The best walks and hikes in Youngstown Eastside Open Space Preserve
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106
hikers
12
hikes
Hiking in Youngstown Eastside Open Space Preserve is characterized by a mix of open fields, dense woodlands, and established parks. The region features the scenic Mill Creek gorge, providing riverside paths and forested areas. The geology, shaped by glaciers, has left a uniform plain with valleys carved by rivers and fertile terrain.
Best hiking trails in Youngstown Eastside Open Space Preserve
- The most popular hiking route is Mill Creek Suspension Bridge – Lanterman's Mill loop from Mill Creek Park,…
Last updated: May 1, 2026
4.0
(2)
17
hikers
7.78km
02:01
50m
50m
Embark on a moderate hike along the East Newport Hike & Bike Trail, a 4.8-mile (7.8 km) route that offers gentle terrain and paved, asphalt-surfaced paths. You will gain 159…
5.0
(2)
14
hikers
5.30km
01:23
50m
30m
Discover the East Cohasset Trail, an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) hike that offers a refreshing escape into nature. You will gain a gentle 154 feet (47 metres) in elevation, making…
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5.0
(2)
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
8
hikers
6.12km
01:38
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
5.96km
01:32
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Youngstown Eastside Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
Lanterman's Mill is a historic grist mill in Mill Creek Park. German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly established the mill in 1845. Today, it stands as a tourist attraction, educational museum, and historical landmark. Mill Creek, which flows under the mill and turns the large waterwheel to grind grain.
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From this point on West Cohasset Drive, peer through the trees down to the cascading Lake Cohasset Dam.
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This two-story sandstone structure is available for events but otherwise can be enjoyed from the outside, making it a pleasant spot for picnics or photos.
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Lake Cohasset, the oldest among Mill Creek Park’s lakes, was constructed in 1897. It covers 28 acres, and it is surrounded by hemlock trees. Popular activities here are hiking, fishing, boating, and biking.
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The Mill Creek Park Suspension Bridge is a link connecting the east and west sides of Mill Creek Park. The bridge was built in 1895 by Charles Fowler of the Youngstown Bridge Co. Spanning an 86-foot-long and 32-foot-wide bridge, this suspension bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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Lanterman Falls Covered Bridge is one of Mahoning County’s most historic and photographed landmarks. It's nice to visit all year; summer brings bright green forests; autumn brings a rainbow of colors to the trees; and winter has wreaths hung up on the bridge. It was constructed between 1845 and 1846 by German Lanterman and Samuel Kimberly.
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Lake Newport, the largest among Mill Creek Park's three lakes, has 60 acres of open water and 40 acres of wetlands. The lake is popular for boating and fishing activities, with kayak rentals available and a boat launch for accessibility. Bikers can enjoy riding around the lake via West Newport Drive and East Newport Drive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in the area's parks, including Mill Creek MetroParks, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.
What is the difference between the Eastside Open Space Preserve and Mill Creek Park?
The Youngstown Eastside Open Space Preserve is a more rustic and less-developed area with open fields and woodlands, offering a quiet, natural escape. In contrast, Mill Creek MetroParks is a large, established park system with a well-maintained network of 45 miles of trails, historic sites like Lanterman's Mill, and more amenities.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly hikes?
Absolutely. The majority of trails in the area are rated as easy. A great option for beginners is the Willow Island loop from Hopkins Heights. It's a relatively flat and straightforward walk that provides a good introduction to the local scenery.
Can I find any waterfalls on the hiking trails?
Yes, the most notable waterfall is Lanterman's Falls, located next to the historic Lanterman's Mill within Mill Creek Park. Many of the popular trails in the park, such as the Gorge Trail, offer excellent views of the falls and the surrounding creek.
Are there any family-friendly or stroller-friendly trails?
For a paved, stroller-friendly path, the East Golf Hike & Bike Trail is an excellent choice. It's a converted road that is now dedicated to walking and biking. For a more traditional park setting with playgrounds and picnic areas, Boardman Park is a popular destination for families.
Where can I park to access the trails?
For trails within Mill Creek MetroParks, there are numerous parking lots available near major trailheads and attractions like Lanterman's Mill and the Ford Nature Center. If you're heading to the East Golf Hike & Bike Trail, the Route 224 Trailhead is a popular starting point, though it can get busy.
What's a good circular walk in the area?
The area is well-known for its scenic loop trails. For a great circular route that showcases some of the park's key features, consider the Lanterman's Mill – Mill Creek Suspension Bridge loop from Mill Creek Park. This walk takes you along the creek and past several landmarks.
Is this a good area for birdwatching?
Yes, the region offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. The McGuffey Wildlife Preserve is a 78-acre retreat known for sightings of eastern bluebirds, wild turkeys, and barred owls. Additionally, the Mill Creek Preserve features wetland habitats that attract a variety of bird species.
What do other hikers enjoy about this area?
The trail network is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the beautiful scenery along the Mill Creek gorge, the well-maintained paths within Mill Creek MetroParks, and the peaceful atmosphere of the less-developed green spaces.
How many hiking trails are in the Youngstown Eastside area?
You can find over a dozen designated hiking routes in and around the Youngstown Eastside Open Space Preserve. Most of these are concentrated in the highly popular Mill Creek MetroParks, offering a variety of lengths and scenery, with the vast majority being easy-to-walk paths.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
The diverse habitats, from open fields to dense woodlands and wetlands, support a variety of wildlife. Besides numerous bird species, it's common to see squirrels, chipmunks, and deer. The Ford Nature Center offers educational exhibits on the local flora and fauna you might encounter on your hike.
Are there any bike trails?
Yes, besides hiking, there are dedicated paths for cycling. The MetroParks Bikeway offers a longer-distance cycling route, and the East Golf Hike & Bike Trail is a popular paved path suitable for both cyclists and walkers.
Most popular routes in Youngstown Eastside Open Space Preserve
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