The City of Akron owns quite a bit of property in Geauga County surrounding large bodies of water, like LaDue Reservoir and Headwaters Park. They are protecting the Upper Cuyahoga watershed. Geauga Park District has a long term agreement with the City of Akron to use some of this land for public recreation and to assist with the conservation of these natural areas.
The property that is now Headwaters Park was purchased in 1932 by the City of Akron. The vacation cottages and farmhouses that were on that land were moved and a dam was built to impound the waters in the 420-acre East Branch Reservoir. This is one of four reservoirs that supply water to the Akron metropolitan area. In 1959, the reservoir and surrounding land was opened to the local residents. About 35 years later, the property was renamed Headwaters Park by Geauga Park District Commissioners after signing the lease agreement with the City of Akron.
Surrounding the waters of East Branch Reservoir are meadows, evergreen plantations, and a beech-maple forest. The intent is to keep these habitats in their natural state so that they will filter out sediment and pollutants before they reach the waterway. The natural state provides high quality habitats and recreation opportunities.
Click here to see a full list of programs offered by Geauga Park District.
Nature enthusiasts and photographers will be quite pleased with the variety of wildflowers and wildlife that can be observed at Headwaters Park.
- abundant spring wildflowers
- wild turkey
- fox
- mink
- several species of owls and hawks
- cormorant
- a variety of songbirds
- migratory waterfowl
- bald eagle
- osprey – nesting platform in a preserved area
- sandpiper
- plovers
- many many more

I don’t want to leave out the fisherman.
Anglers can fish from their boat or from the shore in designated areas. Catches of largemouth bass, northern pike, perch, bluegill, catfish, and crappie have been reported in East Branch Reservoir. At the southern end of the reservoir, a boat launch provides easy access for canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Only electric motors(1.5 horsepower or less) are permitted on the reservoir.
Now for the hikers, bikers, and horseback riders
The statewide Buckeye Trail winds through the park along the western bank of the reservoir. This trail is 2 miles long and allows hiking, skiing, horseback riding, biking, and even Amish buggies. The Maple Bridle Trail branches off at several locations from the Buckeye Trail for hiking and horseback riding. The Eagle Trail (my favorite trail) is a loop that takes hikers through the forest and travels right along the waters edge. Pike Point Trail and Kingfisher Trail provide passage to shoreline fishing facilities and waterfowl observation. Campsites are also available along Pike Point Trail. Download a camping brochure here.
A section of the Maple Highlands Trail runs along the western border of the park. This trail is paved and extends 8 miles north to the City of Chardon. Stay tuned for another article about this trail soon.
Like many of the other parks I have written about, Headwaters Park has an open shelter, picnic tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. The Crystal Lake Shelter, named for the area enjoyed by picnickers of a bygone era, can be reserved. Click here to learn how you can reserve this shelter. It is FREE to Geauga County residents.
Download a brochure and park map here.
My favorite place to hike is near any body of water, whether it be a creek, a stream, a river, or a lake. I love the sound of water, the variety of wildlife that comes along with the water, the photo opportunities, and lush plant life that is thriving because of it. It is so peaceful to just find a place to sit and soak it all in, leaving all your worries in another place. Thank you to Geauga Park District for making it possible for all of us to enjoy these magnificent places.
“Take a hike, bring your binoculars and your camera,
and enjoy what nature has to offer.”
Headwaters Park
13365 Old State Road (Route 608)
Claridon & Huntsburg Twps.
The online home for Headwaters Park, from which information for this article was obtained, can be found HERE.