10 Reasons Ohio Has the Best Lakes in the United States

Ohio is significantly landlocked and surrounded by five states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana. However, the Buckeye State has an impressive number of lakes for fishing, swimming, boating, and recreation. The state’s largest lake is Lake Erie, which runs along Ohio’s northern border. But there are more than 5,000 lakes in the state; some are man-made, but most are natural. While summer is the most popular time to visit these lakes, many enjoy winter activities like ice skating, snowmobiling, and ice-fishing. For example, shallow, man-made lakes freeze well during the winter and stay frozen for longer. Therefore, here are 10 reasons Ohio has the best lakes in the United States.

1. Natural Beauty

Ohio is definitely not lacking in natural beauty. The state is blessed with forested hills, lakes, rivers, marshlands, and prairies. While many lakes offer breathtaking scenery, Lake Hope stands out above the rest, especially if you like greenery. People describe Lake Hope as a natural paradise. It’s located in the Zaleski State Forrest—a short drive from Athens, Ohio. The lake is surrounded by rugged, heavily forested terrain consisting of narrow ridges and steep gorges. Visitors can paddleboard on the lake while taking in the stunning views. So, if you want to unwind in nature, Lake Hope won’t disappoint.

2. Size and Depth

Lake Erie is Ohio’s largest lake, spanning over 6,361,500 acres, with an average depth of 62 feet and a maximum depth of 210 feet. However, it has the least amount of water out of the 5 Great Lakes. Visiting this massive lake during the summer is a must. But, if you really want to treat yourself, travel to one of the lake’s many islands. For example, Kelley’s Island is the biggest Lake Erie Island in Ohio, and it’s perfect for bird lovers or outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing getaway with forests, beautiful beaches, vineyards, and historic homes.

3. Water Quality

The state has taken great steps to ensure the water quality of the rivers and lakes that supply residents with water. This is one of the reasons Ohio has the best lakes. For example, Lake Erie was plagued with poor water quality in the past. Still, luckily, it has improved immensely in the last few years thanks to the agricultural industry taking extra precautions for run-off and waste disposal. As a result, beaches on the lake are wildly popular for recreational purposes, like kayaking, boating, and swimming.

4. Biodiversity

Ohio has something to offer everyone: wildlife, plant life, and landscape. There is no shortage of biodiversity. Animals that occur in the state include:

• White-tailed deer
• Black bears
• Bobcats
• Snakes
• Salamanders
• Fox
• Coyote
• Variety of birds
• Bass
• Walleye

Furthermore, plants or trees native to the state include oak, Eastern redcedar, Ohio buckeye, flowering dogwood, wild hydrangea, prairie wild rose, purple flowering raspberry, purple coneflower, and aster.

5. Recreational Activities

One of the reasons Ohio has the best lakes is because of all the recreational activities on offer. While most of the lakes in the state are used for recreational activities, Salt Fork Lake is really special. This stunning 3000-acre lake is situated in Salt Fork Lake State Park, the largest state park in Ohio. It is popular among boaters looking for a weekend getaway. But why do boaters love it here so much? Because the lake allows boats with unlimited horsepower. Additionally, it has eight boat ramps, two marinas, and a designated ski area. Salt Fork Lake also provides amenities like docks, gas, and supplies.

However, boaters aren’t the only ones taking advantage of this lake. Anglers also enjoy the serenity and say it is one of the best fishing lakes in the state. Salt Fork Lake is also home to the largest inland beach in Ohio. You can spend the whole day here with the family as there is a bathhouse and concession stand. Lastly, the state park offers lodging in the form of lakeside cabins.

6. Fishing Opportunities

Ohio’s tranquil waters will definitely result in a few good catches. Here are a few lakes in the state with fantastic fishing opportunities:

Lake Erie

It’s no surprise that Lake Erie is one of the best fishing spots in Ohio, with its vast surface area and abundance of fish species. There is something for every angler looking for a thrilling catch, from bass to walleye and steelhead trout to perch.

Pymatuning Lake

Anglers flock to Pymatuning Lake because of the diverse fish species lurking within its waters, like yellow perch, muskie, crappie, walleye, and bass. Furthermore, this lake hosts the Annual Walleye Tournament, which attracts hundreds of people from around the country.

Alum Creek Lake

Alum Creek Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its abundance of fish species and size. For example, the lake is home to prized catches like saugeye, muskie, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Furthermore, Alum Creek Lake boasts healthy panfish populations, including crappie and bluegill.

7. Scenic Trails and Parks

Ohio has many scenic trails and parks to satisfy any outdoors enthusiast, including the following:

• Maumee Bay State Park 
• Geneva State Park
• Alum Creek State Park
• Hocking Hills State Park
• Shawnee State Park

Not to mention the picturesque, scenic trails one can get lost on without feeling anxious or panicked, which include:

• The Two Mile Loop at Mill Creek Park
• Lamping Homestead Trail in Graysville
• Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park
• Gorge Trail Metropark in Cuyahoga Falls
• Lake Trail at Clear Creek Metropark

8. Accessibility and Amenities

While there are many accessible lakes in Ohio with plenty of amenities, Lake Erie is the easiest lake to access, providing the most amenities in the state. For example, Ashtabula County has a lakefront summer vacation getaway called Geneva-on-the-Lake. Other amenities besides the restaurants, nightclubs, and accommodations include chartering fishing boats renting paddle boards, jet skis, or kayaks. In addition, visitors can swim, tan, camp, or walk along Breakwater Beach.

9. Cultural and Historical Significance

Lake Erie plays a huge role in Ohio’s history and culture. For example, in 1835, Ohio and Michigan went to war over the Toledo Strip, which is a strip of land that runs along Lake Erie. Ohio eventually won the war and received the strip.

Ohio’s population reflects its heritage, with a mix of cultures ranging from the Amish in Holmes County to the Germans in Cleveland. Besides the big cities, the Buckeye State is primarily rural. The landscape consists of rolling hills, small towns, and agricultural land. All these people in the cities and rural areas rely on Lake Erie and other water sources for drinking water. Furthermore, the state’s citizens are known for their love of outdoor recreation and spend their summers exploring one of the many lakes in Ohio.

10. Community Engagement

Ohio is ranked as one of the friendliest states in America, and it’s not hard to see why. Residents are surrounded by breathtaking nature and fresh air. But that’s not the only reason why Ohioans are so happy. People here are genuinely positive and open-minded. They take pleasure in helping visitors, from recommending their favorite place to eat to where you can go for family-friendly fun.

Summary of 10 Reasons Ohio Has the Best Lakes in the U.S.

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