Portage Lakes State Park, State park in Stark County, Ohio, United States
Portage Lakes State Park spans 411 acres with eight connected lakes offering water activities and outdoor recreation. The park includes hiking trails, picnic grounds, and houses an astronomy observatory near the main entrance.
The lakes formed from glacial activity when ice melted into ground depressions, creating kettle lakes thousands of years ago. These water bodies became recognizable landmarks during the War of 1812.
The lakes take their name from an old Native American portage route that connected two river systems. This name reflects how the landscape served as a vital passage for people long ago.
The park provides boating and fishing on all eight lakes, along with designated swimming areas and multiple trail systems. Arriving early gives better access to parking and secures picnic spots, especially on weekends.
During winter, the frozen lakes become venues for ice skating, ice fishing, and winter sports like snowmobiling. This seasonal transformation offers visitors completely different ways to experience the park compared to warmer months.
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