Beach or Creek or Lake in Greater Cleveland (Akron, Lakewood: neighborhood, live)

[bakkam]

Any safe lake or creek or beach in the Greater Cleveland-Akron area where children can get their feet wet under supervision? Any other scenic water bodies for picnics in this area?

[nlschr0]

Well - define safe . If you're ok with the water of Lake Erie, there are some great beach areas - Mentor Headlands on the east side is a state park with preserved wetlands, a large public beach, walking trails, etc. On the west side, Huntington is a very popular beach for families. Edgewater has some nice areas, but the beach there seems dirtier than others. Lakewood has a park that overlooks Lake Erie, but beach and water access is limited. There is also a small neighborhood park in Rocky River that is very scenic with a nice small sand beach - there is no swimming allowed there, but wading and looking for rocks is fun. I think Bay Village and Avon Lake both have lakefront park areas, too.

The Rocky River reservation (metroparks) is very peaceful and convenient to a lot of the west side. South of the city, the Cuyahoga river park area is a great place to visit.

[bakkam]

Originally Posted by nlschr0

Well - define safe . If you're ok with the water of Lake Erie, there are some great beach areas - Mentor Headlands on the east side is a state park with preserved wetlands, a large public beach, walking trails, etc. On the west side, Huntington is a very popular beach for families. Edgewater has some nice areas, but the beach there seems dirtier than others. Lakewood has a park that overlooks Lake Erie, but beach and water access is limited. There is also a small neighborhood park in Rocky River that is very scenic with a nice small sand beach - there is no swimming allowed there, but wading and looking for rocks is fun. I think Bay Village and Avon Lake both have lakefront park areas, too.

The Rocky River reservation (metroparks) is very peaceful and convenient to a lot of the west side. South of the city, the Cuyahoga river park area is a great place to visit.

I guess safe meant hygienic and less pollution. Since you have indicated that Huntington is popular among families, I will look into it. Is it called Huntington Beach? What are the issues with Lake Erie water?

Thanks.

[MABCle]

Originally Posted by bakkam

I guess safe meant hygienic and less pollution. Since you have indicated that Huntington is popular among families, I will look into it. Is it called Huntington Beach? What are the issues with Lake Erie water?

Thanks.

I think issues arise after it rains and the runoff from the city enters the streams and ends up in the Lake. The PD gives Beach reports everyday about which beaches are cleanest.

[nlschr0]

Huntington Beach is actually part of the Huntington Reservation in Bay Village: http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/recr...huntington.cfm

Mabcle was right about the water - sometimes (especially after rainy weather) the bacteria count gets high and advisories are posted. In the past, Lake Erie had some chemical pollution issues but that is much lower now. Like I said above, I usually avoid the beach at Edgewater because it seems like a lot more trash and debris washes up on the beach there, perhaps because of its proximity to the city. The park is pretty nice there, though.

All in all, I've spent time at all of the areas I've mentioned with my family, and we always enjoy the water.

[Ohiogirl81]

What other scenic body of water do you need when Lake Erie is right there?

Edgewater is OK, but I prefer Headlands. [/east side bias] The beach at Headlands is a larger, cleaner, sandier beach and the lifeguards don't take breaks every half hour (what is that all about anyway ...). You don't get the nice view of the city, though.

Don't worry about the water quality in Lake Erie. It's probably cleaner than your neighborhood pool.

[bakkam]

Some of ranking of the beaches would be nice for all interested. Please?

[nlschr0]

Hmmm - well my personal rankings would be:

A) For a traditional family day-at-the-beach, with swimming and sand play:
1) Headlands
2) Huntington

B) For a small, scenic park with picnics and playgrounds, and nice views of the lake:
1) Rocky River park (also small beach for wading and play)
2) Bay Village's Colombia Rd park with waterfall and small beach
3) Lakewood Park

C) For hiking, walking, and relaxing near a river:
1) Rocky River Reservation (especially the marina area and just south)
2) Cuyahoga Valley National Park (esp Brandywine Falls)

[Orwelleaut]

Originally Posted by bakkam

Any safe lake or creek or beach in the Greater Cleveland-Akron area where children can get their feet wet under supervision? Any other scenic water bodies for picnics in this area?

If you want to travel up toward Ashtabula, most definitely. The Lake Erie beaches at Geneva State Park, Walnut Beach in Ashtabula and the big park on the lake in Conneaut, Ohio, especially, are all gorgeous. The park in Conneaut, which is 67 miles on I-90 East of Cleveland near the PA border, is awesome. Huge beach, uncrowded, and the water is very clean. YOu can see the bottom, and will feel refreshed and clean after your swim.

For a creek swim, the village of Rock Creek, Ohio, on Ohio Route 45, 32 miles NOrth of Warren and 8 miles South of exit 223 off of I-90, has a park with two small waterfalls that are a heavenly swimming hole. The water is clean and clear, feels more refreshing than a shower at home. I swim here for hours on a hot summer day if I have the day off from work. There are huge crayfish and even fresh water lobsters in the creek, and you can pick up a net at the bait shop up the road to fish for them. The live under the rocks in the creek.

Either spot is a good hour East of Cleveland and farther yet from Akron, but worth the trip if you want a really great swim.

[bakkam]

Originally Posted by Orwelleaut

If you want to travel up toward Ashtabula, most definitely. The Lake Erie beaches at Geneva State Park, Walnut Beach in Ashtabula and the big park on the lake in Conneaut, Ohio, especially, are all gorgeous. The park in Conneaut, which is 67 miles on I-90 East of Cleveland near the PA border, is awesome. Huge beach, uncrowded, and the water is very clean. YOu can see the bottom, and will feel refreshed and clean after your swim.

For a creek swim, the village of Rock Creek, Ohio, on Ohio Route 45, 32 miles NOrth of Warren and 8 miles South of exit 223 off of I-90, has a park with two small waterfalls that are a heavenly swimming hole. The water is clean and clear, feels more refreshing than a shower at home. I swim here for hours on a hot summer day if I have the day off from work. There are huge crayfish and even fresh water lobsters in the creek, and you can pick up a net at the bait shop up the road to fish for them. The live under the rocks in the creek.

Either spot is a good hour East of Cleveland and farther yet from Akron, but worth the trip if you want a really great swim.

Thanks folks. I am glad I started this thread. I reckon this info will be definitely helpful to many.