Michael J. Kirwan Damsite Recreation Area

The Michael J. Kirwan Dam Site Recreation Area provides an attractive setting where visitors can spend the day picnicking, fishing, hiking or enjoying nature's beauty. It is located adjacent to the Visitor Center on Wayland Road and provides easy access to the causeway of the dam — a popular hiking, biking and fishing destination — with exercise equipment, a swing set and gardens on site. The shelter is within walking distance of the dam, and electric, tables and grills are included. It is reservable from May to September and first-come, first-served the remainder of the year. Visitors to the park will find numerous, well maintained facilities available for fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, boating and other year-round outdoor activities. Visitors of all ages are also invited to explore the rich history and fascinating features of the Visitor Center on Wayland Road, where a series of programs highlights the natural, cultural and historical significance of the reservoir and its surrounding area. A unique wildlife platform shows off the flora and fauna of the area, and may even offer a glimpse of wild turkeys. The reservoir and the majority of its surrounding lands are leased by the Corps of Engineers to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as West Branch State Park. Surrounded by the lush, green farmland of Northern Ohio, Michael J. Kirwan Dam and Reservoir provides miles of clean waters and scenic countryside. The reservoir is located on the West Branch of the Mahoning River and covers over 3,000 acres. Its shores boast shady hardwood forests where deer, turkey and other wildlife are plentiful, and its numerous deep feeder channels and shallow shoreline provide habitat for walleye, muskie, striped bass, large and smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills. There are 1.3 miles of hiking trails on Corps managed lands, including the Discovery Recreation Area Trail System off Kestrel Way and the Tailwaters Trail on Wayland Road; the wildlife platform is located on the Discovery Trail. The Buckeye Trail loop now crosses the dam and encompasses the entire lake, and the ODNR maintains several other hiking, mountain bike and bridle trails as well as a horse camp area.