Ashland State Park

March 8, 2020 Sunny

This state park consists mainly of the Ashland Reservoir, which served from 1895 until it was turned into a park in 1947.

We parked near the main entrance since the gate was closed for the season. It was a short 10 minute walk to the water. There’s a wide beach with a changing room and some picnic tables. The sand seemed coarse but the water was clear. Several dogs played on the shore and went for a quick dip in the water.

Heading south, we started a roughly 3 mile loop trail around the reservoir. The trail follows right along the water, but is slightly sloped and has many roots.

Looks like this beaver was pretty ambitious to choose such a huge tree!

We passed by a small peninsula with good water views and then to an area used for camping by the scouts.

Soon we reached a popular fishing spot on the opposite side of the reservoir and then started our trip toward the large dam.

Along the way we saw signs of a rope course and zipline above us. These are part of the nearby Warren Conference Center, which offers such activities for corporate and social events.

Eventually we reached the dam and the kids enjoyed running up and down the steep grassy slope.

After a while, we returned via a large picnic area to the main beach, and then along the paved road back to our car.

This state park offers some lovely views of the water, an historic dam, and at 3 miles makes a very manageable walk.

• The beach is coarse sand, but the picnic area and walk along the dam were scenic.
• There was a tiny beach and a dam. The rest of the walk was pleasant but unremarkable.
• After 4 hours of constant walking, we reached the end. My comrades collapsed onto the shore, making a soft thud. Then, my mom’s voice: “We’re halfway there, guys. Keep on moving.” Everything went black.
• The dam was cool but it was long.
• I liked the dam.

For more information: Ashland State Park official site.