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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Portage Lakes State Park
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PORTAGE LAKES STATE PARK
PORTAGE LAKES STATE PARK
5031 Manchester Rd
Akron, Ohio   44319-3909
(lat:40.9668 lon:-81.5549) map location

Phone: (330) 644-2220
Reservations: 866-644-6727


The many waters of Portage Lakes State Park offer visitors a variety of outdoor recreational experiences. Boating, swimming and fishing are popular. The wetlands of the park attract waterfowl and shorebirds providing visitors enjoyment whether hunting or observing wildlife.
Nature of the Area
Although early Ohio offered the Indians and settlers vast water resources through Lake Erie and its major river systems, there were very few natural lakes or ponds in the state. Those that existed, including several of the Portage Lakes, were the direct result of glacial activity. These bodies of water were formed by huge chunks of ice which broke off the retreating glacier and melted in depressions forming kettle lakes. Many of the natural lakes in Ohio have aged into bogs or marshes.

Unique plants associated with these boggy areas can be found in the park. Tamarack trees, more common in northern boreal forests, are scattered through the park with patches of skunk cabbage and cranberry also present. Nice stands of beech-maple forest provide refuge for skunk, raccoon, white-tailed deer and many other animals. The wetlands of the park attract thousands of geese and waterfowl during spring and fall migration periods. Mallards, wood ducks and Canada geese nest in the wetlands each year. In addition, woodcock, heron, hawks, owls, red fox, beaver and muskrat are often sighted.
History of the Area
Portage Lakes is named after the old Indian portage path which connected the Cuyahoga River flowing north to Lake Erie and the Tuscarawas River which through the Muskingum, flows south to the Ohio River. This proved advantageous for the Indians and early settlers as navigation from Lake Erie to the Ohio was possible with only one eight-mile portage overland. Portage Lakes State Park lies at one of the highest points of the state and on a major watershed divide in Ohio. Some water from the lakes reaches Lake Erie and some flows to the Ohio River.

The area became an important trading post for settlers and Indians. It was a recognized landmark during the War of 1812, serving as a rendezvous point of American troops. The old Indian portage path was part of the ancient boundary between the Six Nations and the Western Indians.

The city of Akron was laid out in 1825 and was first settled by Irish laborers and others working on the Ohio Canal. Once the canal was completed, the town flourished. Several important industries brought prosperity to the area including stoneware potteries, sewer pipe manufacturing, the match industry and, most recently, the tire and rubber industry. At one time, the Blue Diamond Match Company in Akron used three million board-feet of white pine lumber per year for the manufacture of its matches.

Several of the Portage Lakes were built as feeder reservoirs for the canals to maintain the required depth of four feet. The lakes were used for this purpose until the canals were abandoned in 1913. The lakes were then used to meet the water needs of the local industries. Some portions of the remnant canals in the Akron area can still be boated.

The Ohio Department of Public Works maintained the canal lands for recreational purposes until 1949 when the Portage Lakes were transferred to the newly formed Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres411
 Water, acres2,034
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles8
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #3
 Swimming Beach, feet900
BoatingBoating Limits400
 Launch Ramps, #8
CampingPrimitive, #74
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
 Snowmobilingyes
 Ice Boatingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
There are 74 campsites offering both sunny and shaded locations. Pit latrines and a dump station are provided. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites.
Swimming
An excellent swimming beach at Turkeyfoot Lake provides recreation for swimmers and sunbathers. Parking, drinking water, change booths and latrines are provided.
Boating
Boats with up to 400 horsepower are permitted on the Portage Lakes. Eight launch ramps provide access to the lakes. Private marinas in the area offer boat rentals and fuel. Electric motors only are permitted on Nimisila Reservoir where sailing and canoeing opportunities are excellent.
Fishing
Portage Lakes State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both novice and experienced anglers. The park is home to eight lakes, providing ample opportunities for freshwater fishing. These waters are teeming with different species such as largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge (muskie), yellow perch and various types of catfish.

The largest lake within the park is Turkeyfoot Lake which has boat ramps available making it easy access for those who prefer boat-based angling. Nimisila Reservoir also provides excellent conditions especially if you're targeting largemouth bass or crappie.

For shore fishermen there's plenty of accessible shoreline around each lake where one can cast their line from land while enjoying beautiful views across the water bodies surrounded by lush greenery.

