Chippewa Lake birding, bridle trail now open

The new Chippewa Lake Birding & Bridle Trail, which opened on Aug. 1, offers bird watchers and horseback riders the chance to explore a scenic, cool-season grassland habitat and traverse a shallow stream.

Located at 7782 Ballash Rd., in Westfield Township, the 2.3-mile mowed trail is situated on a 123-acre parcel acquired by the park district in 2001. It is located just west of Chippewa Lake and south of the park district’s Krabill Lodge.

“For several years, people have been asking us for longer bridle trails,” said Medina County Parks District Director Nathan D. Eppink, highlighting that MCPD’s Letha House Park in Chatham Township has only a half-mile bridle trail. “We’ve also wanted to open up the Chippewa Lake area for birding opportunities. More than 200 bird species have been observed around Ohio’s largest inland glacial lake.”

The trailhead features a gravel parking lot with a 40-foot-wide entrance, accommodating horse trailers and providing 10 paved and striped spaces for smaller vehicles. Guests are asked to note that biking is not permitted on the trail. Dogs are permitted if controlled at all times on leashes.

Future plans, which are on the 2025 agenda, include adding a picnic shelter, restroom and an additional section of mowed trail on the east side of Ballash Road.

The new area will be open to the public from May 1- Oct. 31 every year to limit impacts to the trail during wetter conditions. ∞