The Sprawling State Park Where You Can View The Best Fall Foliage Near Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published October 16, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
If you’re a fan of nature in Northeast Ohio, you’re probably no stranger to the numerous state parks near Cleveland. These parks, managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, are diverse and unique, and they offer an incredible escape from the hustle and bustle of life in the city. Here, birdsong, the rustle of leaves, the hum of insects, and other brilliant sounds of nature surround and soothe those seeking refuge in nature. In the autumn, these Northeast Ohio state parks have something else to offer: a stunning array of foliage. Interestingly, as fall foliage in Ohio is impacted by several conditions including microclimates, it’s possible to immerse yourself in peak fall colors even after the immediate Cleveland area has lost its leaves. Today, we’re going to look at a sprawling state park in Ravenna as a potential leaf-peeping destination… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all this spot has to offer! Hop in the car and let’s check it out:
Hidden about an hour away from Cleveland is a state park that's pure magic.
This gorgeous landscape is part of Ravenna, Ohio. Ravenna is the seat of Portage County, and it's part of the Greater Akron Area. Though it's just around the corner from home, I've found that this part of Northeast Ohio has slightly different weather... as Cleveland is getting hit by cold weather and rain, it can be warm and dry down here and vice versa. As a result, heading to the area is a great opportunity to see a different spread of leaves.
This little slice of paradise is West Branch State Park, which was founded in 1966.
Well, little might be a mere turn of phrase... this place is massive. At 5,379 acres, there's tons to see at this sprawling state park. And that's no exaggeration! You can expect to find a 700-foot sand beach, 14 miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, and more.
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The crown jewel of the park is the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir, which spans a whopping 2,650 acres.
This beauty was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1965, and it has entranced visitors ever since. In fact, the construction of the lake ushered in the birth of the state park... its plentiful fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities were irresistible to early visitors!
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Five ramps allow visitors to easily launch a boat... and if you don't have your own, you can always rent on at the West Branch Marina.
The West Branch Marina is a great spot to visit before your adventure stops. You can grab food and ice here, and you can also rent boats by the hour to make the most of your time in the park.
In addition to setting a gorgeous scene for your hiking adventures, the lake is also a coveted fishing and swimming spot.
You likely won't be swimming here while the leaves are changing, but fish are abundant in the man-made lake. Fishing is a coveted pastime at West Branch State Park, as the lake is stocked with all sorts of critters — including trophy-class muskellunge.
For day-to-day visitors, the park is open from sun up to sun down, so you can definitely end your trip on a high note with a sunset view. However, camping allows you to see the stars at night... and West Branch might as well be a dark sky park, as the stargazing here is incredible.
And an ever-rotating schedule of special events, which includes guided fall hikes, keeps things fresh at the park.
Even if you've visited the park before, it's worth checking out its special events! Autumn events like pumpkin archery and make-your-own spider web craft sessions are fun and delightfully in the fall spirit.
The best part? Since this spot is a bit south of home, the leaves tend to change slightly later.
Even if the leaves in Cleveland have changed or fallen, you may find that the leaves outside of the snowbelt area are still vibrant and enchanting. Trips to the Ravenna area are always a surprise... it's so close, yet so different!
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With rich history, hiking opportunities, fun in the sun, and more, this park is so worth a trip from Cleveland.
In addition to the history around the man-made lake, you'll also find yourself standing where militia gathered for the War of 1812 and where indigenous Ohioans gathered salt many years ago. Humans have been coming to this spot for generations, and it's every bit as alluring today, if not more so.
Look for it near 5570 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna, OH, 44266.
West Branch State Park in Ravenna, Ohio is a lovely day trip destination that has much to offer. Have you ever visited this spot? If so, share your experience with us in the comments!
Don’t be surprised if you end up hungry after hiking this massive state park near Cleveland! While you’re in Ravenna, a trip to Arnie’s West Branch Steak House.
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