Boating at Mosquito Lake State Park
With no restrictions on horsepower, boaters can let loose a bit on Mosquito Lake State Park’s 7,850-acre lake. Offering six launches, one of which is reserved for campers, most folks bring their own boats, kayaks and canoes, but the marina also offers rentals. There is also a swimming area designated for boaters to disembark and splash around, says natural resource officer Stephanie Uber. “It’s a great fishing lake, and we have a lot of people who use personal watercraft like Jet Skis,” she says. “A lot of folks will also just go out and have a picnic while they’re out there on the water.” 1439 Wilson Sharpsville Road, Cortland, 330-637-2856, ohio.org
Fishing at Punderson State Park
Angle for glory on this park’s quiet, 150-acre glacial lake, which is home to catfish, trout, bluegills and largemouth bass. While you can cast a line by boat, the shoreline is a great spot for beginning fishermen with many access points, including a boardwalk and a fishing pier. “There’s also numerous parks and trails that surround the lake,” says Chris Aman, fisheries biologist at Punderson, who notes that it helps to look for spots that are off the beaten path. “The trick is simply to try a variety of locations and see where the fish are on a given day.” 11755 Kinsman Road, Newberry Township, 440-564-2279, ohio.org
Hiking at Maumee Bay State Park
This park along Lake Erie’s shore offers five hiking trails that all have one thing in common: They’re great for seeing everything from foxes, water snakes, deer, coyotes and more (from a safe distance) that are part of the lakeside ecosystem. “The trails are excellent for wildlife viewing,” says park naturalist Lauren Broddrick. “We’re really known in our park specifically for the birds.” Hikers might spot the red-winged blackbird, or glance the almost neon feathers of the yellow warbler. While hikers looking for a challenge can find a rougher 1-mile trail, the 3-mile Mouse Trail is perfect for the entire family. “It’s not paved, but it’s easy for kids,” Broddrick says. 1400 State Park Road, Oregon, 419-836-7758, maumeebaystatepark.org
Horseback Riding at Uncle Buck’s Riding Stable and Dance Barn
If spooky campfire stories are your kind of adventure, Uncle Buck’s two-and-a-half-hour Moonville Ride through a ghost town and the haunted Moonville Tunnel make this spot near Lake Hope State Park a must. The one-hour Coal Bucket Trail Ride through Zaleski State Forest is great for families and new riders, while the two-hour Lookout Rock Trail Ride, also through the forest, gives riders a view of an abandoned railroad bed, marshes and beaver dams. “Most of the people who ride here have never ridden before,” says Uncle Buck’s co-owner David McPherson. “The rides are challenging, but we keep it at a walk.” 73930 Buck Lane, New Marshfield, 740-664-2428, unclebucksstable.com
Mountain Biking at Alum Creek State Park
Alum Creek’s three mountain biking paths are great for bikers across a range of skill levels. The beginner loop is an easy mile-and-a-half ride, while the 6-mile medium- and advanced-level loops challenge bikers with more elevation changes. “The beginner loop is relatively flat and easy — pretty much anyone could go through that,” says park manager Jason Meyer. “The other ones have narrow bridges and deep ravines.” The trails pass through wooded areas, while younger kids can access a quarter-mile biking skills park. 3305 S. Old State Road, Delaware, 740-548-4631, ohio.org
