Hoover Reservoir Park
A sprawling natural oasis featuring a large reservoir, offering boating, fishing, bird-watching, and scenic paved trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birdwatching is at its peak.
Hoover Reservoir Park
Best Time
Birdwatching is at its peak.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling natural oasis featuring a large reservoir, offering boating, fishing, bird-watching, and scenic paved trails.
"Beautiful place to visit with amazing wildlife and great walking paths!"
Pack it in, Pack it out! :recycle:
Help keep Hoover Reservoir Park beautiful by taking all your trash with you.
Bring Binoculars :binoculars:
Enhance your wildlife viewing, especially for bald eagles and other birds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hoover Reservoir Dam
Main Dam Area
Experience the impressive scale of the dam and enjoy panoramic lake views. A must-see for its engineering and natural beauty.
Bald Eagle Watching
Various points around the reservoir
Keep an eye out for majestic bald eagles soaring overhead or perched in trees. A truly breathtaking sight for nature lovers.
Paved Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Enjoy miles of well-maintained, paved trails perfect for walking, jogging, or biking with scenic water views.
Boating and Fishing
Boat ramps and designated fishing areas
Hit the water for a day of boating or try your luck fishing for a variety of species.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Reservoir
Fishing License & Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack it in, Pack it out! :recycle:
Help keep Hoover Reservoir Park beautiful by taking all your trash with you.
Bring Binoculars :binoculars:
Enhance your wildlife viewing, especially for bald eagles and other birds.
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog:
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.
Check Fishing Rules :fishing_pole_and_வத:
Ensure you have a valid license and know the regulations before fishing.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack it in, Pack it out! :recycle:
Help keep Hoover Reservoir Park beautiful by taking all your trash with you.
Bring Binoculars :binoculars:
Enhance your wildlife viewing, especially for bald eagles and other birds.
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog:
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.
Check Fishing Rules :fishing_pole_and_வத:
Ensure you have a valid license and know the regulations before fishing.
Wear Layers :cloud:
Temperatures can change, especially near the water. A light jacket is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hoover Reservoir Park's beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife (especially bald eagles!), and well-maintained paved trails perfect for walking and biking. Many appreciate its dog-friendly atmosphere and the opportunity for boating and fishing. However, some express disappointment with litter left by other visitors, urging for greater respect for the natural environment.
"Swallows and Sweeps munching up all the bugs on a very windy day!
Such a beautiful view! Baby mallards, Great Blue Heron, and an unbelievable amount of bug-eating speed birds!"
Caroline “SquidsOath” Sams
"This is a pretty cool experience if you're not sensitive to being high in the air. It's an easy, simple walk. You might want a light jacket because, of course, it's a little colder, especially since at the time of this review, we are on the tail end of winter. It's a beautiful area, though. There are also massive staircases for you to run/walk if you want some stairs exercise in."
Alexander
"Beautiful place to visit, but sadly some people leave trash behind — plastic bottles, wrappers, etc. It’s like they don’t even care about harming nature. I saw a group of people (by their accent they sounded like they might be from the Somali community) dumping garbage in the woods. Let’s respect nature, other citizens, and the state for giving us these spaces."
Bladimir Canelon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hoover Reservoir Park is located in Central Ohio, accessible via several major roadways. The park has multiple access points and parking areas. Many visitors mention its proximity to Westerville and Genoa Township.
Public transportation options to Hoover Reservoir Park are limited. It is best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you do not have your own vehicle.
The park has several entrances, with the main access points often leading to popular areas like the dam and boat ramps. Check a park map for specific locations and amenities.
Yes, ample parking is available at various lots throughout Hoover Reservoir Park, especially near trailheads, boat ramps, and picnic areas.
Absolutely! Hoover Reservoir Park is conveniently located near Westerville, with several access points and nearby residential areas highlighting its proximity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hoover Reservoir Park generally does not have an entrance fee for general access. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities without admission costs.
Park hours typically align with daylight, often from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like boat ramps or visitor centers may have different hours. It's best to check the official park website for the most current information.
While general entry is free, certain activities like boating may require registration or permits depending on the vessel. Fishing requires a valid Ohio fishing license.
Some picnic areas and shelters may be reservable for events. It's advisable to contact the park administration or check their website for reservation details and availability.
Yes, Hoover Reservoir Park is generally open year-round, offering different experiences with each season. However, some facilities might have seasonal closures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors enjoy hiking on paved trails, bird-watching (especially bald eagles!), boating, fishing, and picnicking. The dam itself offers impressive views.
Yes, Hoover Reservoir Park features well-maintained, paved walking trails that are suitable for all fitness levels and are great even when wet.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for bird watching, with sightings of bald eagles, swallows, sweeps, and various water birds.
Yes, boating is a popular activity on Hoover Reservoir. There are boat ramps available for launching various types of watercraft.
Yes, Hoover Reservoir Park is very dog-friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it an excellent place for a walk with your pet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Hoover Reservoir Park. However, nearby Westerville and surrounding areas offer a wide variety of dining options.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are designated picnic areas with tables, and you're welcome to bring your own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Typically, there are no permanent food concessions within the park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks or dine in nearby towns.
The nearby city of Westerville offers a diverse culinary scene, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, catering to various tastes.
Some designated picnic areas may have grills available. It's always a good idea to check park regulations or look for signage indicating where grilling is permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam itself offers dramatic shots, while the reservoir provides beautiful water vistas. Look for wildlife, especially bald eagles, for unique photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout Hoover Reservoir Park for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific restrictions in certain areas.
A versatile lens is recommended for landscapes and wildlife. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant birds, while a wide-angle lens is great for the dam and expansive views.
Drone usage is often restricted in public parks and near sensitive areas like dams. It's crucial to check with the park authorities or the FAA for current regulations before flying a drone.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the best natural light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing wildlife activity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, and always supervise children closely, especially near the water. The park's natural beauty and accessible amenities provide a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
The reservoir is known for its diverse fish population, making it a rewarding destination for anglers. Remember to always have a valid Ohio fishing license outside of the free weekend and familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations. For boaters, ensure your vessel is properly equipped and you adhere to all boating safety guidelines. The expansive water offers plenty of room for both activities, providing a great escape for water sports enthusiasts.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Walkers
Consider bringing a pair of binoculars to enhance your wildlife spotting and a light jacket, as temperatures can be cooler near the water, especially during transitional seasons. The park's commitment to maintaining these trails ensures a pleasant and safe experience for all walkers and hikers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Wonders at Hoover Reservoir
The presence of these animals underscores the importance of conservation efforts and responsible park usage. Visitors are reminded to maintain a safe distance, avoid feeding wildlife, and never disturb their natural behaviors.
Exploring the Trails and Dam
The Hoover Dam itself is a significant attraction, offering a glimpse into impressive engineering and providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the vast body of water it holds back. While not on the same scale as the famous Hoover Dam in Nevada, it's still a noteworthy structure that commands attention.
Boating and Fishing Opportunities
Whether you prefer a leisurely cruise, water sports, or simply enjoying the sun on the water, Hoover Reservoir offers a great setting.For anglers, the reservoir presents diverse fishing opportunities. It's known to be a good spot for catching a variety of fish species.
However, outside of this special weekend, ensure you possess a valid Ohio fishing license and are aware of all local fishing regulations and catch limits. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit