Eastwood Lake Park | Chapel Hill

Eastwood Lake Park, formally known as Eastwood MetroPark, is a sprawling 437-acre regional park located in Dayton, Ohio. It is operated by Five Rivers MetroParks and serves as a major recreational hub in the area. The park is centered around Eastwood Lake, a large 185-acre reservoir fed by the scenic Mad River, and is renowned for its blend of water-based activities, extensive trail systems, rich wildlife habitats, and community-focused events.

Natural Setting and Landscape

Eastwood MetroPark boasts a diverse natural landscape that includes mature woodlands, grassland prairies, wetlands, and riparian zones along the Mad River and Eastwood Lake. The park’s varied topography offers visitors a visually rich environment, with meandering trails that lead through shaded forested areas as well as open prairie spaces. This ecological diversity supports a wide range of plant species and wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature observation and environmental education.

Water Recreation

At the heart of Eastwood MetroPark is Eastwood Lake, a mile-long reservoir designed for multi-use water recreation. The lake’s regulation system is unique, allowing motorized boating on even-numbered days while reserving odd-numbered days for quieter activities such as sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing at idle speed. This schedule balances the needs of different user groups while preserving the lake’s tranquility.

The lake is stocked with various fish species, including walleye, saugeye, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and carp, providing abundant fishing opportunities year-round for anglers with an Ohio fishing license. Additionally, Blue Lake and the park’s lagoons offer fishing areas where a license is not required, accommodating casual or beginner anglers.

Adjacent to the lake, the Mad River flows through the park, offering additional paddling and fishing experiences. The Mad River is designated as a state water trail, featuring Class II rapids and a whitewater section known as the Mad River Run, which attracts kayakers and canoeists seeking a moderate challenge. The river supports a healthy fish population including smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and carp.

Trails and Hiking

Eastwood MetroPark is known for its comprehensive trail system, which caters to a wide range of users from casual walkers and families to avid hikers and cyclists. Key trails include:

Mad River Trail: This paved multi-use trail runs through the park and connects with downtown Dayton and other regional parks. It is part of the Buckeye Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail, offering long-distance hiking and biking routes that extend beyond the park’s boundaries.

Creekside Trail: Beginning within Eastwood MetroPark, this trail passes through residential and commercial neighborhoods before linking to the Iron Horse Trail near US Route 35. The Creekside Trail continues eastward into Greene County, facilitating regional trail connectivity.

Prairie Meadow Trail: A half-mile natural surface trail that traverses prairie grasses and wooded areas, offering peaceful scenery and opportunities to observe native flora and fauna.

TRACK Trail: A 2-mile paved, out-and-back trail designed to be family-friendly and accessible for beginners. It features scenic views of grassland prairies, stone bridges crossing small waterways, and educational interpretive signage that highlights the park’s natural and cultural history.

These trails are meticulously maintained and designed to provide year-round access for hiking, jogging, biking, and nature observation. Seasonal changes offer varied experiences, from vibrant wildflowers and migratory birds in spring and summer to colorful foliage in autumn and serene snow-covered landscapes in winter.

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Eastwood MetroPark is a hotspot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s rich habitats attract a wide variety of bird species, including great blue herons, belted kingfishers, various waterfowl, cedar waxwings, and Baltimore orioles. Particularly notable are the resident bald eagles, which can often be seen soaring near Eastwood Lake and along the Mad River, symbolizing the park’s healthy ecosystem.

In addition to birds, visitors may encounter other wildlife such as turtles, frogs, and mammals like white-tailed deer and beavers, especially near wetland and riparian zones.

Conservation and Environmental Stewardship

Eastwood MetroPark emphasizes habitat restoration and ecological sustainability. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining native vegetation, controlling invasive species, and protecting water quality within the lake and river systems. The park’s management works to enhance biodiversity, support wildlife corridors, and educate the public on environmental stewardship through interpretive programs and signage.

Community and Events

The park serves as a community gathering space and hosts a variety of outdoor events throughout the year. One of the flagship events is the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, which is among the region’s largest outdoor recreation festivals. This event features hands-on activities, workshops, vendor exhibitions, and demonstrations designed to promote outdoor recreation, environmental awareness, and healthy lifestyles.

Eastwood MetroPark’s facilities also support picnicking, casual gatherings, and educational field trips, making it a valuable resource for local schools and families.

Visitor Information

Location: 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton, Ohio 45431

Operating Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Facilities: Parking areas, restrooms, picnic shelters, and boat launches are available.

Access: The park is accessible by car with ample parking, and trailheads connect to regional trail networks for those arriving by bike or foot.

Summary

Eastwood Lake Park is a premier regional destination that combines extensive outdoor recreation options with rich natural habitats and strong conservation values. Its balanced management of boating activities, comprehensive trail system, diverse wildlife, and community programming makes it an ideal location for visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility. Whether engaging in water sports, hiking scenic trails, fishing, or simply enjoying nature and wildlife, Eastwood MetroPark offers a vibrant and inclusive outdoor experience year-round.