Fishing tournaments often take place at Portage Lakes State Park throughout warmer months attracting many competitive fisherman looking to catch prize-winning fishes like bluegill or channel catfish.

Ice-fishing during winter season when weather permits adds another dimension to your experience here; however safety precautions should be taken due to varying ice thickness on these lakes.

Remember that all individuals aged 16 years old & above need an Ohio Fishing License before they start casting lines into any body of water inside this state park - licenses can easily be purchased online through ODNR Division Of Wildlife website prior visiting the area.


Location
Portage Lakes State Park is located near Akron, Barberton and Canal Fulton

Picnicking
Five picnic areas are scenically located around the park. Two shelterhouses are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling
While biking is not officially promoted, some visitors do enjoy cycling on the park's roads. Be mindful of traffic.

There are no designated bike trails within this location; caution should be exercised when riding.

Bicycling here can offer scenic views but remember to respect pedestrians and wildlife you may encounter along your ride.

Although it offers a picturesque setting for cyclists, there aren't any specific bicycle rental facilities available at this site.

Please note that while bicycling isn't prohibited, riders must adhere strictly to all safety rules and regulations in place.

Remember: helmets are essential for safe biking - don't forget yours if planning a cycle around these parts!

Cycling after dark is discouraged due to limited visibility and potential hazards such as roaming wildlife or uneven terrain.
Trails
Five miles of hiking trials lead visitors to the woodlands and marshes of the park.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding options, with over 400 species recorded in the area. It is home to diverse habitats including wetlands, forests and grasslands that attract different types of birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers can spot waterfowl such as ducks and geese during migration seasons while songbirds like warblers are common in springtime. The park also hosts several raptors including bald eagles, hawks and owls which can be seen all year round.

There are numerous trails available for visitors who wish to go bird watching on foot or by bike; these range from easy walks around lakeside areas where swans may be spotted to more challenging hikes through woodland regions inhabited by woodpeckers among others.

In addition, there's an observation deck overlooking one of the larger bodies of water providing excellent views especially at dawn or dusk when many birds become most active.

Furthermore, guided tours led by experienced naturalists offer insights into local avian life along with tips on identifying various species based upon their calls or physical characteristics - ideal for both novice enthusiasts looking forward learning about ornithology as well seasoned experts seeking rare sightings within this richly biodiverse environment.
Area Attractions
The Astronomy Club of Akron leases land within the park to operate a small observatory. Special programs are presented seasonally.

Nearby Akron offers various sights. The Summit County Historical Society maintains the Perkins Mansion and the home of John Brown. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, a Tudor showplace, is popular for tours of the 65-room manor house and gardens as well as for special events. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located off Interstate-77 in Canton. The Goodyear World of Rubber, a museum depicting the rubber industry, offers guided tours throughout the year.

Quail Hollow State Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area are located in the vicinity. Quail Hollow State Park in Hartville offers a variety of programs. The National Recreation Area includes 32,000 acres where hiking, picnicking, canoeing and bicycling are popular activities. Two visitor centers are open daily.

Several state nature preserves in the area offer glimpses of unique bog vegetation. Jackson Bog is open during daylight hours, while Triangle Lake and Kent Bog can be accessed by permit only.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 15 A little more sun
park review stars; one to five Swimming is nice but the beach could be better if a couple of the trees were cut down. Not enough sun on the beach. Boating is very nice though!
May 12 very nice and clean
park review stars; one to five camping is awesome very nice and clean u will enjoy it
September 2 Great place to camp and have fun
park review stars; one to five I just camped here with my four kids. We had a great time. Camp is very woodsy, clean and safe. The lake is great. We rented a boat and cruised around. After staying for three nights in a tent everyone wanted to stay!
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
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Party Line Beverage & Bait
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Reel Solutions
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Long Lake Bait & Tackle
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Akron Wholesale Live Bait
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Sunrise Bait & Tackle
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Manda Bait & Tackle
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Anchor Bait & Tackle
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Bass Lakes
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Rohr Clarence & Sons
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Springfield Lake Bait & Tacle
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Kame's Sport Center
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Sea Trader Fishing Charters
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Area Cabins and Lodges
Radisson Hotel Akron City Ctr
20 W Mill St
Akron, OH
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
5031 Manchester Road, Akron, Ohio 44319

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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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