Bend View Metropark - Image 1
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Bend View Metropark

4.7
·145 reviews·Waterville, United States

Discover stunning river views, spot majestic bald eagles, and experience rustic treehouse camping at Bend View Metropark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant foliage

CrowdLow
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Bend View Metropark - Image 1

Bend View Metropark

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant foliage

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover stunning river views, spot majestic bald eagles, and experience rustic treehouse camping at Bend View Metropark.

4.7
(145 reviews)

"The walk around porch is amazing, the views are fantastic!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for Rustic Stays

Treehouses lack electricity & water. Bring a wagon for gear & be ready for nature! :camping:

Eagle Spotting Hotspot

Try the Waterville area near the old bridge for bald eagle sightings. :eagle:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bald Eagle Nest

Bald Eagle Nest

Across the river from restrooms

Keep an eye out for the majestic bald eagle nest, a thrilling sight for wildlife enthusiasts.

River Bend Shelter

River Bend Shelter

Near boat launch

Enjoy stunning river views from this picturesque shelter, perfect for a peaceful picnic.

Treehouse Rentals

Treehouse Rentals

Various locations

Experience a unique overnight stay in rustic treehouses with amazing porch views.

Autumn Foliage

Autumn Foliage

Throughout the park

Witness the vibrant colors of fall as the park transforms into a breathtaking autumn landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Rustic Charm

Treehouse rentals offer a unique, rustic experience with no electricity or running water. Be prepared for basic amenities, potential wildlife encounters, and bring a wagon for gear. Poison ivy is prevalent on trails, so pack bug spray and wear appropriate footwear.

Bald Eagle Hotspot

The Waterville area, particularly near the old bridge and Farnsworth/Bendview Metroparks, is a prime spot for spotting bald eagles. While sightings can happen year-round, consider visiting during seasons when wildlife is more active.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Vibrant foliage
Crowd
Low
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Wildlife activity
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Fall at Bend View Metropark #getoutsideyourself #beautifulday #fallvibes #autumn #beautiful #ohiofindithere #wandering #igers_nwohio #ohioexplored #bestoftheusa_seasons #bestofthebuckeyestate #midwestmoment #reels #reelitfeelit #reeltoreel #reelsinstagram #tree_magic #tree_brilliance
christinikmi
37 likes • 730 views

Pack for Rustic Stays

Treehouses lack electricity & water. Bring a wagon for gear & be ready for nature! :camping: Reddit

Eagle Spotting Hotspot

Try the Waterville area near the old bridge for bald eagle sightings. :eagle: Reddit

Off work early and stopped to fill my soul. #bendviewmetropark #naturelovers #ineedtodothismoreoften
debby_gensler
7 likes • 122 views
Hike #28 on the Buckeye Trail. I have too much fun getting blue blazes with my hiking friend Angie. Hiked from Bend View Metropark to Haskins,Oh #buckeyetrail #adventuretime #sassyfly #beyou #behappy #Girlswhohikeohio #Ohiohiker #blueblazes
hikingwith_christina
6 likes • 103 views

Beware of Poison Ivy

Trails are abundant with poison ivy. Wear long pants & use bug spray. :herb: Reddit

Wagon Recommended

Vehicle access to treehouses is limited; a wagon is essential for hauling supplies. :red_car: Reddit

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Best hiking trails

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for Rustic Stays

Treehouses lack electricity & water. Bring a wagon for gear & be ready for nature! :camping: Reddit

Eagle Spotting Hotspot

Try the Waterville area near the old bridge for bald eagle sightings. :eagle: Reddit

Beware of Poison Ivy

Trails are abundant with poison ivy. Wear long pants & use bug spray. :herb: Reddit

Wagon Recommended

Vehicle access to treehouses is limited; a wagon is essential for hauling supplies. :red_car: Reddit

Enjoy the Views

The walk-around porches on the treehouses offer fantastic river views. :camerawithflash: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(145 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Bend View Metropark for its stunning river views, opportunities to spot bald eagles, and unique treehouse camping experiences. The rustic nature of the treehouses and the prevalence of poison ivy on trails are noted drawbacks, requiring visitors to come well-prepared for a basic outdoor adventure.

