Mantua – How did it happen? This life-time resident of Portage County was clueless. She hopes that rest of the county isn’t. But just in case…did you know that three wonderful trails merge in Mantua? The trails are Buckeye Trail, Headwaters Trail and the Cuyahoga River Trail.
The Buckeye Trail, all 1400 miles of it, loops around the state of Ohio. There are 26 sections to the Trail, each section is named for a town featured within that section. Mantua was designated a Trail Town in July of 2018. The portion that passes through Mantua is the known as the Mogadore Section. The Mogadore Section begins in Jackson Township, Summit County. It heads through Quail Hollow Park, then meanders north and east into Portage County. The trail continues to the southwestern portion of Wingfoot Lake, then heads north and hugs the northern shore of Mogadore Reservoir before heading north and then east to nearly circumnavigate West Branch Reservoir. It then heads north to Mantua before rejoining the other branch in Fairport Harbor. The trail is a combination of paths, paved trails and is sometime on roads. How do you know you are on the trail? Follow the blue blazes! The blazes are 6” by 2” blue rectangles painted on trees or poles, at a height of about 6 feet. For more information on the Buckeye Trail, head to buckeyetrail.org.
The Headwaters Trail is a limestone-paved trail that runs for 8.5 miles. It is built upon the former Cleveland-Mahoning Railroad right of way. The trail runs between Garrettsville and Mantua. It is a multipurpose trail; suitable for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and even horseback (with some limitations.) It features ADA accessibility, information kiosks, many parking areas and trail heads and picnic tables. It is named Headwaters Trail because it passes near many wetlands, springs and headwater streams, and even crosses the continental watershed divide. Some parts of this trail are also designated part of the Buckeye Trail.
The Cuyahoga River Water Trail is the river itself. Known as the Crooked River, the U shape of the Cuyahoga is unique. It is approximately 100 miles long, flowing south from its headwaters near Burton. It bends north again in Akron, and empties into Lake Erie in Cleveland. You guessed it, the river passes through Mantua on its way to Cleveland. Since the famous fire (the last of 13!) on June 22, 1969, efforts to clean the Cuyahoga have resulted in a renewed, clean and beautiful river. The river is now a National Heritage Corridor and an American Heritage River. The Upper Cuyahoga River Watershed has been designated as an Ohio Scenic River. In 2019 it became an Ohio Water Trail. Once the ‘Burning River,’ it is now a symbol of what can happen when people work together for a common goal. Visit www.cuyahogariverwatertrail.org for more information.
The convergence of these trails is certainly worth celebrating, and on June 2 and 3, the town is doing just that! The festivities start on Friday night, June 2 at 10570 Main Street in Mantua. Activities include a Kayak Float, an Opening Ceremony with a Bonfire, a storyteller, a night hike and live music supplied by Mother Ale.
Start the evening with a paddle on the scenic Cuyahoga River. Cost is $20 if you have your own boat, or $30 if you rent. Check in is at 3:00pm. Primitive camping will be available.
The kayak trip should end right as the Craft Beer Tasting begins at 5:30. Tickets are needed for this event. The cost for this portion is $25.00. You will get a 4-ounce souvenir glass, a wristband and 10 sample tickets. Notable craft brewers from northeastern Ohio will be participating.
Mother Ale will be performing at this time. Mother Ale is a cover band that performs mostly classic rock. One of the event planners, Kurt, will be joining the trio on bass for this event. So have a leisurely paddle, grab a beer or two, listen to a story, and rock out by the bonfire. Gyro Bob and Brooks Homestyle BBQ will be there if you get hungry. Sounds like the perfect Friday night!
Saturday June 3 will be quite busy for the Triple Trail Fest! Paddles and hikes and bikes, oh my! Some will be guided; some are at the participants discretion. There will be a 9-mile Run/Hike/Walk at 9:00am, as well as a 5K. You’ve heard of goat yoga, and hot yoga…they present to you Trail Yoga, at 10:00am. Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be offering a Glacial Heritage Hike through the Charles Tummonds State Nature Preserve with Adam Wohlever. Food trucks will be available throughout the day. There is so much more to do, so head to www.tripletrailfest.com for tickets and a complete listing of the events. Tickets are best, but walk-ins will be welcome, too.
So, who is behind this? It is a partnership with many merchants in the Mantua area: ODNR, Portage Park District, Buckeye Trail, Camp Hi, Crooked River Flowers, Camp Asbury, Ohio Scenic Rivers Program, Chilling Station, Fieldstone K9 Academy, DMRC and Breakaway Excursions. Sponsors include Appalachian Outfitters, The North Face, Anonymous, and Breakaway Excursions. Thanks to all!
Friday’s events will be on the Breakaway Excursions grounds at 10570 Main Street. You’ve seen the barn, now you know. This business is a partnership between Doug Hershman and Pam Holliday. Doug has been an outdoor enthusiast for his entire life. He is a teacher, sharing his enthusiasm and love of nature with classes, youth groups and businesses. Pam has loved the outdoors since childhood. An event planner by trade, with a passion for nature, it is the perfect combination of talents for this business to grow.
Breakaway Excursions has 3 locations: The Cuyahoga River accessed in downtown Mantua, LaDue Reservoir North at the LaDue Boathouse and Marina, and Lake LaDue Reservoir South at the South Boat Launch. Common to all locations is high-quality, well-maintained gear. They offer kayak lessons for kids, families and adults, as well as self-rescue classes. Breakaway Excursions also offers a variety of kayaking experiences; such as a sunset paddle, paddle and pizza enjoyed around a campfire, a kayak workaout, and even a full moon paddle…they are willing to tailor an experience to you. Find out more at www.breakawayexcursions.com.
So, now that you know, what are you doing this weekend?
