Kayaking Across Ohio: Harrison Lake: Small But Mighty

2 May 2015

Lake#26 Harrison Lake, Harrison Lake State Park, Fulton County

Harrison Lake may or may not be larger than my 100-acre BHAG requirement but it certainly paddles larger. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources lists Harrison Lake as being 105-acres but the map posted at the boat launch site says it is only 99-acres. The lake seems much larger than 100 acres. Earlier in the day, I had paddled Nettle Lake that is listed at 115-acres. Harrison seems twice Nettle Lake’s size. Regardless of Harrison Lake’s actual size, I am glad I paddled it.

Harrison Lake

Harrison Lake is located one hour from Toledo in Fayette. It is surrounded by 142-acre Harrison Lake State Park. The park has a campground with 173 camp sites, a people swimming beach and a separate dog swimming beach, a picturesque foot bridge, and a hiking trail which circles the lake. The park also offers boat and bike rentals. Harrison Lake has one boat ramp located on its south shore accessed off of County Road 27. There is no limit on horsepower size of motors but boats must operate at no wake speed at all times.

Harrison Lake Boat Ramp

Harrison Lake Courtesy Docks

Looking West From Boat Ramp

Looking North From Boat Ramp

Looking East From Boat Ramp

Harrison Lake State Park is located in the midst of endless fields of corn. This area is part of the historic Great Black Swamp region that was cleared by pioneers in the early 1800s. Evidence of the lake’s wetland history can still be seen in the part of the lake west of the County Road 27 bridge. The swamp was the last area to be settled in Ohio and this far northwestern corner of Ohio remains sparsely populated. In 1941, a dam over Mill Creek was completed and Harrison Lake was created. The lake averages anywhere from 4 to 16 feet deep, with the western section being the most shallow.

Harrison Lake Dam

Country Road 27 crosses the western side of Harrison Lake so you know where I headed when I put in, left toward the bridge.

Heading West From Ramp

Heading West Toward CR 27 Bridge

County Road 27 Bridge

Heading Under Bridge to Western Section of Harrison Lake

The area west of CR 27 bridge was full of wild life. I saw lots of turtles, great blue heron, Canadian geese, a double-crested cormorant, and a black bird (that I couldn't identify) eating a fish in a tree. If you paddle Harrison Lake make sure you make it to the western section.

This Turtle Looks Scary to Me

I had a staring contest with a Canadian Goose and I won.

Canadian Goose Stare Down

Double-Crested Cormorant

After exploring this area I decided to paddle east to check out the lake's other bridge, a cute foot bridge.

Heading East

Pines Along the South Shore

Heading to Foot Bridge

Paddling to Foot Bridge

Yeah, Another Bridge to Go Under

East of Foot Bridge Heading to Spillway

Harrison Lake does not have its spillway marked in any way. It is located east of the foot bridge.

Foot Bridge From the Spillway

Harrison Lake Spillway

It Would Be a Bumpy Ride Over the Spillway

There were several people camping and children fishing from the shore. It was a beautiful day to be out on the water. I really enjoyed not wearing a skirt or paddling jacket. I decided to name Harrison Lake's baby cow duck "Joy" because it truly was a joy to be out on the water.