There is something quietly magnificent about discovering that a great outdoor escape has been hiding in plain sight, just minutes from the city you thought you already knew. Portage Lakes State Park, tucked into the rolling landscape just south of downtown Akron in New Franklin, is exactly that kind of place — a sprawling, glacier-carved network of interconnected lakes that somehow manages to feel like a genuine wilderness retreat while sitting comfortably within arm’s reach of a major American city.
The park encompasses more than 2,500 acres and a chain of natural glacial lakes — West Reservoir, East Reservoir, Turkeyfoot Lake, and several others — all connected by channels that have made this corner of Summit County a beloved boating destination for generations of Ohioans. But here is the thing nobody outside of Akron tells you: you do not need a boat to fall completely in love with this place. A pair of comfortable walking shoes and a willingness to slow down will do just fine.
On a warm Saturday morning, the air along the shoreline carries that particular mix of fresh water, pine, and possibility that you only get near a healthy lake system. The park’s trails wind past wooded bluffs and open meadows, offering views across the water that catch you off guard in the best possible way. Herons pick their way along the shallows with an almost theatrical patience. Families spread blankets on the grass. Kayakers drift past in no particular hurry. It is the kind of scene that makes you put your phone away — not because someone told you to, but because you genuinely forget it exists.
For those who do want to get out on the water, the park offers boat ramps and plenty of access points where you can launch a kayak, canoe, or fishing vessel. Anglers come from across northeast Ohio for the walleye, bass, and crappie that thrive in these lakes. The fishing here has a real reputation, and on any given weekend you will find serious fishermen who have been making this drive since they were kids, now teaching their own children where to cast.
The swimming area at East Reservoir beach is a summertime institution — sandy, well-maintained, and refreshingly uncrowded compared to the bigger resort lakes further afield. Picnic shelters are scattered throughout the park, and on a clear evening, the sunsets over Turkeyfoot Lake turn the water shades of copper and gold that feel almost too beautiful to be real.
Portage Lakes also sits at the southern end of the Ohio & Erie Canalway, which means history-minded visitors can connect the dots between the park’s natural beauty and the region’s fascinating industrial past. The old canal towpath runs nearby, and the juxtaposition of still water and former commerce makes for surprisingly contemplative walking.
Whether you are looking for a full day of outdoor recreation or simply a quiet hour away from the city’s energy, Portage Lakes State Park delivers with a generosity that feels almost old-fashioned. Pack a lunch, leave the agenda at home, and let this place remind you why Ohio’s natural heritage is something worth celebrating.
