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 Lake
County has long been a magnet destination for birds and birders
alike. Over 330 bird species have been reported form the county,
and approximately 260 of those, many using the Mississippi Flyway
migration route, stip to rest and feed on the Lake Erie shores and
parklands of Lake County. For Ohio birding news or to report a local sighting
visit
Lake Erie Birding Trail
or
OhioBirds
or
BirdingOnThe.net |
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Headlands
Beach State Park
9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor (take State Route 44 North to Lake
Erie)
120-acre lakefront park boasts a mile long natural sand beach –
Ohio’s longest. Features guarded swimming beach, restrooms,
changing rooms, outdoor showers, 1 1/2 mile paved hiking trail,
fishing, playground and large shaded picnic area with grills. To
reserve a picnic shelter call (216) 881-8141. Free parking. |
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 Holden
Arboretum
9500 Speery Road, Kirtland 44094
(440) 946-4400 The rare
Townsend Solitaire is one of the many rare species which visited
Holden |
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Lake Metroparks
Call (440) 639-7275 or visit
our website for list of park locations featuring bird watching
opportunities. |
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 Lake
Metroparks Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park
301 Huntington Beach Dr.
Fairport Harbor 44077. High St., north of Second
St. (440) 639-9972. 21-acre lakefront park features
restrooms, showers, changing rooms, concessions, an amphitheater,
volleyball courts, a playground and picnic area with grills. Food
concession open daily, weather
permitting, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. A $2
parking fee applies to Lake County residents, $3 for out of county
residents. Host site to Lake County Visitors Bureau’s Perch Fest. |
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Mentor Lagoons Nature
Preserve
8365 Harbor Drive, Mentor 44060
(440) 205-3625
The Preserve serves as an important breeding and nursery
area for fish and waterfowl and provides a resting place for
neo-tropical birds and butterflies as they migrate each year. Golf
cart rentals available Mon.-Fri. for seniors and physically
challenged. |
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 Mentor
Marsh
Carol H. Sweet Nature Center
440-257-0777
During spring and fall migration season over 250
species of birds can be found. Trails are open daily, year-round,
dawn to dusk. Home to the Carol H. Sweet Nature Center located at 5185 Corduroy Road
and is open to the public on weekends from Noon to 5 p.m., from
April through October. Every Sunday at 2 p.m., a guided walk
and/or special program is offered. There is no charge and everyone
is welcome. Programs for groups are available by appointment at a
nominal charge. |
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Grand
River Canoe Livery
3825 Fobes Road, Rock Creek (livery)
(800) ME-CANOE
Trips range from two hours up to six hours to suit your needs. |
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 “In Fishing Angling Adventures
2000” Magazine’s Top Ten Picks for Big Water Walleye: Lake
Erie Central Basin (includes Lake County) and in Top Ten Great
Lakes Steelhead Runs Number 6 is Lake County’s Grand River.
Fishing Reports Ohio Division of Wildlife
Fairport Fish Station
(440) 352-4195
Chagrin River: Public access available at The Illuminating
Company Breakwall off Lake Shore Boulevard in Eastlake. Old
St. Clair Street Bridge, Gilson Park, Todd Field and Daniels
Park dam in Willoughby.
Fishing Bait & Tackle
Grand River: Public access available at west breakwall from
Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor at the end of Water
Street in Fairport Harbor and southern banks, past
Rutherford’s Landing. Arcola Creek: Madison Township. Public
access available at the end of Lake Road through Lake
Metroparks. For Lake Metropark’s pond and river fishing call
1-800-227-PARK or (440) 639-7275. For the best Lake Erie deep
water and river fishing, river guides, steelhead trout, and
fishing reports check all local
tackle shops. |
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| Arcola Creek
Madison Township. Public access available at the
end of Lake Road through Lake Metroparks. |
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| Chagrin River
Public access available at Woodland Park and Lake
Shore Boulevard in Eastlake. Old St. Clair Street Bridge, Gilson
Park, Todd Field and Daniels Park in Willoughby. |
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| Grand River
Public access available at west breakwall from
Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor at the end of Water Street in
Fairport Harbor and southern banks, past Rutherford's Landing. |
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| Madison Township
Public access available at the end of Lake Road through Lake
Metroparks. |
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For
Lake Metro Park's
pond and river fishing call
1-800-227-PARK or (440) 639-7275.