"This review is for the treehouse rentals:

Both treehouses are super cute! There is NO electricity, water, or restrooms. This is rustic! There is a port-a-pot at the entrance/boat launch area. Take a peek around 1st, we had friendly small snakes that liked to hangout inside!
You can not pull your vehicle right up to the units, I recommend bringing a wagon. The Liberty treehouse is a bit of a walk. There are enough parking spots for 2 vehicles, one per unit, possibly 3 but the spots are not marked as reserved for campers. I recommend the park add signage as a hiker was parked in one of our spots.
There are alot of steps to climb, so be prepared.

Each unit have 2 cots, space between the cots for an air mattress, and a loft area that you access by a rope ladder. The treehouses can sleep 4 people comfortably. Caution, these rope ladders are not sturdy! They are tied to the floor, I took it upon my self to tighten them so there was not as much slack to make it easier to get up there. I would recommend they change these ladders to an actual wood one. Fun for kids, not so fun after a few drinks at bed time. The walk around porch is amazing, the views are fantastic! Each treehouse comes stocked with fire wood. Both units have sliding glass doors for entry, I would recommend they added a screen door, as it was only glass and although these units have 3 windows, it would be helpful in the hot summer.
Warning! There is so much poison ivy! Not so much near the units, but along the entire trail! Bring bug spray!

Things to know for each:
Freedom- The loft in this treehouse is smaller than the Liberty, can accommodate 2 children or 1 adult. A full air mattress does fit. This loft has 2 windows, only 1 had a screen. This unit did have solar lights inside with a remote.

Liberty- the loft is big enough for a full size air mattress and 2 adults with room for your bags etc. This one does not have windows in the loft. This unit did not have lights.

Over all, a great experience! Come prepared!"

Amanda Mcdonald

"Park at the boat launch area for a shorter walk to the shelter at the bend in the river, otherwise the walk is just over 1 1/2 miles from the main parking lot."

HV & JC

"Beautiful trails with water access, porta potties, and awesome rentable treehouse campsites!"

Jan Smith

What People Like

Beautiful river views
Bald eagle sightings
Unique treehouse stays

What People Dislike

Rustic treehouse amenities
Poison ivy on trails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bend View Metropark is accessible by car. Parking is available at the main lot and near the boat launch area. It's also a pleasant walk from Farnsworth Metropark, offering opportunities to see wildlife along the way. Reddit

Information on public transportation options to Bend View Metropark is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access. Check local transit schedules for potential routes serving the Waterville area.

Yes, you can hike to Bend View Metropark. It's connected to Farnsworth Metropark via trails, making it a great destination for longer hikes. The Buckeye Trail also passes through the area. Instagram

Vehicle access to the treehouse rentals is restricted. Park at the boat launch area for a shorter walk to the shelter, or be prepared for a longer walk from the main parking lot. Bringing a wagon is highly recommended for transporting gear. Reddit

Farnsworth Metropark is adjacent to Bend View Metropark and offers additional trails and amenities. The Waterville area also has local shops and dining options. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Bend View Metropark is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee for day use. However, specific activities like treehouse rentals will have associated costs. Reddit

Park hours typically align with standard metropark operating times, usually from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to check the official Metroparks website for the most current hours of operation. Instagram

Treehouse rentals can be booked through the Metroparks reservation system. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular dates, as these unique accommodations are in high demand. Reddit

Treehouse rentals are rustic and do not include electricity or water. They typically come with firewood, cots, and a loft area. You'll need to bring your own bedding, air mattresses, and supplies. Reddit

There are no specific age restrictions for visiting Bend View Metropark. It's a family-friendly destination, but children should be supervised, especially near the river and on trails with potential hazards like poison ivy. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Bend View Metropark is known for its diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, various bird species, and other small animals. The river setting provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation. Reddit

Yes, Bend View Metropark features hiking trails that are well-suited for nature walks and connecting with the surrounding environment. Some trails are part of the Buckeye Trail. Instagram

Amenities include a shelter house at the river bend, restrooms near the boat launch, and porta-potties. Treehouse rentals offer a unique camping experience. Reddit

Absolutely! The park's natural setting along the river makes it a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see a variety of avian species, including the iconic bald eagle. Reddit

The terrain varies, with relatively easy walking paths along the river and more natural trails through wooded areas. Be aware of potential hazards like poison ivy and uneven ground on some paths. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the river, the bald eagle nest, the picturesque shelter house, and the vibrant fall foliage. The treehouse exteriors also make for unique photographic subjects. Instagram+1

Yes, the park offers beautiful landscape photography opportunities, especially along the riverbanks and during the autumn season when the colors are at their peak. Instagram

Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical. Instagram

Drone usage policies can vary by park system. It's essential to check the official Metroparks regulations regarding drone operation before flying at Bend View Metropark to ensure compliance.

