CHARDON, Ohio — "Build bridges, not walls." Or cross them in Ohio to make it past an icy, winter stream. At Girdled Road Reservation, a 942-acre Lake County metropark, there is a 90-foot suspension bridge that crosses the Big Creek, which eventually flows into the Grand River which flows into Lake Erie.
The bridge is supported by two large wooded pylons, one on each end. Cables span the entire bridge as a safety net and railing if needed. The deck of the bridge is made of wood planks. During snowy/icy conditions, the bridge may be a bit slick. It will also sway a bit as it is suspended in the air from one hillside to the other.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are multiple entry points for the entire reservation, but if you want to get to the suspension bridge the fastest, park on the west side of the park.
Address: SKOK Meadows, 12415 Concord Hambden Rd, Painesville, OH 44077
Once you arrive, head northeast towards the tree line so that it's on your left and the open meadows are on your right. Walk about a quarter mile before and follow it for about a quarter mile with the meadows on your right. When the path splits, veer left into the forest. You'll descend in elevation and arrive at the bridge.
-Matt
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