Hoffman Forest MetroPark

Hoffman Forest MetroPark was originally purchased by Dr. and Mrs. Lowell Hoffman in 1976, who leased the property to Erie MetroParks starting in 1995. In late 2015, working with Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the land was permanently acquired by Erie MetroParks and continues to reflect the original owners' commitment to conservation and environmental education., Two intermittent branches of Old Woman Creek run through the property, making it part of a rare freshwater estuary with a wooded stream corridor. It has a run of steelhead trout in the spring, and several less common creatures have been found over the years including Mink, Fox Snakes and Box Turtles. The stream area is also a diverse area for plants., Hoffman Forest MetroPark is a prime example of reforestation. Dr. Hoffman planted many White Pine and Red Oak trees - a legacy that lives along side many 100+ year old trees that early settlers planted for lumber use. The MetroPark is also home to Ohio Buckeye, Spicebush, Osage Orange and Paw-Paw Trees., In 2016, The Friends of Erie MetroParks adopted Hoffman Forest. Through their generosity and hard work, stairs were added to make the PawPaw Trail more accessible. They also uncovered the foundation of an old barn and created what is now called the "Rustic Retreat", near the parking lot.