An exciting new access for birders to view an area of Berlin Reservoir that was pretty much inaccessible in the past, will officially open tomorrow, October 22nd, at 10AM. The 2.2 mile long stone-surfaced Berlin Lake Trail will give access to the 475 foot long, abandoned concrete railroad bridge that crosses over the reservoir. To birders who have been to the SR224 Bridge and causeway on the Mahoning/Portage County line for rarities; this is the area you see to the southwest. Gulls and waterfowl are always just out of range, even with a good scope, but not anymore!!! If you take looking off the railroad bridge to the west and to the east, this is like having 950 feet of observation tower. In summer one of the largest nesting colonies of Cliff Swallows in Northeast Ohio can be found under the bridge on the concrete surfaces. In season, Black-crowned Night Herons are seen regularly in the bays north of the bridge. The view from the bridge is well worth the walk. For history buffs, the trail follows the old Lake Erie, Alliance, and Wheeling Railroad bed, which later became The New York Central Railroad. The Portage Park District will manage the trail, with an asphalt parking lot on the north end, off off SR224, about 1.5 miles east of Deerfield Circle. This is the location of the opening ceremonies. A gravel parking lot is located on the south end, off of SR14 on Kirkbride Road, just northwest of the town of North Benton. The Berlin Lake Trail will be open all year, dawn to dusk, for birdwatching, hiking, biking, and fishing access. Enjoy!!! Bob and Denise Lane                                          
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