Mantua – On Friday and Saturday, June 2nd and 3rd, folks from near and far will gather to explore and enjoy the three major trails that converge in Mantua: the Buckeye Trail, Headwaters Trail, and the Cuyahoga River Water Trail. As Mantua has been designated Ohio’s 10th Buckeye Trail Town, the small town with many outdoor recreation opportunities will be pulling out all the stops to showcase the natural resources and beauty the area has to offer.
The Triple Trail Fest kicks off with an afternoon Kayak Float Friday organized by Breakaway Excursions. The float begins at the White Oaks River access point and lasts roughly an hour and a half, ending in Mantua in time for the craft beer tasting, live music, and bonfire at the Triple Trail Fest opening ceremony. Bring a chair, sip some craft beer, and enjoy dinner from Gyro Bob’s food truck and you listen to the tunes of Mother Ale. It’s the ideal way to kick off the first Triple Trail Fest opening ceremony and bonfire.
At 7:30 pm, venture out on a night hike along the Headwaters Trail. The easy round-trip hike begins at the Headwaters Trail Bridge and should take roughly an hour and a half on this gentle grade gravel trail. That evening, guests are welcome to tent camp overnight in primitive sites near the trails in Advanced Rehab’s field. Campers will have the first opportunity to experience all the fun activities planned for the Triple Trail Fest early the next day.
At 7:30 am, participants help celebrate National Trails Day by participating in the Buckeye Trail’s Biggest Day Hike – “Cover the Trail”. The Triple Trail Fest portion of this challenge begins in Mantua and follows the Mogadore Section towards Ravenna with the official turnaround and/or pickup at Rt 88. Once completed, hikers are encouraged to return to Mantua to join other special activities that day.
Among the multitude of events is an adult-only Ride with a Ranger bike ride along the Headwaters Trail. Or if running is more your style, why not enter the 5K Nut Strut or 9 Mile Tough Nutter race organized by Advanced Rehab and Camp Asbury? If racing isn’t for you, why not join in the Glacial Heritage Hike. The excursion begins at 10 am and takes place at the Charles A. Tummonds State Nature Preserve. Adam Wohlever from the ODNR will lead this leisurely hike, focusing on the many interesting habitats and unique glacial features from the last ice age as seen by hiking the forest above the Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River.
If you’re looking to unwind, try all-levels yoga, where participants are guided to breathe, stretch and rejuvenate down by the trail at 10 am. Or if a family adventure is more your speed, why not pick up a Field Bag Exploration kit and head out on your own? Simply stop at the Portage Park District table and check out a field, which contain self-guided activities for your and the kids. Or join Portage Park District Chief Ranger Kevin Nietert for a two-mile family-friendly bike ride.
Visitors can float down the Cuyahoga River and learn about local flora and fauna on the Cuyahoga River Water Trail or take part in a geology hike to explore the rocks that are the foundation of this locality. Or plan a three-hour voyage down the Cuyahoga with Camp Hi of Hiram. Or join the Tail Wagging Dog Hike at 12:30 pm, organized by Fieldstone K9 Academy.
There’s something for everyone, and so much to explore, so mark your calendar for Mantua’s Triple Trail Fest June 2nd and 3rd. Find out more or register at visit tripletrailfest.com.
