Michael J. Kirwan Damsite Recreation Area
Closed
— This is a day-use area only; overnight camping is not allowed. The picnic shelter is reservable May through September via Recreation.gov and first-come-first-served the remainder of the year.
About
The Michael J. Kirwan Damsite Recreation Area provides an attractive day-use setting for picnicking, fishing, hiking, and enjoying nature along the West Branch of the Mahoning River. Located adjacent to the Visitor Center on Wayland Road, the area offers easy access to the causeway of the dam, a popular destination for hiking, biking, and fishing.
The facility includes a reservable picnic shelter equipped with electric, tables, and grills. The shelter is located within walking distance of the dam and is reservable from May through September via Recreation.gov; it operates on a first-come-first-served basis the remainder of the year. The site also features exercise equipment, a swing set, and gardens.
Visitors can explore 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 Discovery Trail includes a wildlife platform for viewing the area's flora and fauna, with opportunities to spot wild turkeys, deer, and other wildlife. The Buckeye Trail also crosses the dam and encompasses the entire Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. The reservoir and surrounding lands are leased to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as West Branch State Park, which offers additional camping, boating, and recreational facilities.
Directions
From I-76 East or West: Take Exit 48 (State Route 225) and travel north 2 miles to Cable Line Road. Turn left on Cable Line Road and go 1 mile to Wayland Road. Turn right and travel approximately 0.75 miles; the Visitor Center will be on your left. From the North: Take State Route 14 South to State Route 5 East and travel 8 miles. Turn right on Wayland Road and travel approximately 2 miles; the Visitor Center will be on your right.
Nearby Campgrounds
