West Branch State Park
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 miles (23 km) of hiking trails, 20 miles (32 km) of bridle trails, and 12 miles (19 km) of mountain biking trails, winter recreation, and seasonal hunting for deer, small game, and waterfowl.
References
- ^ "West Branch State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ "West Branch State Park". Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009.
- ^ "West Branch State Park". Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
External links
which includes
West Branch State Park.
- West Branch State Park Ohio Department of Natural Resources
- West Branch State Park Map Ohio Department of Natural Resources