West Branch State Park is a public recreation area located east of Ravenna, Ohio, on the west branch of the Mahoning River. The park encompasses more than 5000 acre of land and 2650 acre of water mainly in Charlestown, Edinburg, and Paris townships, with additional land in neighboring Palmyra, Ravenna, and Rootstown townships. Activities include boating, fishing, and swimming on the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir, hiking, and camping.

History

In early days, Native Americans and some early settlers used the Mahoning River as a source for salt. Captain John Campbell who led militia in the War of 1812 opened the oldest brick land office building around 1810. Before the reservoir was made, the building was moved out of the area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir in 1965. The reservoir was developed for recreation, water supply, flood control, and fish and wildlife management. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers then leased the land to the state of Ohio to be used as a state park. West Branch State Park was officially opened in 1966.

Recreation

The park offers swimming, fishing, camping, boating, 14 mi of hiking trails, 20 mi of bridle trails, and 12 mi of mountain biking trails, winter recreation, and seasonal hunting for deer, small game, and waterfowl.