Quail Hollow is a 701-acre landscape of rolling meadows, marshes, pine and deciduous woods surrounding a 40-room manor. Scenic woodland trails, gardens and the house offer a variety of natural and cultural experiences for visitors.
History:
The turn of the 19th century witnessed the coming of frontiersmen to northeastern Ohio. Although the land was still wilderness, the American Indians were already being forced westward. Tribes native to what is now Stark County, principally the Delawares, were virtually gone by 1810.
One of the earliest settlers to enter the region was Conrad Brumbaugh. His first home on the new property was built around 1820 on land that was to become the park.
Acquisition of the Brumbaugh homestead and other properties, ultimately totaling 720 acres, was begun in 1914 by Harry Bartlett Stewart. The Stewart's original tract, adjacent to the Brumbaugh homestead, was called the Minnie Taylor Farm after Harry Stewart's wife.
The small farm house on the Minnie Taylor Farm was built in 1838. During the first few years the Stewards owned it, the home was used mainly on weekends during the autumn hunting season. By 1929, additions to the farm house and construction of its two neighboring structures were completed and the home became the permanent residence of the Stewart family. The main house, the adjacent servant's cottage and the garage appeared as they do today, reflecting strong Greek Revival and Federal architectural influences.
The Stewart's son, Harry Bartlett Stewart, Jr. and his wife Catherine moved into the manor in 1937. Mr. Stewart, like his father, was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad.
The Stewart family resided in their home until 1975 when they offered the acreage and building to the state for one-half the appraised valuation. The U.S. Department of Interior provided funds for the state to acquire Quail Hollow State Park. On May 15, 1975, Quail Hollow came under the administration and management of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation.
Activities
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at the 2-acre Shady Lane Pond. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Trails
Eight interpretive nature hiking trails explore the unique natural habitats for which each is named:
Coniferous Forest Trail - 1.25 Miles - Easy
Deciduous Forest Trail - 1.25 Miles - Easy
Nature For All Trail - 1/2 Mile - Easy
Woodland Swamp Trail - 1.5 Miles - Easy
Peatland Trail - 3/4 Mile - Easy
Tall-Grass Prairie Trail - 1/4 Mile - Easy
Meadowlands Trail - 1.5 Miles - Easy
Beaver Lodge Trail - 1.5 Miles - Easy
Riders who bring their own horses can enjoy the moderate, 5 mile Bridle Trail. Horses are not available at the park.
A scenic, moderate 5-mile Mountain Bike Trail passes through forest, meadow and pine woods in the park. The trail provides access to surrounding roads, allowing cyclists to complete a 7-mile loop with paved and off-road segments
The Nature For All trail is a 2000-foot paved interpretive trail for those visitors with a physical challenge. Brochures are available at the visitors center as well as along the trail.
