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.
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.
- Country
Acres Campground
Come
Home To the Country
Convenient location to Six Flags of Ohio (Geauga Lake), Inventure Place,
zoo, chocolate factory, Amish country and Cheesehouse. Shop Aurora Outlets
and AAA Antique Mall.
SQUEAKY CLEAN RESTROOMS/RENTALS
Stay three days -- third day half price
(restrictions apply).
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 and Hunting
Anglers will find good catches of largemouth bass, walleye,
muskellunge, pickerel, pan fish, channel catfish, bullhead and carp. A platform at North
Reservoir provides fishing access for persons with disabilities. Hunting for waterfowl
only is permitted in designated areas. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is
required.
Swimming
An excellent swimming beach at Turkeyfoot Lake provides recreation
for swimmers and sunbathers. Parking, drinking water, change booths and latrines are
provided.
Trails
Five miles of hiking trials lead visitors to the woodlands and
marshes of the park.
Picnicking
Five picnic areas are scenically located around the park. Two
shelterhouses are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
For more information of local attractions, call the Ohio Division of
Travel and Tourism at 1-800-BUCKEYE.
