Black River Nature Preserve
All rivers, large and small, have to start somewhere.
The Black River, whose watershed encompasses 467 square miles in parts of five counties, has its headwaters in southwestern Medina County’s Harrisville Township. Medina County Park District is committed to protecting the water quality and rich habitats of one of Northeast Ohio’s great rivers, while providing visitors opportunities to explore and enjoy nature.
Black River Nature Preserve is comprised of three park district sites totaling more than 400 acres in the headwaters area: Hidden Hollow Camp (opened 1984), Bluebell Valley (opened 2020), and the future East Fork area. You can learn more about the open sites below.
The East Branch of the Black River is formed by the confluence of two tributaries that flow through these park sites: the East Fork and the West Fork. The streams come together just north of U.S. Route 42, flowing through Spencer Township and into Lorain County, where the Black River meets Lake Erie at Lorain Harbor.
Along the way, the Black River helps supply drinking water for some of the watershed’s 180,000 residents and provides high-quality habitat for several state-listed endangered or threatened plant and animal species.
Bluebell Valley
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8500 Richman Road
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Bluebell Valley is a quiet, remote area in which to enjoy nature. Visitors can expect to experience beautiful views of grasslands and woodlands, interesting walking trails, and lush habitat for butterflies and migrating birds. This area was part of a wetland mitigation and stream restoration project in 2002 that restored 8,000 linear feet of the Black River.
Phase 1 improvements included a 20-car parking lot, a 10-foot-wide, half-mile limestone loop trail (accessible for wheelchairs and strollers), and a .65 natural-surface primitive trail that travels through native grasses, woods, and close to wetlands.
Additional improvements planned for Phase 2 include a small picnic shelter and a restroom. Because the area is designated as a nature preserve, it will not include a playground or any paved areas. Leashed pets are welcome. Biking is not permitted.
Bluebell Valley Activities/Amenities
Take a Virtual Tour of Bluebell Valley
Hidden Hollow Camp
Hidden Hollow Camp is open to the public Mondays through Thursdays from 6 a.m. to one hour past sunset. The site will also be open to the public if there are no weekend reservations. In addition, the public is able to reserve Hidden Hollow Camp for overnight camping. Read more about these exciting changes HERE! OPEN, RESERVED, or CLOSED Hidden Hollow Camp features a beautiful one-acre woodland pond and two nature trails. In geographical terms, a “hollow” is exactly as it sounds – a small valley or basin in the land. At the bottom of Hidden Hollow is the West Fork of the East Branch of the Black River. The rich soil of its floodplain is home to towering sycamore, black willow, and black walnut trees -- along with a diverse array of wildflowers. The trees and thickets here provide ideal habitat for migrating warblers. Visitors should plan on bird-watching during spring and fall migration. The enclosed building at Hidden Hollow Camp offers the perfect amenities for an “indoor camping” experience for up to 75 people, including a wood-burning stove, scenic wraparound porch, movie screen, electric range, food preparation tables, and a refrigerator. Alcohol is permitted inside the enclosed building only when reserved for day-use or camping. Although there is no indoor plumbing, the frost-proof water spigots with potable water are easily accessible at two outdoor locations. A gray-water pit for disposal of dirty dish water is located adjacent to the toilets. The site includes a campfire ring surrounded with plenty of flexible bench seating and a parade ground area with a flagpole for scout ceremonies. There are turf areas for outdoor recreation activities and a team-building challenge course. Day Use Overnight Camping Available to the Public Hidden Hollow Camp Information Shelter Information Internet hot-spot access is available upon request on a first-come, first-serve basis for $25. Items subject to change; call for verification Fees: Click HERE to make a reservation. The key/cleaning deposit for Hidden Hollow Camp is $50. The key must be picked up at the park district headquarters one or two business days before your reservation. For weekend reservations, you must pick the key up either Thursday or Friday as the park office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed weekends and holidays. The key must be returned in person to the park district office. Please wait at least two business days to return the key to allow time for office staff to receive the building inspection report. Please do NOT mail the key. The key/cleaning deposit will be refunded provided the key is returned, and the building is left clean and undamaged. If the key is lost, $25 will be retained from the deposit for replacement. Should damage to the facility occur at a cost that exceeds the maintenance deposit, the patron will be billed the difference. Hidden Hollow Camp Activities/Amenities |
