Goodbye Grand Lake St. Marys, So Long Hoover Reservoir: This Underrated Lake Near Akron Is A Gem For Outdoor Fun

As the largest reservoir in Ohio, Grand Lake St. Marys is indeed grand. It is also a renowned recreational hub, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. About 100 miles away, just outside of Columbus, there's Hoover Reservoir, which is a popular getaway for outdoor enthusiasts as well. While each of these bodies of water are well known to those who enjoy outdoor fun in the Buckeye State, about 20 miles northwest of Akron is another, albeit lesser-known escape for outdoor activity enthusiasts.

Covering just 105 acres, Lake Medina is certainly smaller than either Grand Lake St. Marys or Hoover Reservoir. However, the lake and surrounding park lands offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities in a peaceful, serene setting. All told, the lake and park, which are situated in the township and county of Medina, encompass 233 acres. Within the park is a surprising array of natural features, including the lake, a pair of ponds, a portion of the west branch of the Rocky River, and acres of woodlands. This makes Lake Medina a perfect alternative for those looking for outdoor fun in a more intimate setting.

Located in Medina Township, which is next to Medina, Ohio — a city that has been called "America's hometown"  — the woods and waters of Lake Medina are home to a menagerie of wildlife and birds, including osprey and bald eagles. With several miles of trails, including a newly added section of trail and trailhead, Lake Medina is a great spot for walking, hiking, or jogging while taking in the scenic beauty and watching the wildlife. Birders and nature watchers can also stroll through the Shotwell Gardens, a 17.5-acre parcel of land along the Rocky River. It can be accessed by car or via the Greenway Trail, which runs throughout the park and along the lake shore.

Of course, the waters of Lake Medina also offer recreational opportunities. While fishing is not allowed in the two small ponds within Shotwell Gardens, Lake Medina itself offers anglers the opportunity to chase a variety of gamefish. Bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and largemouth bass are among the more popular target species. Anglers are able to fish from shore, pier, or paddlecraft. In fact, a newly renovated fishing pier and launch facility for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards was unveiled in early autumn of this year.

The launch facility, which is ADA accessible, allows paddlers — fishing or not — to take to the lake's waters. Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding all good ways to spend some time on the water and enjoy the natural surroundings and wildlife. When snow begins to fall in the winter, visitors can trade their paddles for skis and enjoy cross-country skiing along the trails and through the woodlands.

To reach Lake Medina from the town of Medina, just head out of town on Weymouth Road, then take Granger Road to the park's entrance. While there are a number of places to stay in Medina, Akron, the under-the-radar Ohio city full of urban activities, is less than 30 minutes away. There, visitors will find a wide assortment of eateries and accommodations, as well as the nearest commercial airport, Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). While in the area, outdoor enthusiasts should also check out Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This Midwestern national park with stunning waterfall views is only a half-hour away from Lake Medina.