Sandra L. Frankel Nature Park is a 72-acre linear park connecting the Brighton Town Hall and Library on Elmwood Ave with Buckland Park on Westfall Road. The flat 0.8-mile Brickyard Trail runs the length of the park, and through the former clay mine. The hard-pack gravel trail is available for all non-motorized use, and perfect for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Brickyard Trail in April
Brickyard Trail in February
The experience along the trail is quite unexpected! It’s nestled among residential and commercial lots, but once you begin you become unaware of their presence and a transported into a peaceful woodland and wetland. I have no doubt this will be an excellent area for bird watching.
Buckland Creek runs through the nature park.
About half-way along you come across a sitting area with educational signage. It tells the story of the area’s unique and significant history as a brickyard, thus the name, Brickyard Trail. I can’t wait to come back when the trails are free of snow.
More information about the Brickyard Trail at Sandra L Frankel Nature Park
- Cost: Free
- Located in Brighton (get directions)
- More information: townofbrighton.org
- I found this very informative video if you’d like to learn more about the area.
Parking
There are 2 sanctioned parking areas–Buckland Park and the Town Hall. There is, however, this little 4-car spot on Westfall you can park if you’re lucky!
Have you explored the Brickyard Trail?
Share with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!