Hike Richfield Heritage Preserve
Details
Hike the former Girl Scout camp and visit their original facilities and the Kirby House. Park in the big unpaved lot on your left after you enter, just before the Lodge. The lower lake dam and mill are being reconstructed, see the progress.
The Oviatt House. This historic house was part of the Underground railroad and served as a way point between John Brown's home in Richfield and Oberlin. The house is at the edge of the park, and will be a stopping point during the long hike.
The hike is 5 miles, with a shorter 2.75 mile option.
Everyone meets back at the parking lot to talk about lunch somewhere.
http://www.rjrd.org/
Richfield Heritage Preserve,
formerly Crowell Hilaka, is Ohio's Hidden Treasure. 336 acres of winding streams, lakes, and wooded uplands, it was farmed by the pioneer Oviatt family and then became the estate of inventor Jim Kirby. During the 1920s Kirby constructed a patented lake, a mill to generate electric power, a house air-conditioned with spring water, and a dance hall built on springs. Upstream, the Neal family built their fairy tale houses and operated a thriving fruit farm. The land was purchased by the Cleveland Girl Scouts in 1937 and enclosed for the protection of the girls. In 2015, the property was purchased by the citizens of Richfield. It is being transformed into a park for public enjoyment.