The Michael J. Kirwan Dam & Reservoir located at 8657 Kestrel Way in Wayland, Ohio provides miles of clean waters and scenic countryside for your enjoyment. Since its completion in 1965, the Kirwan Reservoir has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $755 million.
The Kirwan Reservoir is an impoundment of the West Branch of the Mahoning River and is an ideal site to boat, camp, fish and enjoy year round outdoor activities. The reservoir and its surrounding lands are leased by the Corps of Engineers to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as West Branch State Park. The West Branch State Park Campground features 200 newly renovated campsites. The campground has heated showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities and a trailer dump station. Campers will also enjoy hiking the several well-maintained trails which traverse the campground peninsula campground peninsula.
All sizes and types of watercraft are found boating on the reservoir from cruisers and runabouts of unlimited horsepower – many with skiers in tow, to small fishing boats and canoes plying the coves and inlets in search of fish. Marine supplies, gasoline, boat rentals, docking facilities and a concession stand for hungry boaters are available at the modern marina located on the south shore.
The reservoir has yielded many trophy size walleye, muskie and striped bass. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegills are also found in abundance.
The 12 miles of mountain bike trails, developed by the Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association, at West Branch State Park offer an outstanding biking experience and have earned a five star rating. The State also maintains several hiking trails adjacent to the camping area and an eight mile loop of the Buckeye Trail traverses the western end of the reservoir.
After your biking or hiking trip, take a walk, or perhaps even a plunge, somewhere along the 700 foot sandy beach which is ideal for cooling off on a hot summer day. You’ll find clean restrooms and changing rooms as well.
Many educational programs take place here. This summer hosted a primitive hunters program for kids including the use of an Atlatl and an owl presentation complete with pellets to dissect among other events.
This Saturday, September 7, from 8 a.m. – noon you are invited to attend the 4th annual National Public Lands Day event. Take part in helping to keep this park beautiful! Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, community groups are WELCOME!! They will be giving away two free nights camping at the West Branch State Park to one lucky volunteer AND everyone gets a free BBQ as well for your clean-up efforts! ! So don’t miss out! Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Visitor Center Pavilion. Call 330-358-2622 for more information.
Directions
Take Exit 48 (State Route 225) off of Interstate 76 and travel north two miles to Cable Line Rd. Turn left on Cable Line Road. Go one mile to Wayland Rd. and turn right. Travel approximately 3/4 of a mile on Wayland Rd., the project entrance is located on the left.
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Michael J. Kirwan Dam and Reservoir