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 habitats for butterflies and migrating birds. This area was part of wetland mitigation and stream restoration project in 2002 that restored 8,000 linear feet of the Black River.

Improvements have recently been completed, including a 20-car parking lot, a 10-foot-wide, half-mile limestone loop trail (accessible for wheelchairs and strollers), a .65 natural-surface primitive trail that travels through native grasses, woods, and close to wetlands, and a restroom.

Additional improvements planned include a small picnic shelter. 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.

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.

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 US-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.

Gravel Trail – .5 mile
Nature Trail – .65 mile