It's done !

The Towpath Trail's last leg through Summit County was dedicated Wednesday at the Wolf Creek Trailhead in Barberton. Nate Eppink of Metro Parks Serving Summit County tells AkronNewsNow this is a first for the Towpath Trail. " We are the first county along that stretch, that entire 110 mile distance to finish the Towpath Trail. We're the first, and hopefully it inspires the other counties, the other park partners to continue the work."

Eppink says the final point-six mile stretch of the trail means county residents can hike or ride a bike from Sagamore Hills all the way to the Stark County line.

Nate Eppink says the Towpath Trail is popular through Summit County. "Our multi-use trails between the Towpath and our hike and bike trail are among our more popular assets, our more popular facilities. so this will no doubt help us in the long run, and also the residents of Summit County," says Eppink.

With the snow falling, winter sports enthusiasts are excited they can go out and enjoy some outdoor activities.

Metro Parks Serving Summit County spokesman Nate Eppink says there's just a handful of winter sports locations open currently.

"We only have three winter sports locations open as of now with Cascade Valley, Sand Run and Furnace Run open for sledding."

"A few of the ice skating areas aren't open right now because we don't have enough ice."

Cross-country skiing is also available.

Eppink says it's not just traditional winter activities that bring people to the parks.

"Of course people enjoy hiking year-round, so the trails unless otherwise noted are always open."

There are no rentals at any of the Metro Parks Serving Summit County, so when you go, be sure to bring your own sleds, ice skates and skis.

Eppink says visitors are usually down during the winter months, but those who enjoy the outdoors when it's snowing will always come out.

"Winter is our slowest period simply because of the temperatures, not everyone likes snow, " he says.

"On a good day when it's a little closer to freezing and there's some good snow on the ground, you will see people out at the sledding hills and ice skating areas."

More information on winter sports activities can be found on the web site for Metro Parks Serving Summit County.

Grab your hiking shoes! The Metro Parks Serving Summit County unveiled its latest addition to its roster on Tuesday: the Twinsburg Ledges at Liberty Park.

The Ledges includes a trail and picturesque view of water, similar to the Gorge Metro Park.

"It's really like walking through a pre-historic woods," Nate Eppink said, spokesperson.

Now open to visitors, Eppink describes the Ledges as having "very dramatic, awesome sandstone out-cropping rock ledges."

Twinsburg Ledges is the home to endangered species including bats and bald eagles. While the trail at this park isn't included the in Fall Hiking Spree, Eppink said it can be walked as a hiker's choice trail for the annual program.

The 48th year of the Fall Hiking Spree is underway and lasts until Nov. 30. Hikers are required to complete eight different trails in the Metro Parks.

Participation in the program is free to Summit County residents.

Find a sign-up form here.

“We want people to explore the outdoors and see what Summit County has to offer,” Eppink said.

Top Picks for Viewing Fall Foliage:

• O’Neil Woods
• Hampton Hills
• Gorge
• Cascade Valley
• Sand Run

“I could list every one of the parks, because really in each place there’s a unique spot and great vantage point of some fall color,” he said.

On the Web: www.summitmetroparks.org