Located about 40 miles south of Cleveland in the northeastern corner of the state, the city of Akron, OH is a fantastic gateway to explore the national forests and state parks of Ohio in your 2022 Buick Encore GX. Featuring hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, swimming beaches, and picnic shelters, these three fantastic destinations are great spots to spend a day or an entire weekend with your friends or family.
1. West Branch State Park
A popular camping and hiking destination featuring meadows, woods, and a 2,650-acre lake, West Branch State Park is a popular spot among Akron locals and visitors from other nearby towns and cities. Sitting on the banks of the Mahoning River, this nature reserve encompasses over 5,000 acres and was established in 1966 by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
West Branch State Park is located just 25 miles east of the Akron city center and can be reached in less than half an hour via route I-76. Some of the facilities you can find in this sprawling nature reserve include several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, a fully equipped family campground, and designated areas for selective hunting. Providing habitat to several species of migratory birds, this place is a popular wildlife-watching destination.
2. Portage Lakes State Park
Featuring eight lakes, several camping spots, and numerous picnic shelters, Portage Lakes State Park is another well-known spot for Akron locals wanting to spend some time away from city. Established in 1949, this place is a true paradise among boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Open year-round between 8:00 am and 11:00 pm, this place is a great spot for fishing, hunting, picnicking, and other recreational activities.
Located just 10 miles south of the Akron city center, Portage Lakes State Park can be reached in about 20 minutes by car via route OH-03 and Manchester Road. Some of the areas you should check out include Turkeyfoot Beach and the picnic spots on Latham Bay. This nature reserve is also a well-known spot for wildlife watching and birding, with large populations of Canada geese, red-tailed hawks, mourning doves, and ring-billed gulls.
3. Findley State Park
A forested park featuring several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, a boating lake, fully equipped campgrounds, and a few cabins, Findley State Park is another great spot for a weekend escape. Spanning an area of almost 850 acres, this place is open year-round between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. Getting here takes a little under one hour by car via route I-76.
If you are thinking of buying a new or used car in the Akron area, visit us today at Toth Buick GMC! Check out our extensive inventory, go for a test drive, and ask one of our agents about the custom financing plans we have available for our customers.
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