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2 of 5: Exploring the Bedford Section of the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop"

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Author(s)
Stuart O. Smith, Jr.
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Buckeye Trail
Trails
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Bike
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Lake Metroparks
Cleveland Metroparks
Social Distancing
ALDHA

Bedford Section - Buckeye Trail "Little Loop"
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The Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" is the over-250-mile part of the Buckeye Trail in Northeast Ohio that goes through the following counties: Lake, Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, Portage, and Geauga. On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at the northern terminus of the Buckeye Trail at Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, I completed the loop which I had begun on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

My plan was to slowly complete, by hiking and biking, all the sections of the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" over several years. With the onset of the March 2020 COVID-19 crisis, my plans radically changed, and I decided to complete the "Little Loop" this year. Below is the blog post about the Bedford Section, which is the second of five Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" blog posts.

You may find it helpful to first read the background information about the trail in the first blog post:

Here are links to all of the section blog posts, along with a list of the counties and some of the parks that are part of each section:

  • 2 of 5: Exploring the Bedford Section of the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" (See below)
    - Lake County, Cuyahoga County
    - Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, Headlands Beach State Park, Cleveland Museum of Natural History's Mentor Marsh, Lake Metroparks, Cleveland Metroparks, and more!

  • 3 of 5: Exploring the Akron Section of the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop"
    - Cuyahoga County, Summit County, Stark County
    - Cleveland Metroparks, Ohio & Erie Canalway, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Summit Metro Parks, and more!

  • 4 of 5: Exploring the Mogadore Section of the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop"
    - NOTE: I included the small part of the Massillon Section of the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" in this blog post.
    - Stark County, Summit County, Portage County
    - Stark Parks, Summit Metro Parks, Portage Park District, Mogadore Reservoir, West Branch State Park, Mantua Bog State Nature Preserve, and more!

  • 5 of 5: Exploring the Burton Section of the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop"
    - Geauga County, Lake County
    - Geauga Park District, Lake Metroparks, Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, and more!

Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" Map
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Bedford Section - Buckeye Trail "Little Loop"

There are 26 sections to the Buckeye Trail, each named for a town or feature within the section, and each with its own unique experiences. As you read the descriptions, you will come to realize the tremendous variety and history that hiking Ohio offers. We strongly urge you to obtain a detailed map from the Buckeye Trail Association for the section (or sections) you wish to hike.

This blog post covers my experiences on the Bedford Section from Sunday, November 4, 2018, through Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

Bedford Section
65.8 Total Miles / 44.4 Off Road Miles (67.5%)
Map Publication Date: February 2012

The Bedford section begins in the Brecksville Reservation, a unit of Cleveland Metro Parks(CMP), at a simple sign near a parking area marked Buckeye Trail. This point marks the beginning of both the Bedford and Akron Sections and the end of the Medina Section. Although changes to the trail continue, this junction marks the point at which the Buckeye Trail (BT) was formally completed in 1981 as a hiking trail in a loop that can be said to link the four corners of Ohio.

The Bedford Section goes generally northeast from Brecksville Reservation to Headlands Beach State Park on Lake Erie, the BT's most norther extension, where the trail meets the Burton Section. Along the way, the trail follows the Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and then trails through Bedford Reservation (CMP) and South Chagrin Reservation (CMP). Although more road walking is encountered from here on, significant intervals on footpath are found within North Chagrin Reservation (CMP), Chapin Forest Reservation, a unit of Lake Metroparks (LMP), with its view of Cleveland off in the distance, Penitentiary Glen Reservation (LMP), Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve (City of Mentor) along bluffs above Lake Erie and Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve where you may see nesting eagles.

 

Here is information about trail towns in the Bedford Section:

City of Mentor

The City of Mentor is proud of our status as a Buckeye Trail Town. We are a part of the Bedford Section which leads to the Northeast Terminus of the Buckeye Trail at Headlands Beach State Park– Ohio’s longest natural beach!

You’ll make your way through the Mentor Marsh – an important stop for migratory birds in the spring and fall. Enjoy the natural splendor and photo opportunities of this unique ecosystem at the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina and the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve.

There is a lot to see and do in Mentor and neighboring communities. History buffs will enjoy the stoic tranquility of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site - home to our Nation’s 20th president and what is widely regarded as the first Presidential Library. The nearby Holden Arboretum is one of the largest arboreta and botanical gardens in the United States, with more than 3,600 acres, including 600 acres devoted to collections and gardens. And you’ll want to make sure you time your visit to take advantage of one of the great events hosted by the City each year – including their free Mentor Rocks summer concert series.

Last but not least, when you’re ready to take a break or need to replenish, Mentor is home to over 325 retailers, 170 eateries, as well as 9 hotels. Download a free Mentor Visitor Guide at www.visitmentor.com to plan your trip.

 

 

From: Northern Terminus at Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve
To: Lake Metroparks Children's Schoolhouse Nature Park

Day #1 - Sunday, November 4, 2018

After attending the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) 2018 Gathering (see 2018 tweet and 2019 tweet), I joined the Buckeye Trail Association and purchased some trail maps, since I decided to complete the "Little Loop" over the next several years. Years ago, I attended an ALDHA workshop led by a couple who were some of the earliest Buckeye Trail thru-hikers, and more recently attended an ALDHA workshop by the first solo woman Buckeye Trail thru-hiker. Learn more about the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) in my blog post about their 2019 Gathering:

Unfortunately, I badly sprained my ankle in the first section of the trail in Cleveland Museum of Natural History's Mentor Marsh area. Learn more about the marsh in my blog post:

I was able to reach the Lake Metroparks Children's Schoolhouse Nature Park on my bike.

 

This was the start of my Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" journey:

 

 

From: Lake Metroparks Children's Schoolhouse Nature Park
To: Lake Metroparks Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center

Day #2 - Monday, February 4, 2019

Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Reservation
PARK HISTORY

In 1912, the Halle family, owners of the Halle Bros. Co. in Cleveland, bought this property for their summer estate and working farm. The farm was managed by the Burnett family, who lived here year-round. The only remaining structure is the horse barn, which now houses the Nature Center. Wise use of the land has preserved this special area for today and the future.

The Halles' lifestyle was typical of many wealthy Cleveland families who lived in the city and spent summers in the country. Sam and Blanche Halle had a deep respect for nature and wanted their children to have the same. They hired Maude Doolittle, a school teacher from Massachusetts who loved nature, as a governess for the children during the summer months.

Chapin Forest Reservation

Wander, cross-country ski or snowshoe through nearly six miles of trails surrounded by mature beech, maple, oak, tulip and hemlock trees. One of the best scenic overlooks in Lake County is found along Lucky Stone Loop Trail. Hiking in this beautiful forested park will take the park visitor to spectacular Sharon Conglomerate ledges, from which Lake Erie and the the Cleveland skyline are visible on a clear day.

Part of the Buckeye Trail, a continuous hiking trail throughout Ohio, passes through Chapin Forest Reservation. Blue paint blazes on some trees mark the Buckeye Trail.

After exactly three months of doctor-ordered rest for my sprained ankle, I was glad to be back on the next section of the "Little Loop" for a winter hike.

I hope I always remember the fun I had finding my way across the high water area in Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Reservation -- learn about this great park in the following blog post:

 

 

Photos from February 4, 2019, which I shared on February 10th:

 

Related tweets:

 

 

From: Lake Metroparks Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center
To: End of Brooklane Rd at County Line Rd

Day #3 - Wednesday, February 6, 2019

I started my cold winter road walk at Lake Metroparks Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center. On my walk, I passed by Geauga Park District Orchard Hills Park and Patterson Fruit Farm, but did not stop to visit them.

I ended my walk early -- only 4.6 miles -- to wait for better hiking weather.

Day #3 - Wednesday, February 6, 2019, Photo Collage
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 FYI, I wrote about visiting Geauga Park District Orchard Hills Park in my 2020 Social Distancing blog post:

 

From: End of Brooklane Rd at County Line Rd
To: Cleveland Metroparks Polo Fields Trailhead

Day #4 - Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation
A.B. Williams Memorial Woods

Wander through a dense maze of giant trees in this stunning example of an old growth beech-maple forest. A.B. Williams, Cleveland Metroparks first naturalist, embraced these woods as he conducted his doctoral studies and established the first Trailside Museum in the 1930s. This forest is home to 300 and 400 year-old beech trees, sugar maples, a rare stand of hemlocks, and a variety of other native forest species. It is a National Natural Landmark and member of the Old Growth Forest Network.

My weather app said it was 39 degrees as I started my day near the Mayfield Schools Gates Mills Environmental Education Center. I entered Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation at Rogers Road Field, and later passed near the park's historic Trailside Museum site while in the A.B. Williams Memorial Woods (a Registered National Landmark).

Mayfield Schools Gates Mills Environmental Education Center to Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation
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I then continued on a road walk where I stopped at the Cuyahoga County Public Library Gates Mills Branch before continuing on to the bridge that crosses the Chagrin River near the Gates Mills Arboretum.

Gates Mills Library and Arboretum
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I ended the day at the Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation Polo Field.

Ending the day at the Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation Polo Field
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From: Cleveland Metroparks Polo Fields Trailhead
To: Arbor Lane, South Chagrin Reservation, Cleveland Metroparks
Picked up at the South Chagrin Arboretum

Day #5 - Saturday, January 4, 2020

Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation

Hike the Buckeye Trail along hemlock lined streams and ridges, along the State Designated Scenic Chagrin River or visit a historic sculpture.

The outdoor sculpture known as Henry Church Rock in South Chagrin Reservation was carved by artist and blacksmith Henry Church in 1885. Church walked through the Chagrin River at night to sculpt this large sandstone boulder. Included in the carving is a quiver of arrows (with the four phases of the moon), a giant serpent, an eagle, a woman with a shell behind her (reminiscent of Botticelli's Venus), a dog, skeleton, and a baby in a papoose. While many have speculated the meaning of the work, it is not known what message Mr. Church actually wanted to convey through this piece. Other smaller carvings can be found on the river side of the rock, although it is uncertain whether they were carved by Henry Church.

The reservation is located in Bentleyville, Solon and Moreland Hills, and also features an Arboretum, Polo Field and many interesting trails to explore. Look About Lodge, a log cabin built in 1938 by the Cleveland Natural Science Club, offers year-round outdoor education programming for all ages.

This was the first of my winter hikes carrying a weighted pack in preparation for a planned backpacking trip in New Mexico on the Continental Divide Trail. When I was an Assistant Scoutmaster, I had led a group of Scouts on a hike on the Buckeye Trail from the Polo Fields going south to Sulphur Springs picnic area. It was great to be back here again.

Once in the main part of South Chagrin Reservation, there is so much to see, including Look About Lodge, Henry Church Rock, and the South Chagrin Arboretum. It was great to see the improvements of the arboretum. Years ago, when working in the Cleveland Metroparks Forestry Division for a summer job while in college, I helped reclaim the arboretum after it had become overgrown. Despite visiting South Chagrin Reservation many times in my life, on this day following the Buckeye Trail, I also explored areas I had never visited before!

 

Related Twitter photos of Henry Church Rock from April 7, 2020, and October 30, 2020 -- a must-see location in the park:

 

Related Twitter photos of Look About Lodge from July 13, 2020, while on part of the Buckeye Trail for the 2020 Cleveland Metroparks Trail Challenge:

 

See all the Trail Challenge blog posts by clicking here.

 

 

From: Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Arboretum
To: Hawthorn Parkway Parking Area, Cleveland Metroparks Bedford Reservation

Day #6 - Sunday, January 12, 2020

The temperature was 32 degrees as I started my winter hike carrying a weighted pack.

 

Related Twitter photos from September 27, 2020, as I returned in warmer weather to Bedford Reservation for the Cleveland Metroparks Trail Challenge:

 

See all the Trail Challenge blog posts by clicking here.

 

 

From:  Hawthorn Parkway Parking Area, Cleveland Metroparks Bedford Reservation
To: Alexander Road Trailhead, Cleveland Metroparks Bedford Reservation

Day #7 - Sunday, January 19, 2020

17 degrees -- it was so cold and windy that I didn't stop to eat lunch over concern of losing body heat. I carried a weighted pack.

 

Related Twitter photos from October 28, 2020 -- return for Cleveland Metroparks Trail Challenge in warmer weather:

 

See all the Trail Challenge blog posts by clicking here.

 

 

March 2020 - Start of Coronavirus Crisis - Activities Canceled!

In mid-March 2020, the whole world changed!!!

March 12, 2020, 6:40 am screenshot of the top of ClevelandMetroparks.com website and first COVID-19 announcement
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From: Continental Divide Trail Coalition
Subject: Urgent Update for CDT Thru-Hikers
Date: March 13, 2020 at 6:06:20 PM EDT
To: Stuart Smith

A notice for anyone planning a long-distance hike or ride on the CDT in 2020:

As you know, the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly. While the trail can be a great place to practice social distancing, there is still a risk of transmission, particularly in high-use areas like trailheads and off-trail gathering areas, such as hostels. . . .We understand that this may be upsetting – many of you have been planning this journey for years, and we know that an opportunity to spend months on the CDT is life-changing. However, in issuing this guidance, we are thinking of the elderly man working part-time at the checkout counter of the grocery store where you will resupply, and the woman without health insurance who cleans your hostel or hotel room. We are thinking of the fact that many trailside communities along the CDT are small and isolated, and may be hours away from the closest COVID-19 testing center or, more importantly, the closest hospital equipped to treat patients in severe respiratory distress.

In mid-March 2020, the coronavirus crisis hit hard, leading to the cancellation of all the activities I had planned for the year! At the same time I was buying supplies to go on my Continental Divide Trail backpacking trip, COVID-19 related announcements to cancel activites were happening one-by-one. New Mexico's "stay-at-home-order" led to me canceling my trip for 2020.

One of the first events canceled was the Cleveland Metroparks annual Adventure University, which I was planning to attend. I had been invited to speak at the Adventure University about my 600+ mile backpacking trip in the southern desert of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019, but I had not had time to prepare a talk. I was very disappointed that it was canceled, since I had enjoyed attending in 2019. Since the event was canceled for 2020, I have used some of my now-open time (due to the pandemic) to prepare a Pacific Crest Trail Desert talk for a future year.

Learn more about Adventure University from my blog post from last year:

In April, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Opening Day for Trails Cleveland, which I attend every year, was moved to a virtual online event, and the Sixth Annual Continental Divide Trail Days, that I was planning on attending in New Mexico, became an online event called "#VirtualTrailDays." Read about these 2020 online virtual events, and the past Opening Day for Trails Cleveland events, in these blog post:

Here are tweets about preparing for my backpacking trip, and then about the many outdoor-activity related events that were all canceled this year:

 

 

From: Alexander Road Trailhead, Cleveland Metroparks Bedford Reservation
(The End of the Bedford Section is at the Buckeye Trail intersection near Deer Lick Cave)
To: Horse Stables, Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation

Day #8 - Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Tuesday, April 21, 2020, was the turning point in my Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" plans. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, I decided to complete the rest of the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop" this year.

I started the day hiking in a section of the Summit Metro Parks that I had never visited. I then hiked in areas that I was very familiar with on the Ohio & Erie Canal towpath in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Deer Lick Cave area in the Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation. I have led many five-mile Boy Scout hikes in the Brecksville Reservation, and have often visited the three-way intersection of the Buckeye Trail near Deer Lick cave. However, being here today was special, since I now could say that I completed the Buckeye Trail from Lake Erie to the Deer Lick Cave area.

The trail intersection here is significant, since it is the point where the Akron Section begins (going south). The Akron section makes the "Little Loop" possible (look at the northeast part of the Buckeye Trail map).

Note that, if I had chosen to travel west on the Buckeye Trail, I would have ended up going around the western part of the state where the Buckeye Trail is also part of the North Country Trail, and continued on to joining the American Discovery Trail (@American_Trail) in the southern part of the state.

A section of the Buckeye Trail is also part of the American Discovery Trail and the North Country Trail.
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I ended the day just beyond (approximately 0.2 miles) the Buckeye Trail three-way intersection, at the horse stables in the park. Please read on in the next blog post:

 

Related tweets:

 

 

Please use these links to read more about the Buckeye Trail and my experiences completing the "Little Loop."

I hope you enjoyed learning about the Buckeye Trail "Little Loop!'