Bridal Veil Falls
Darlene Karoly
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.
CW | CCW | Pt | |
---|---|---|---|
65.2 N |
0.8 S |
33 | Shipman Pond Parking Area (P) at Headlands Rd Cross Headlands Rd to enter Headlands Beach State Park (P, PA, PS, PT, WS, WC) on BT. In 60ft, turn right (NE) along tree line and ascend to top of hill. In 200ft at trail switchback, descend heading NW and gradually turn left (W). After 400ft, follow BT another 510ft as it curves around the restored wetland, first turning NW, then N, and finally NE. In 0.62mi, reach the Northern Terminus of the BT. |
CW | CCW | Pt | |
---|---|---|---|
38.6 N |
15.0 S |
11 | Harper Ridge PA You are here: 41.41457 N, 81.45926 W. The drive into Harper Ridge PA (no W) is just across Hawthorn Pkwy. If you prefer, a more rustic approach into the PA is just ahead at: 41.41469°N, 81.45861°W. From there, a bridle trail heads S across the pkwy into the woods. The bridle trail continues S along the E side of the Harper Ridge PA and provides easy access to the PA. BT continues E across 2 private roads . . . . This material ends here. Return to the text under Pt 11 in your present edition. |
CW | CCW | Pt | |
---|---|---|---|
55.7 N |
10.3 S |
28 | Hopkins Rd at Mentor Ave (US 20) Facilities: G to E, R to E and W. BT continues N on Hopkins Rd past schools and cemetery. Trail follows a paved bicycle path N across Jackson St and gradually turns NW through industrial area. Shortly after crossing above SR 2 at the intersection of Hopkins Rd, Munson Rd and Market St, BT turns NE still along Hopkins Rd past Civic Center Park. In 1400' across from Pinewood Court, BT turns NW away from Hopkins Rd and descends to cross Marsh Creek in wooded area. Bikeway turns N as it comes in view of Mentor Civic Arena (P, WC) and returns to Hopkins Rd at Rosewood Lane. BT continues N along Hopkins Rd. After 0.13 mi, exit Hopkins Rd W onto Hendricks Rd. At the end of Hendricks Rd (0.35 mi), turn N onto Center St. After 0.4 mi at the intersection of Center St, Plaines Rd and Hopkins Rd, rejoin Hopkins Rd and continue N. |
59.0 N |
7.0 S |
29 | Entrance to Veterans Park (Lake Metroparks) Facilities: P, PS, PT, W, WC |
CW | CCW | Pt | |
---|---|---|---|
1.9 NE |
63.9 W |
3 | Station Road Trailhead (P, WC) BT crosses Cuyahoga R on bridge and enters Summit Cty from Cuyahoga Cty. After 450‘, BT turns N on Towpath Trail (TPT). Just before passing beneath an arched highway bridge (SR 82), BT diverges briefly W from the TPT to cross the headworks of a feeder canal and then passes near the old state dam. Portions of the downstream wingwalls from Lock 36 can be seen across canal beneath TPT bridge where the trails merge. BT continues on the TPT generally N through Pinery Narrows which was named after the White Pine indigenous to the narrows. A pine or two may be seen from the TPT, particularly in winter, on the valley rim above the canal. |
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.