The Planet Walk Trail is a charming, one-mile stroll in Portage Lakes State Park, southwest of Akron, Ohio, and it comes with a twist that sets it apart from the park's other paths: it's a scale model of the solar system. Named for and created with the Astronomy Club of Akron, which is based within the park, the trail is lined with signs describing the planets one by one, turning an easy lakeside walk into a small tour of the cosmos.

The concept is the charm. Planet-walk trails space the planets out at scale, so the stroll doubles as a visceral lesson in just how empty the solar system is, though this one is a modest version, and in practice the walkable Planet Walk section passes the outer signs for Uranus and Neptune as it winds toward and around the boat-launch parking area near the park's north boundary. It's a genuinely nice touch for families with curious kids, and a pleasant hook for an otherwise gentle walk.

The trail is short, flat and easy, making it accessible for almost anyone and an ideal quick outing rather than a workout. It connects into the wider network of nine hiking trails at Portage Lakes, so it pairs naturally with the park's Shoreline Trail and others for anyone wanting to extend the day along the water.

The park's connection to the night sky doesn't end with the signs. Portage Lakes, with its open areas and relatively modest light pollution for a spot near a city, is one of the better stargazing locations around Akron, and the Astronomy Club's presence makes it a natural gathering point for sky watchers. A daytime walk of the planets pairs well with an evening under the real ones.

Portage Lakes State Park is a day-use park built around the Portage Lakes chain in New Franklin, offering paddling, swimming, picnic shelters, a disc golf course and those nine hiking trails. February through November is the comfortable window for the trail, with spring and fall the most pleasant.

Bring comfortable shoes, water and, if you can swing an evening visit, a blanket for stargazing after your daytime planet walk. It's free. For an easy, quirky, kid-pleasing mile that turns a lakeside walk into a trip through the solar system, the Planet Walk is a delightful little corner of Portage Lakes.