
Yes, this is a well-marked and maintained trail you cannot get lost on.
No, a permit is not needed. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.
This is one of the least crowded trails in one of the least crowded community parks in Ohio.
This is an easy trail, so you should only bring water and a light snack
Seven Ponds Trail Map
Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Seven Ponds Trail is to input it into your phone (1230 Old Mill Road, Aurora, Ohio 44202) into your phone and GPS, as the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Seven Ponds Trailhead parking lot, you will travel west or east on Old Mill Road. You will turn right or left into the Seven Ponds Trailhead parking lot.
Learn More About Ohio Hikes
While the Seven Ponds Trail is a beautiful hike in Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve, 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:
