Things to do nearMogadore Reservoir

Mogadore Reservoir sits in Portage and Summit counties in northeast Ohio, serving as a municipal water supply for the Akron area while also functioning as a beloved recreational destination. The reservoir was created by damming the Little Cuyahoga River, and its origins as a public works project have not diminished its natural appeal over the decades.

Fishing is the central draw here. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish populate the water, and the reservoir's relatively undisturbed shoreline gives fish plenty of cover. Kayaking is a natural complement to the fishing culture, letting paddlers drift quietly into narrow inlets and wooded bays. You can find kayaking tours in the broader region if you prefer a guided introduction to paddling northeast Ohio's inland waters.

The surrounding landscape is a patchwork of second-growth forest and open meadow, and the lack of motorized boats keeps the atmosphere calm. Birding is rewarding throughout the year, with ospreys, kingfishers, and waterfowl making regular appearances. The nearby Cuyahoga River corridor adds further hiking and paddling options for those who want to extend their time in the region.

Mogadore Reservoir is the kind of place that locals return to season after season precisely because it asks nothing of you except to slow down and pay attention.