Description: Years ago, when our two children were young, we made a northward excursion to
Headlands Beach State Park at least once each summer. The hour-and-a-half drive wasn't too long to keep the munchkins from mangling each other in the back seat - largely because they looked forward to digging holes in a beach full of sand and wading in the cool waters of Lake Erie. One great feature of this beach is that it's laid out in a way that makes it easy for grown-ups to keep an eye on the kiddies while they soak up the sun or take a leisurely stroll at water’s edge.
Headlands Beach State Park isn't large - it encompasses just 120 acres of land - but at one mile long, the park boasts the largest natural sand beach in the state, according to the Ohio Division of Natural Resources. The park opened in 1953 as Painesville Beach State Park, and the name was changed to Headlands Beach in 1955.
Our kids have long since flown our nest, but Headlands Beach remains on our travel "to-do" list - and not always in the hottest months of summer. Our most recent visit was in early fall, just as the leaves were beginning to turn yellow, orange and red - the brilliant hues that make those of us who live in the Buckeye State glad to be here. With temperatures hovering around 70 degrees and a strong breeze coming into shore from the lake, this day was comfortable enough for hiking yet warm enough for me to venture into the water and wet my bare toes.
We were far from alone that day; despite chilly lake temperatures, a surprising number of swimmers were splashing in and out of the water. All park visitors, by the way, have easy access to colorfully painted changing booths, concession areas and conveniently placed restrooms, as well as to the aforementioned picnic tables and grills.
Other folks, though, were taking advantage of the gorgeous fall day - as we did - by walking along one of the two trails in the park; the trailhead also marks the Northern Terminus of the
Buckeye Trail. Also at the trailhead is the entrance to the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, an extensive area that holds mounds of sand in check, at least for the most part, and contains number of plant species typically found only along the Atlantic coast. Here, we followed trails worn in the sand by scores of people who have gone before us, all heading to the water's edge and an expansive view of Lake Erie.
The path we chose is far from the one less taken; it leads to the breakwall that marks the east end of the beach. This trail is a special favorite of shutterbugs because it provides a terrific view of the stately
Fairport Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse, one of two historic lighthouses in the nearby village of
Fairport Harbor.
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