It was at West Branch State Park, which has two large loops.  This is good for avoiding folks during the pandemic.  I'll do a full review of the trail later, but it was a lovely one.

The first six or so miles followed closely to the reservoir, which was beautiful.  This will sound weird, but I actually had a dream the previous week about hiking a longer trail.  I hadn't planned to, I was going to stick to my normal 10 mile weekend one.  But on Saturday morning, as I was driving to my normal loop, I went to put on the directions from All Trails and this one - literally across the street from the one I normally do - popped up.  It said 11 miles and I figured, "PERFECT."  Of COURSE with All Trails, I should of figured it would be longer.

Lucy and I even set up the camp stove for lunch at the turn around point.  I wish I could say I sat there, looking out over the water, thinking deep thoughts, but truthfully I just pet Lulu, ate some food, and listened to my book on tape.

I didn't see anyone on the first leg, but I did on the second - two rabbit hunters running their dogs, who were in the wild life portion.  The dogs eventually found us on the trail but were VERY nice.  The second gentleman I encountered was also very nice - and carrying a pistol - which was a little unnerving.  

I walked through the pines.
I walked through the trail that meandered up a creek bed.
I saw the view of the water and trees across the way.
I saw fields.
I saw many a fallen tree.
I saw the old rock wall in the quarry.
I heard the haunting sound of baying hounds as the wind carried it to me.

This is my favorite hike at the moment.  There are parts where I really feel in the woods, and because of the varied, beautiful scenery I like to pretend I’m like Anne of Green Gables, giving unique, totally overblown names to all the different sections.
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Location
The Sagamore Creek Loop Trail head is located at 7733 Canal Rd, Valley View, OH 44125 (Frazee House Parking Lot) and is part of the Bedford Reservation, near Bedford, OH.  The easiest way to access the trail head is behind the outhouse, and take a left when you get to the bottom of the incline.
 
The Good

• While not remote, it feels remote throughout the hike, and you won’t see a lot of people on this trail
• It’s a good challenge in parts, but at 4 miles short enough to get in after work
• Lots of varied scenery – creeks, woods, open, etc.
• If you want, you can extend it in to a longer hike at the mid-way point, up in to the rest of the Bedford Forest (up to 20-25 miles, all built from loops).

The Bad

• Not particularly well marked – highly recommend the free phone app/computer app. AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/.  I used the app probably the most I’ve ever used it for this trail.

                    Note: At the beginning of the hike, you'll pass a place on the right where you can cross the creek.  You'll do this at the end of the hike to complete the loop - I mention this because the alternative ending on the other side is NOT crossing the creek, but a muddy bog and ending the hike with a quarter mile walk on a main road. 

• Can be muddy – During the Spring/Early Summer there are two creek crossings that can be knee deep and a number of mud patches.  People have dragged large branches to help cross the mud.
• Power Lines – there’s a section where you can clearly see high-power lines.

​The Ugly

• Brambles….ugh.  Especially in the area by the creek where the path narrows.  If your dog is with you, and is short with wiry hair like my dog, be prepared.
• Trash – there are two or so spots that someone (i.e. assholes) threw some siding and another with some appliance.  I can’t haul them out myself, but if anyone was interested in helping, I’d happily take you up on your offer. 
• Ticks – because it’s a tad overgrown in places (though the trail is still clearly visible), my dog and I have picked up a LOT of ticks, despite prevention, particularly in June and October.  So be sure to check yourself and your canine friend carefully. 

 
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
 
Sagamore Creek Loop remains, by far, one of my favorite hikes.  When I first really managed to get hiking again, Sagamore provided the reclusive atmosphere I yearned for, where I first recognized that I could this outdoor thing, despite the pain/anxiety/etc.  It’s the first trail I ever completed a night hike on. It will forever hold a special place in my heart.
 
Do you have an outdoor space that’s special for you? Leave a comment or drop me line here! ​​