Bender Mountain Trail

Jeff Glasser

The map of the property is buried in the woods on the side of the trail not at the parking lot or even the trailheads off of the parking lot. Speaking of the trailheads you can't actually access them unless there has been no rainfall for significant time leading up to your visit. You would have to manually build your own stepping stone bridge of rocks across the flowing water or scrabble downstream for a distance to find a gap in the tree line where the path has descended in elevation to the level of the stream bed. There is no fixed bridge or other walkway to access the trailhead when there has been precipitation and the water level is flowing higher. The short U bend trail takes you down to the creek and a large piece of drain pipe that the water flows through along with some graffiti that vandals have spray painted onto the cement walls. I applaud the conservation of flora and fauna within this piece of property but it leaves much to be desired. I did not find the trails to be demanding as the sign on the property describes though I am an experienced outdoors person and was only tested by the muddy state of the ground. Also why are people putting sea shells and man made objects in the trees? Leave no trace and take care of our planet. As with any outdoors activity be realistic about your training, experience, and level of ability before going out.

Sarah S

I love this trail! So many great views. Such long trails.

Liliana Villamizar

I went there with my 5 year old son today and we both loved this hike so much. I’m a bit fan of rather steep, shaded hikes with great views and this one has all of that.

Brandon Bautista

Awesome trail with a great overlook of the Ohio Valley. Plenty of steep interesting trails with lots of benches. Be sure to bring your boots if it has rained recently.