For the best Lake Erie deep water and river fishing, river guides,
steelhead trout, and fishing reports check all
local
tackle shops. |
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Kettlebrick Farms
10811 Prouty Rd. Concord Twp. 44077 (440)
352-1831 |
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Brick Hill Farms
464 Brook Drive, Eastlake 44095 (440)
946-2992 |
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440-639-7275
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Arcola Creek
941 Dock Rd, Madison Twp 44057
153 acres with fishing, picnic area and restrooms. One of the last
remaining estuaries in Ohio. |
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Beaty Landing
417 East Walnut St. (State Route 84) Painesville 44077
Enjoy picnicking, hiking and fishing at Lake Metroparks’ newest
park featuring a scenic overlook and three access points to the
Grand River. 54 acres. Restrooms. One mile-long loop gravel trail.
Overlook deck. |
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Chagrin River Park
3100 Reeves Road, Willoughby
Additional entrances: 37699 Erie Road, Willoughby & 1000 Rural
Drive, Eastlake
In addition to hiking trails, offers volleyball courts, ball
fields, a sledding hill and picnic areas. Park is accessible and
has restrooms. Pedestrian bridge crosses the Chagrin River at a
length of 220 feet and 10 feet in width. Designated as an
Important Bird Area by the Ohio Audubon Society. |
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Chapin Forest Reservation
10381 Hobart Road & 10090 Chillicothe Rd. (Rt. 306) Kirtland 44094
Cross-country ski center off Hobart Rd.
(440) 256-3810 (winter only)
This 403-acre park features hiking and bridle trails, fishing
ponds, picnic shelters, playgrounds, drinking water and restrooms.
Scenic overlook views Lake Erie and Cleveland skyline. Historic
Quarry Pond and stream provided the foundation stone for Kirtland
Temple construction and other local buildings |
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Children’s Schoolhouse Nature Park
9045 Baldwin Rd. Kirtland Hills 44094
12 acres of hiking trails. Open by appointment only. |
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Concord Woods Nature Park
11211 Spear Road Concord Township 44077
(440) 639-7275
Accessible facilities, picnic area with shelters and grills,
restrooms, playground and fishing are among amenities. |
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Girdled Road Reservation
North Entrance: 12898 Girdled Rd. South Entrance: 12899 Radcliffe
Rd. Concord Twp. 44077
932 acres. Picnic areas with grills. Picnic shelter (south).
Drinking water (north), restrooms. Over five miles of hiking
trails. Playground (south park only). Fishing. Cross-country
skiing. Ball and game fields. |
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Grand River Landing
800 N. St. Clair Street Fairport Harbor 44077
15-acre park provides small boat access (canoe and kayak) to the
Grand River. Free. Fishing is popular along the banks of the
river. Seasonal picnic tables and restrooms. An Ohio Designated
Scenic River. |
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Greenway Corridor Bike Trail
Route 84 & Liberty Street, Painesville 44077
Lake Metroparks 4.8 mile-long paved trail features a width of 10
feet allowing for two lanes of foot and bike traffic. Horses are
also allowed to use the trail. Southern section connects with
Geauga Park Bike Trail. |
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Gully Brook Park
2100 River Road Willoughby Hills 44094
172 acres. Gully Brook Park protects a valley, stream, wetland and
forest. Its unique natural features, ravines and wild places are
intertwined with local history. For nearly 100 years, nature
enthusiasts of all ages have sought inspiration and knowledge in
the Gully Brook valley. Today, visitors can enjoy more than a mile
of improved trails and the chance to reconnect with nature. |
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Helen Hazen Wyman Park
6121 Painesville-Warren Rd. Painesville 44077
Wonderful 58 acres with picnic area. Fishing and ball facilities
also available. |
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Hell Hollow Wilderness Area
14435 Leroy Center Road, Leroy Township 44077
Hell Hollow Wilderness Area has a high cliff top with a loop trail
and 262 timber steps that provide a dramatic descent to the creek
valley. 836 Acres. Picnic area with grills. Picnic shelter.
