Top 15 Lakes in Franklin County
Best lakes in Franklin County are found in a region characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including reservoirs, metro parks, and smaller ponds. This area provides water resources and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The county's lakes are integrated into parks and natural areas, offering a variety of outdoor experiences. These bodies of water are significant for both ecological value and community recreation.
Best lakes in Franklin County
- The most popular lakes is Hoover Reservoir Park, a lake that…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Hoover Reservoir Park
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Antrim Lake Deck
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Bench with view of pond at Portman Park
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Heron Pond
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Thoreau Lake
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Schrock Lake
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Mirror Lake, The Ohio State University
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Brookside Trail
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Lake View at Quarry Trails Metro Park
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Darby Bend Lakes
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This 92-acre park has a rain garden, picnic tables, athletic fields and some woods. It also serves as the trailhead for the Blacklick Creek Trail.
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The Hoover Reservoir Park (area) offers over 4,700 acres of peaceful and serene landscape just North of Columbus. The park and lake provide guests with a range of recreational activities from picnicking, hiking, boating and fishing. For the bird watching enthusiasts, the park offers a wide variety of bird types ranging from common to rare. This includes frequent sightings of the American Bald Eagle throughout the year. The reservoir is an important feature for tourism, but also for the water it provides to the city of Columbus.
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The Antrim Lake Deck serves as a viewpoint overlooking the calm Antrim Lake. It's important to note that the lake prohibits boats and swimming, but this also makes the lake a serene environment. Annually stocked with rainbow trout by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Antrim Lake offers fishing in this shallow lake with clear water.
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The Antrim Lake Deck serves as a viewpoint overlooking the calm Antrim Lake. It's important to note that the lake prohibits boats and swimming, but this also makes the lake a serene environment. Annually stocked with rainbow trout by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Antrim Lake offers fishing in this shallow lake with clear water.
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As the name implies, this pond is teeming with bird species, including the majestic blue herons and many others. It's also a habitat where you might encounter beavers, minks, coyotes, deer, and various other forms of wildlife.
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Mirror Lake was integral in the decision of the founders of The Ohio State University to build the school where they did. This lake was once a spring and information on its history can be found on signs around the lake.
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Mirror Lake was integral in the decision of the founders of The Ohio State University to build the school where they did. This lake was once a spring and information on it's history can be found on signs around the lake.
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Darby Bend Lakes is a collection of three small lakes that are very close together. They get their name from their proximity to a sharp bend in Big Darby Creek. They are known for ample fishing and birding opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in Franklin County, Ohio?
Franklin County, Ohio, features a diverse range of water bodies, including large reservoirs like Hoover Reservoir Park, metro park lakes such as Lake View at Quarry Trails Metro Park, and smaller, more intimate ponds like Heron Pond. Many of these are integrated into parks and natural areas, offering various recreational opportunities.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Franklin County, Ohio?
Yes, many lakes in Franklin County, Ohio, are family-friendly. For example, Hoover Reservoir Park offers picnicking, hiking, and boating. Portman Park, which features a pond, has picnic and playground facilities. Schrock Lake in Sharon Woods Metro Park also provides picnic shelters and fishing docks suitable for families.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Franklin County lakes?
The lakes in Franklin County, Ohio, are rich in wildlife. Hoover Reservoir Park is known for frequent sightings of American Bald Eagles and a wide variety of other bird types. Heron Pond is teeming with bird species, including majestic blue herons, and you might also encounter beavers, minks, coyotes, and deer.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes in Franklin County, Ohio?
Absolutely. Many lakes are part of larger park systems with extensive trail networks. For instance, Lake View at Quarry Trails Metro Park offers scenic hiking and biking trails. You can find easy hikes around lakes like the Prairie Oaks Loop from Darby Bend Lakes Entrance, or the Big Walnut Creek Trail. For more options, explore the Hiking in Franklin County guide.
Can I go boating or fishing at Franklin County lakes?
Yes, boating and fishing are popular activities at several lakes. Hoover Reservoir Park offers both boating and fishing opportunities. Schrock Lake has four fishing docks, and Darby Bend Lakes are also known for ample fishing.
Where can I find a scenic view of a lake in Franklin County, Ohio?
For scenic views, consider Lake View at Quarry Trails Metro Park, which offers beautiful overlooks of the lake created from an abandoned quarry. The Antrim Lake Deck provides a peaceful spot to enjoy serene lake views after exploring nearby trails. Additionally, Bench with view of pond at Portman Park offers a pleasant vista.
Are there lakes in Franklin County, Ohio, that were once quarries?
Yes, Lake View at Quarry Trails Metro Park was created from what used to be the grounds of an abandoned quarry called Marble Cliff Quarry. This park is now known for its scenic waterfall, hiking and biking trails, and unique lake features.
Are there good spots for birdwatching around Franklin County lakes?
Franklin County, Ohio, offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Hoover Reservoir Park is a prime location for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of American Bald Eagles. Thoreau Lake, located within the Walden Waterfowl Refuge, features a bird blind observation building. Heron Pond is also teeming with various bird species, including blue herons.
Can I go cycling near the lakes in Franklin County, Ohio?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Road Cycling Routes in Franklin County guide features routes like the Ohio to Erie Trail: Hoover Reservoir Loop, which takes you around Hoover Reservoir Park. The Olentangy River Trail also offers cycling opportunities near lakes like Antrim Lake.
What facilities are available at lakes in Franklin County, Ohio?
Many lakes and their surrounding parks offer various facilities. You can often find picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms. For instance, Portman Park has picnic and playground facilities. Schrock Lake provides picnic shelters and fishing docks. Antrim Lake Deck offers a spot to rest and enjoy the views.
Are dogs allowed on trails around Franklin County lakes?
Yes, some areas around Franklin County lakes are dog-friendly. For example, Heron Pond is noted as a dog-friendly location. It's always best to check specific park regulations for leash requirements and any restricted areas before visiting with your dog.
Are there easy hiking options around Franklin County lakes?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. Routes like the Prairie Oaks Loop from Darby Bend Lakes Entrance and the Big Walnut Creek Trail are considered easy. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes in Franklin County guide.
Most popular routes in Franklin County
Most popular attractions in Franklin County
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