Whether pursuing a solitary trek through the wilderness, using the paved trails to train for a half-marathon or mountain biking in the woods, Geauga Park District’s 28 open parks offer many paths for adventure.
Whether pursuing a solitary trek through the wilderness, using the paved trails to train for a half-marathon or mountain biking in the woods, Geauga Park District’s 28 open parks offer many paths for adventure.
From late February through Earth Day on April 22, GPD held open voting to nominate 20 trails to compete in the district’s first Top 10 Trails Contest, and from May 15 through July 31, votes were cast on those considered fan-favorites.
The winners were announced during the recent 2024 Great Geauga County Fair, with first place going to Ansel’s Cave Trail at The West Woods in Russell Township.
“What’s not to like about the Ansel’s Cave Trail?” GPD Chief Naturalist John Kolar said. “It has amazing scenery, is the perfect distance of about 2 miles and it gets your heart rate up with those hills. There are so many highlights about the trail, but probably the most spectacular aspect is Ansel’s Cave itself. A Sharon Conglomerate rock outcropping, Ansel’s Cave is steeped in local history and is breathtaking to behold.”
GPD’s naturalist department often refers to one section of the trail as “Salamander Alley” because during the warmer months of the year, after or during a rain, the trail can often be loaded with tiny red eft’s (red-spotted newts) scurrying on the forest floor.
“Most of the trail also travels through a mature beech maple forest filled with some beautiful trees, wildflowers and other natural wonders,” Kolar said. “The Ansel’s Cave Trail is a must see.”
Second place went to Gorge Overlook Trail at Welton’s Gorge in Burton.
“These top-placers have beautiful rock outcroppings,” GPD Executive Director John Oros said. “These trails are a destination to some of the most beautiful geological features in our county.”
Third place went to Hemlock Trail at Big Creek Park in Chardon.
“With its rolling terrain, native hemlock trees and scenic overlooks, it is a phenomenal trail,” Oros said.
Rounding out the top 10 are Eagle Trail at Headwaters Park in Huntsburg Township in fourth place; the Interurban Trail at The Rookery in Chester Township in fifth place; Mountain Bike Trail at Big Creek Park in sixth place; Summit Trail at Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park in Chester Township in seventh place; Duane Ferris Trail at Eldon Russell Park in Troy Township in eighth place; The Maple Highlands Trail’s Central Section, running 8.2 miles from South Street in Chardon to Headwaters Park in ninth place; and Big Bluestem Trail at Frohring Meadows in Bainbridge Township in 10th place.
“They range from the central portion of our longest trail, Maple Highlands Trail, coming in ninth place, to something as unique as our new Mountain Bike Trail at Big Creek Park coming in sixth place,” Oros said. “It’s also nice to see trails in the top 10 that are geared to a variety of users. If you like to hike, bike, jog and run, there is a trail for you in the top 10 winners.”
Oros said GPD’s staff have worked hard to create a variety of trail experiences with a dedicated park construction crew that have honed their abilities in building trails, boardwalks and bridges.
“Our planning staff does a great job laying out trails,” Oros said. “They work in creatively-designed features such as scenic overlooks. We are thrilled to provide these trail amenities for our residents. We hope our residents can enjoy everything our trails have to offer.”
Beginning in the fall, GPD naturalists will start leading special hikes to help visitors explore all the winners, and, for those interested, the hikes will count toward GPD’s Geauga Gems Trekking Challenge.
“We’ve noticed more people gravitate towards our trails in the last five years,” Oros said. “I thought a top 10-trails contest would get our residents excited about a new trail they may not have visited. In other cases, I have run into Geauga residents who have a goal of completing every trail across 28 parks. With over 70 miles of trail, there is a different adventure awaiting no matter your interest or skill level.”
