West Branch State Park

Infobox_protected_area | name = West Branch State Park
iucn_category = V


caption = Map of the U.S. state of Ohio showing the location of West Branch State Park
locator_x = 218
locator_y = 52
location = Portage County, Ohio, USA
nearest_city = Ravenna
lat_degrees =
lat_minutes =
lat_seconds =
lat_direction =
long_degrees =
long_minutes =
long_seconds =
long_direction =
area = Land: convert|5352|acre|km2|0
Water: convert|2650|acre|km2|0
established = 1966
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = Ohio Department of Natural Resources

West Branch State Park is a state park located east of Ravenna, Ohio on the west branch of the Mahoning River. The park encompasses convert|5352|acre|km2|0 of land and convert|2650|acre|km2|0 of water. Boating, fishing and swimming are permitted on the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. The park includes a campground with 198 campsites.

History

In early days Native Americans and some early settlers used the Mahoning River as a source for salt. Captain John Campbell who led militia in the War of 1812 opened the oldest brick land office building around 1810. Before the reservoir was made the building was moved out of the area.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir in 1965. The reservoir was developed for recreation, water supply, flood control, and fish and wildlife management. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers then leased the land to the state of Ohio to be used as a state park. West Branch State Park was officially opened in 1966.

Recreation

There are convert|12|mi|km|0 of hiking trails in West Branch State Park, along with convert|20|mi|km|-1 of bridle trails and around convert|8|mi|km|0 of snowmobile and biking trails. Hunting is permitted in certain areas when the season is open. Deer, small game and waterfowl are the most common for hunting. Boat rental is available at the marina.

External links

* [http://www.westbranchstatepark.com Campground Site]
* [http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/westbrnc.htm Ohio Department of Natural Resources Site]