Norwalk Reservoir in Ohio

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview


With water being low there just isn't many options close by for kayaking. So I figured, why not try a reservoir? I thought of the various reservoirs I've been to, most just squares or triangles and very plain. Except Norwalk

Go Fish Ohio provides a nice map as well as information: http://www.gofishohio.com/lakemaps/gfoNorwalkRes.php Armed with the map I headed out to Norwalk.

Upon entering the park, look RIGHT to see the park Rules. I missed these rules because I was looking left, at the water. The Rules state you must have a City launch permit to launch into the Reservoirs. The friendly Ranger brought me up to speed on this. Since I'm not from around there, he let it slide that time.

According to the map, Reservoir #2 is up to 20ish feet deep. Reservoir #2 also has a decent amount of wooded banks, which makes for something different. At this point I must confess, I wasn't able to paddle it. Even though the friendly Ranger was going to let me slide, I happened to forget my life vest at home. Safety first, so no kayak trip for me.

The water was warm as I dipped my foot in. It also smelled of dead fish, with one floating next to the boat ramp. I still would like to make this paddle, maybe in the upcoming weeks.

Here is another picture I snapped of Reservoir #2:
http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/basstronics/?action=view¤t=norwalk2.jpg

My observations about Reservoir #1 and #2:
#1 is small and the water level was VERY low. #2 is the big one, and even it was low. The Park Ranger told me #2 was low as they had to make repairs to the spillway so the Engineers purposely let it get low. After repairs were made it hasn't been allowed to fill to capacity yet.

#1 and #2 are rather plain, just rock shores and boring. I wouldn't paddle it due to sheer boredom, but would for the fishing.

Accommodations:

Concrete launch ramps, bathrooms. Open during daylight hours. Appears to have one Park Ranger on duty during the summer months.

Fees:

$5 launch fee is required by the City of Norwalk. I am not sure where you need to purchase this permit. Also the permit is valid for one year.

Directions:

Find the Ohio Turnpike and head in the proper direction, Norwalk is close to Sandusky.

Get off at the US 25 Exit, head South. When you come into Milan take a left @ 113. You will take a right onto 601, continue a short while and another right on Old State Rd. Follow Old State Road until you see the reservoir.

Resources:

Map of the Norwalk Reservoirs: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/portals/9/PDF/lakemaps/Norwalk%20Reservoir.pdf

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water

Trip Location