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a telephoto lens for wildlife, would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive river views. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bend View Metropark offers a unique adventure for families, especially with its treehouse rentals. While rustic, these offer a memorable overnight experience. Be prepared for the lack of amenities and the need for a wagon to transport gear. Reddit The trails are generally easy to moderate, but keep an eye out for poison ivy and ensure children are supervised, particularly near the river. The chance to spot bald eagles can be a thrilling educational experience for kids. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers

For those who love the outdoors, Bend View Metropark is a gem. The park is renowned for its bald eagle sightings, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. Reddit The trails provide excellent opportunities for observing diverse flora and fauna, and the river setting enhances the birdwatching experience. Pack binoculars and a field guide to make the most of your visit. Instagram

🚶 Hikers and Trail Explorers

Hikers will appreciate the trail network at Bend View Metropark, which connects to the broader Buckeye Trail system. Instagram The trails offer varied scenery, from wooded paths to riverfront views. Remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes and be mindful of potential hazards like poison ivy. Reddit The park is also a great starting or ending point for longer hiking excursions in the region.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Treehouse Camping

Bend View Metropark offers a unique camping experience with its rentable treehouses, providing a rustic escape into nature. These accommodations are designed for those who appreciate a back-to-basics approach, as they lack electricity and running water. Visitors should be prepared for a truly immersive outdoor adventure, complete with the sounds of nature and the potential for close encounters with local wildlife. Reddit

Each treehouse, like the 'Freedom' and 'Liberty' units, can comfortably sleep up to four people, featuring cots and loft areas accessible by rope ladders. While the views from the wrap-around porches are consistently praised, guests should be aware of the rustic nature of the rope ladders and the prevalence of poison ivy on surrounding trails. Bringing a wagon is highly recommended for transporting supplies from the parking areas to the treehouses, as direct vehicle access is limited. Reddit

Despite the rustic conditions, the treehouse rentals are a popular choice for families and those seeking a memorable overnight stay. The experience is enhanced by the provided firewood and the stunning natural surroundings. It's crucial for visitors to pack accordingly, bringing essentials like bedding, bug spray, and a flashlight, and to be mindful of the park's natural elements. Reddit

Wildlife Watching: Eagles and More

Bend View Metropark is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those hoping to spot bald eagles in their natural habitat. The Waterville area, including the vicinity of the old bridge and the park itself, is frequently mentioned as a prime location for eagle sightings. Visitors are advised to keep a keen eye on the skies and the riverbanks for these magnificent birds. Reddit

Beyond eagles, the park's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of other wildlife. Birdwatchers can enjoy observing numerous avian species, especially in the riparian zones along the river. The trails offer opportunities to encounter smaller mammals and other creatures that inhabit the woodlands and meadows. Visiting during different seasons can reveal different wildlife activity patterns. Reddit

To maximize your chances of wildlife encounters, consider visiting during the quieter hours of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Being patient and observant is key. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Instagram

Exploring the Trails and River Access

The trail system at Bend View Metropark offers a refreshing way to experience the park's natural beauty. Hikers can enjoy scenic routes that wind through wooded areas and along the river, providing opportunities for both exercise and nature appreciation. The park is also noted for its connection to the Buckeye Trail, appealing to long-distance hikers. Instagram

River access is a significant feature of Bend View Metropark, with a boat launch area available. This provides opportunities for activities like kayaking or canoeing, allowing visitors to explore the waterway from a different perspective. The shelter house located at a bend in the river is a popular spot for picnics and enjoying the tranquil water views. Reddit

When exploring the trails, it's important to be aware of the natural environment. Poison ivy is present along many of the paths, so wearing appropriate footwear and long clothing is recommended. Staying on marked trails helps protect the park's delicate ecosystems and ensures a safer experience for visitors. Reddit

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