Restrooms. Hiking trails. Playground. Ball and game fields.
Designated as an Important Bird Area by the Ohio Audubon Society. |
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Hidden Valley Park
4880 Klasen Road Madison Township 44057
Park borders the Grand River below a spectacular, exposed 360
million year-old Chagrin Shale cliff. 152 Acres. Accessible
facilities. Picnic area with grills. Picnic shelter with fire
ring. Drinking water. Restrooms. Hiking trails. Playground.
Fishing. Sledding hill. Ball and game fields. Pay phone. Canoe
access. A cabin accessed from the north entrance (at 4837
Palisades Dr.) is available for rent. Call 440-358-7275 for rental
information. |
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Hogback Ridge Park
Emerson Road, Madison Township 44057
Features hardwood forests, hemlock ridges, and the floodplains of
Mill Creek and the Grand River. 414 acres. Picnic area with
grills. Picnic shelter. Restrooms. Hiking trails. Fishing. Cabin
rental; call (440) 358-7275 to reserve |
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Indian Point Park
Lower Lot: 12951 Seeley Rd. Leroy Township 44077
Upper Lot: 13165 Seeley Rd.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National
Park Service, Indian Point has one of the earliest architectural
works in this part of Ohio. 408 acres. Picnic area with grills.
Restrooms. Hiking trails. Drinking water. Fishing. |
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Lakefront Lodge
30525 Lakeshore Boulevard, Willowick 44095
(440) 358-7275 Reservations
10 acre park on shore of Lake Erie. Picnic and restroom
facilities. Also features a building suitable for meetings & small
parties. In addition to private rentals, the facility is host
public recreational programs. |
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Lake Metroparks Farmpark
8800 Euclid Chardon Road Kirtland 44094
(440) 256-2122, (800) 366-3276
Named one of 10 great locations to dig up old dirt on farming by
USA Today. Farmpark is a family oriented science and cultural
center devoted to agriculture, farming, and country life. Come and
experience this award-winning park where you can milk a cow, take
a wagon ride, and discover over 50 breeds of farm animals up
close. Marvel at the Border collie at work. Explore solar and wind
power, The Great Tomato Works, and themed gardens. Seasonal and
special events year-round. Park also features a reservable
pavilion, gift shop and cafe. Admission applies. Host site to
Vintage Ohio and Village Peddler Festival. |
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Lake Metroparks Headquarters
(440) 639-7275
Accessible facilities, picnic area with shelters and grills,
restrooms, playground and fishing are among amenities. |
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Lakeshore Reservation
4799 Lockwood Road, North Perry Village 44081
Features a sculpted
sundial, a cable bridge, and a bronze cast of the area. The
sundial was designed by nationally-known sculptor Carl Floyd of
Madison, Ohio. 84 acres. Picnic area and reservable picnic
shelter. Handicapped accessible. Restrooms. Drinking water. Paved
hiking trails & fishing. |
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Lake Metroparks Lakefront
Park
301 Huntington Beach Drive, Fairport Harbor 44077
High Street, north of Second St. (440)
639-9972 (summer only)
This 21-acre lakefront park features a beautiful beach, accessible
restrooms, changing rooms and shower facilities; picnic area and
pavilion with grills; playground; volleyball courts; fishing
access; and a Surf Chair . Food concession open daily, weather
permitting, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Parking
fee applies |
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Mason’s Landing Park
5000 Vrooman Rd., Perry 44081
Offers a ½-mile gravel trail that meanders through the wooded
floodplain and features a variety of wildflowers in the spring. It
is a popular access point for fishing, canoes and kayaks. 133
acres. Picnic area with grills. Playground. Hiking trail. Portable
restrooms. |
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Paine
Falls Park
5570 Paine Road, Leroy Township
Features a beautiful scenic waterfall. 377 acres. Picnic area with
grills. Picnic shelter. Hiking trail. Restrooms. |
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Painesville Township Park
1025 Hardy Road, Painesville Township 44077
Located on Lake Erie’s shore, Park offers five softball diamonds
and one of Ohio’s oldest dance halls with dancing on the weekends.
