Lake County is located just 10 minutes east of Cleveland
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Outdoor Activities In Lake County, Ohio


Lake County is blessed with a progressive park system, beautiful waterways and fishing areas, nature preserves, a nationally recognized arboretum and other opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature in Northeast Ohio. Explore our Lake Erie shore, inland rivers and valleys.
Arboretum   Canoeing   Fishing Area's   Hiking   Horseback Riding 
Lake Metro Parks   Parks   Skiing 
 
Also See : Charter Boat Fishing   &   Lake Erie Fun

Bird Watching

 
Lake County makes headlines frequently with rare bird sightings. Lake County is a destination worth visiting for birding and trails. In fact Ohio placed 7th internationally in the 2007 Great Backyard Bird Count. For Ohio birding news or to report a local sighting visit OhioBirds or BirdingOnThe.net
Lake Metroparks        
Call (440) 639-7275 or visit our website for list of park locations featuring bird watching opportunities.
Holden Arboretum        
9500 Speery Road, Kirtland 44094
(440) 946-4400  The rare Townsend Solitaire is one of the many rare species which visited Holden
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.
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.

Canoeing

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.

Fishing Areas

“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.

Ohio Senator George Voinovich fishing for steelhead trout in
Lake County
Arcola Creek  Madison Township. Public access available at the end of Lake Road through Lake Metroparks.
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.
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.
Madison Township  Public access available at the end of Lake Road through Lake Metroparks.
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.

Horseback Riding

Kettlebrick Farms
10811 Prouty Rd. Concord Twp. 44077 (440) 352-1831
Brick Hill Farms  
464 Brook Drive, Eastlake 44095 (440) 946-2992

Lake Metroparks

  440-639-7275  
   
  
Arcola Creek
941 Dock Rd, Madison Twp 44057
153 acres with fishing, picnic area and restrooms. One of the last remaining estuaries in Ohio.
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.
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.
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 390-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 in the 1830s and other local buildings.
Children’s Schoolhouse Nature Park
9045 Baldwin Rd. Kirtland Hills 44094
12 acres of hiking trails. Open by appointment only.
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.
Lake Metroparks Headquarters
(440) 639-7275
Accessible facilities, picnic area with shelters and grills, restrooms, playground and fishing are among amenities.
Girdled Road Reservation
North Entrance: 12898 Girdled Rd. South Entrance: 12899 Radcliffe Rd. Concord Twp. 44077
902 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.
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.
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.
Helen Hazen Wyman Park
6121 Painesville-Warren Rd. Painesville 44077
Wonderful 60 acres with picnic area. Fishing and ball facilities also available.
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. 783 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.
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.
Hogback Ridge Park
Emerson Road, Madison Township 44057
Features hardwood forests, hemlock ridges, and the floodplains of Mill Creek and the Grand River. A great abundance of spring wildflowers provides a spectacular show. Late march through the end of May is the best time to view this colorful display. 414 acres. Picnic area with grills. Picnic shelter. Restrooms. Hiking trails. Fishing. Cabin rental; call (440) 358-7275 to reserve cabin.
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.
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.
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.
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. Impressive sculpture garden. Picnic area and reservable picnic shelter. Handicapped accessible. Restrooms. Drinking water. Pay phone. 1.6 miles of paved hiking trails. Fishing.
Lake Metroparks Fairport Harbor 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 with a gradual slope and sandy bottom. Amenities include accessible restrooms, changing rooms and shower facilities; picnic area and pavilion with grills; drinking fountain; playground; volleyball courts; fishing access; and a Surf Chair (all-terrain wheelchair for use by visitor with physical disabilities). Food concession open daily, weather permitting, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
$2 parking fee applies to Lake County Residents ($3 for out of county residents). Host site to Lake County Visitors Bureau’s Perch Fest.
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.
Paine Falls Park         
5570 Paine Road, Leroy Township
Features a beautiful scenic waterfall. 377 acres. Picnic area with grills. Picnic shelter. Hiking trail. Restrooms. 
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.
Parsons Gardens
37840 Erie Rd. Willoughby 44094
7 acres with picnic area and restrooms.
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. Previously owned by the family of the famed Halle Bros. Department Store. Self-guided tour through historical sites. Surrounded by a butterfly garden, the Nature Center houses hands-on-exhibits, art shows, and Nature Store. Features 424 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and over 7.5 miles of hiking trails. Penitentiary Glen also features a Wildlife Center, miniature steam train rides, and special events monthly include art and photography show.
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.
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.
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. 93 acres, four accessible fishing piers, a 1.78-mile loop trail though native wetlands with 830 feet of boardwalk, and a wetland/wildlife viewing area. Granger Pond is generally stocked with catfish, bass, bluegill and rainbow trout. Mentor’s first neighborhood park.

Parks

Donald E. Krueger Park  
7556 Chillicothe, Mentor 44060  (440) 974-5720   Website
Soccer and baseball fields.
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.
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.
Eleanor B. Garfield Park
7967 Mentor Ave., Mentor 44060    (440) 974-5720
Outdoor pool, playground, picnic pavilion, fishing, soccer, tennis, baseball and wildlife area.

Skiing - Cross Country

Girdled Road Reservation
12899 Radcliffe Rd. Concord Township 44077  Groomed trails. Picnic shelter). Drinking water, restrooms.
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.
Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve
8365 Harbor Drive, Mentor 44060  (440) 205-DOCK
Groomed ski trails, weather permitting. Daylight hours only. Must bring own equipment.
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.
Penitentiary Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd. Kirtland, OH 44094
Enjoy the challenge of miles of un groomed trails. Shelter, restrooms.
YMCA Outdoor Family Center
4540 River Road, Perry 44081  (440) 259-2724
Call for more information on visiting this unique facility

Skiing - Downhill

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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