Majestic Lake Erie is our county’s greatest natural resource, but the rivers and creeks that drain into the lake are a close second. Over the past 10,000 years, our rivers and creeks have carved through rocky terrain, forming some of the most scenic river valleys in Ohio.

Lake Metroparks boasts nine parks along the Grand River in eastern and central Lake County, and two parks along the Chagrin River in western Lake County. These parks are paddling and fishing destinations for people from all over the Midwest.

The rivers provide excellent paddling corridors and unbelievable scenic views. As an example, Grand River paddlers are surrounded by 140-foot cliffs, long stretches of uninhabited wilderness and an array of wildlife. On just about every trip you are guaranteed to see great blue herons, turtles and even bald eagles.

Our rivers are also nationally known for their spring and fall steelhead runs. As the water levels and clarity increase, anglers along the Grand River migrate into feeder streams in search of the pools and rapids where trout rest.

In addition to access points for fishing along the Grand River, Lake Metroparks also provides access to the tributary creeks. The most popular of these creeks is Big Creek, accessed at Helen Hazen Wyman Park and Big Creek at Liberty Hollow in Concord Township. A little further east, Paine Creek in Leroy Township is accessed through Indian Point Park. Mill Creek in Madison is accessed from a half-mile-long trail leading down from Hogback Ridge Park. All three creeks lead into the Grand River, making for excellent fishing.

Along the Chagrin River, Lake Metroparks provides river access from Pleasant Valley Park in Willoughby Hills and Chagrin River Park in the Willoughby/Eastlake area.

There are many opportunities to enjoy Lake County’s rivers and creeks. Pick one or two and bring along your fishing pole or kayak and enjoy them for yourself.