Bend View Metropark

I believe this to be a fun section of the trail. Fyi. It is not paved or views of the water. But you get to have an in interrupted walk and you can enter here or exit. 1.3 miles north to the lookout point as well
8 years ago (04-09-2017)

I've made it a point to visit all of the Toledo area Metroparks this year, and sadly, Bend View is the one park that I walked away from disappointed. The park's namesake view of the Maumee is only accessible from the parking lot via a 1.5 mile hike down the dirt and gravel Towpath Trail. It's not a very scenic hike, nor is it a great trail for taking a stroller down. The view itself I also thought was rather unimpressive, as the thick vegetation on either side of the overlook platform blocks much of the view down the river. The nearby Farnsworth and Providence Metroparks (as well as Side Cut in Maumee) offer views of the river that are just as impressive, and FAR more accessible. If you're already taking the Towpath Trail, stop off for the view, but don't go out of your way for this one.
8 years ago (08-07-2017)

Gorgeous area. Love the shelter house on the bend. Beautiful view, can't top it.
8 years ago (06-06-2017)

Prettiest view of the Maumee River. Bend View Metropark and the Bend View shelter used to be inaccessible except via the Farnsworth to Providence riverside trail. It was a rewarding stop one third of the way from Waterville to Grand Rapids, with water and basic bathrooms to accompany the view of the Maumee. We've enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner barbecued on the available grills outside the shelter with a fire in the fireplace inside keeping us warm. The slightly elevated view of the river from the outside bank of the bend is fantastic. More recently Toledo Metroparks made access to Bend View available from a parking lot constructed upriver from the park on River Road. It remains a significant walk to the shelter house from the parking lot, at least one mile and perhaps two. This location is the jewel of the Metroparks to my mind.
8 years ago (26-06-2017)

Beautiful
8 years ago (01-04-2017)