Black River Reservation

With almost half million visitors each year, this is one of the most popular parks in the Lorain County Metro Park system. The most notable feature is the Bridgeway Trail and the Steel Mill Trail.  They total 5.5 miles of paved all-purpose trail that follows the Black River through its meanderings from Elyria to Lorain, spanning four city jurisdictions altogether. The reservation also features three separate picnic areas: High Meadows, Bur Oak and Day's Dam, each contributing its own special character to the variety and natural beauty of this impressive park.

Amenities

• Hiking Trail (5.5 miles, paved)

• Tram Rides

• Waterfall

• 2 Playgrounds

• Volleyball Court

• Kayak & Canoe River Access Point

• 6 Reservable Shelters

Trail Map

The focus of the Black River Reservation is the 6.5-mile hike/bike trail which runs along the Black River. The fully accessible asphalt trail is suitable for hikers, bicyclists and other modes of non-motorized transportation and connects High Meadows on Ford Road in Elyria to Route 611. The Bridgeway Trail is highlighted by a 1,000-foot bridge that crosses the Black River twice. The Steel Mill Trail is connected to the Bridgeway Trail and is highlighted by slag fields from the Steel Mill surrounding it. Tram tours are available for both trails.

Length: 6.5 miles | Surface: Asphalt

Park Features & History

If you like walking, running, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, or any kind of non-motorized movement, you'll love the Bridgeway Trail. Starting at Day's Dam in Lorain and ending at the High Meadows picnic area in Elyria, this expansive 4.5-mile trail is the most popular in the park system and offers something for everyone with exercise, fresh air and natural beauty in mind. You'll pass through meadows and forest groves, under bridges and over the treetops on a 1000-foot bridge that crosses the river in two places.