37 acres. Picnic areas, food concession, pavilion, community
center, drinking water, restrooms, wheelchair accessible,
playground equipment and a beautiful view of Lake Erie.
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Parsons Gardens
37840 Erie Rd. Willoughby 44094
7 acres with picnic area and restrooms. |
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Penitentiary
Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland 44094
(440) 256-1404
The park has been designated by
the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife as
a “Watchable Wildlife” site. Self-guided tour through historical
sites. Surrounded by a butterfly garden, hands-on-exhibits, art
shows, and Nature Store. Features 424 acres of forest, fields,
wetlands, and over 7.5 miles of hiking trails. Also features
miniature steam train rides, and special events monthly. |
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Kevin
P. Clinton Wildlife Center
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd. Kirtland, 44094
Wildlife Hotline: (440) 256-2131
A state-of-the-art wildlife rehabilitation center and
educational facilities provides the best opportunity for care for
injured and/or orphaned native Ohio wildlife for first aid, care
and rehabilitation. |
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Riverview Park
4895 Bailey Road Madison Township 44057
A Grand River reservation. Hike, fish or cross-country ski through
this 45-acre facility. Great hill for sledding! Picnic area with
grills. Picnic shelter. Fire ring. Restrooms. Hiking trail.
Fishing. Pay phone. |
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Veterans Park
5740 Hopkins Rd., Mentor 44060
Granger pond, located in Veteran’s Park, is the largest inland
lake in Lake County and is a remnant of original Ohio swamp
forest. 100 acres, four accessible fishing piers, a 1.78-mile loop
trail though native wetlands with 830 feet of boardwalk. Generally
stocked with catfish, bass, and rainbow trout. |
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Donald E.
Krueger Park
7556 Chillicothe, Mentor 44060 (440) 974-5720
Website
Soccer and baseball fields. |
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Bill Stanton
Community Park
2065 Hubbard Rd. Madison Township 44057 (440) 417-0965
36-acre lakefront park features a pool, tennis courts, picnicking
and a banquet hall. Rustic lakeside cabin available for rent.
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Civic Center
Ice Arena Waterpark &
Skatepark
8600 Munson Rd., Mentor 44060 (440) 974-5720
Two indoor ice rinks, outdoor Olympic swimming pool with water
play area, picnic grounds, sand volleyball, basketball, tennis,
baseball diamonds, and paved bike path.vation. Public marina with direct lake access. |
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Eleanor B. Garfield Park
7967 Mentor Ave., Mentor 44060 (440) 974-5720
Outdoor pool, playground, picnic pavilion, fishing, soccer,
tennis, baseball and wildlife area. |
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Girdled Road
Reservation
12899 Radcliffe Rd. Concord Township 44077 Groomed trails. Picnic
shelter). Drinking water, restrooms. |
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Holden
Arboretum
9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland 44094 (440)
946-4400
Savour the open landscape at this 3,450-acre sanctuary while
swishing along 20 miles of trails. |
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Mentor
Lagoons Nature Preserve
8365 Harbor Drive, Mentor 44060 (440)
205-DOCK
Ski trails, weather permitting. Daylight hours only. Must bring
own equipment. |
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Lake
Metroparks Pine Lodge Ski Center
Chapin Forest Reservation
10381 Hobart Rd, Kirtland 44094 (440)
256-3810
Six miles of looped trails groomed daily, weather permitting.
Evening skiing until 8 pm. Ski rentals and lessons available. |
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Penitentiary
Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd. Kirtland, OH 44094
Enjoy the challenge of miles of un groomed trails. Shelter,
restrooms. |
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YMCA Outdoor
Family Center
4540 River Road, Perry 44081 (440)
259-2724
Explore miles of ski
trails near Grand River or climb the new rock walls. Splash in the
outdoor pool and water play area. |
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Big
Creek Ski Area
12721 Concord-Hambden Road Concord Township 44077
(440) 352-2121
We open as early as we can in the season and ski until the snow is
gone! Call for more information on visiting this unique facility. |
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