Blue Hen Falls & Girdled Road Reservation
- Steven Toth
- Jun 13, 2016
- 3 min read
This will be my first ever blog post with some info on where I go to take my photos. My first stop this past week was a revisit to Blue Hen falls to venture further down stream to view Buttermilk Falls. To get to Blue Hen Falls simply drive to the listed address (2001 W Boston Mills Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141). The first falls you will come across is Blue Hen Falls which I already have photos of on the "Nature" page. You can get to Buttermilk Falls two ways. One would be to walk the stream down to the falls area, the second would be to follow the path that is near the stream. Both ways will get you to the same place in about the same amount of time. While at the waterfall we came across an Ebony Jewel Wing Damselfly flying between branches, and a Mole that was swimming in the stream. Hiking back we chose to take a longer route up some paths that we saw on our way down to the falls. The trail eventually led us up to the Boston Mills Ski Area. Not 100% certain if we were supposed to be there but the views were awesome. We opted to hike the trail on our way down to Buttermilk and took the stream route on our way back up after descending down from Boston Mills. Caught a great shot of a babbling brook in the stream on our way back to the car. Overall this is a very short hike and can be done in about an hour to an hour and a half, there and back while spending ample time doing all that was described. The very same day I decided it was a great day to revisit on of my favorite parks in Lake County, Girdled Road Reservation. Parked in the lot at the Girdled Road entrance. I couldn't find an address for this entrance but the easiest way to get there is if you are coming from I-90 or route 2 would be to head south on route 44 and hang a left on Girdled Road. Continue on this road until you see the signs for the Reservation on your right. We took the Chickadee Trail, over the bridge and to Oak Leaf Loop Trail. From there we hung a right to head over to Big Creek. There is a large suspension bridge that was recently installed about a year ago and it sways a lot (interesting to walk across it). Saw a few spider webs and got a shot of a few Orchard Orb-weavers. Walked back over the bridge and got a great photo of the sun setting behind the bridge. Heading down the path further there is an opening to the right with a nice babbling brook in the middle of Big Creek. At this point in the day there was not much time left for sun so we ended up taking the connector back around to the Chickadee Trail and back up to the car. I will be revisiting this particular park soon as I have only walked this half of it both times I have been there. It is one of the largest parks in Lake County and a great place to hike and spend the day. This coming week I plan to head back out into Lake County and check out Hell Hollow Wilderness Area. Another large park with a lot of waterfalls and scenery to offer! If you have any suggestions as to any parks that you would like me to check out feel free to fill out the "Contact Me" section of the About Me page to send me on me way!
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