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Portage Lakes State Park Beach
4.5 ★★★★★ 546 Google reviews · Running trail in New Franklin, Ohio · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Portage Lakes State Park Beach's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Family-friendly beach and swimming spot, along with picnic tables and a playground.
What runners say about Portage Lakes State Park Beach
“Wasn't hard to find, was mostly clean and safe other than the usual unsupervised child or two.”
“Absolutely a beautiful metro state park.”
“Nice place for a whole family friendly fun and picnic.”
Made a trip to see the new visitor center. And needless to say, ODNR did an excellent job! I really liked the large relief map in the center. Really helps to identify all the various lakes and rivers that make up the portage lakes. There is an area for the kids to explore.
This place is great if your looking for a fun family outing when the weather is nice and hot. As many times I've been there it's never been really busy, it's always has just right amount of people there.
I love this park. I'm old and have been coming here to picnic and swim for my entire 55 years. While it is a swim at your own risk lake, I am a former lifeguard, water baby and I believe in the buddy system too. I remember picnics with so many people it would take 4 tables just for all of the food.
A nice little beach for families to bring their kids to swim and play in. People fish around here as well. There's a playground, restrooms, basketball court, and volley ball courts at this beach. The lakeshore trail also connects to the beach on two sides. This trail connects with many others in the park.
Trail conditions & character
“The visitor center has a nice outside porch you can sit and enjoy the view of the beach and lake.”
“Really helps to identify all the various lakes and rivers that make up the portage lakes.”
“The parking lot would be full and people lining the long drive with cars, even more parking at nearby businesses and walking into the park.”
“There's also a nice dog park on the grounds, as well as decent size disc golf course.”
Plan your run at Portage Lakes State Park Beach
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(330) 644-2220
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near New Franklin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Portage Lakes State Park
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A magnet for boaters, this park features 8 lakes as well as camping spots & picnic shelters.
Knapp Recreation Area
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