Facility Overview
Cable Line Rd Parking Lot 12 is a public, open-air surface parking area situated along Cable Line Road in Paris Township, Ohio, within the scenic surroundings of West Branch State Park and the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. Maintained as part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) public recreation system, this rustic outdoor lot provides unpaved or gravel turnaround parking directly serving outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, hunters, and hikers exploring the southern expanses of the reservoir. Because it is a ground-level, open-sky lot without overhead structures or clearance bars, the facility accommodates standard passenger cars, large four-wheel-drive pickup trucks, SUVs, and vehicles carrying roof racks, kayaks, or trailered equipment. Drivers of recreational vehicles and light boat trailers will appreciate the absence of vertical clearance constraints, though turnaround space can be tight when the lot is busy.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Serving as an important recreational gateway in eastern Portage County, Parking Lot 12 provides rapid access to diverse natural and aquatic attractions:
- Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir & West Branch State Park: Located immediately adjacent to park land, offering fishing bays, waterfowl viewing, and seasonal hunting zones.
- West Branch Shoreline and Trailheads: Positioned within a short walk or paddle to numerous inlet coves popular for largemouth bass, muskie, and crappie fishing.
- Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center: Situated directly north across the reservoir corridor.
- Historic Ravenna & Newton Falls: Both historic downtown communities are located within a 10 to 15-minute drive, offering local diners, fueling stations, and bait and tackle shops.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Access to Parking Lot 12 is directly off Cable Line Road, a two-lane rural road connecting State Route 5 (SR 5) and State Route 225 (SR 225). Ingress and egress are straightforward via an open apron directly into the gravel parking zone. The area enjoys seamless regional road connectivity via Interstate 76 (I-76), situated just a few miles south, providing swift travel to Akron, Youngstown, and Cleveland. Due to the rural and natural park setting, there are no fixed-route municipal public transit or passenger rail connections servicing Cable Line Road; visitors rely on personal vehicles, trucks, or local private taxi/rideshare operators based out of nearby Ravenna.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Free Public Parking: Zero access fees or parking meter charges for day-use park visitors and outdoorsmen.
- Open Sky Clearance: Unlimited vertical height allowance accommodating elevated 4x4 trucks, roof-mounted canoes, and utility racks.
- Direct Trail & Bank Access: Steps away from public hunting lands, shoreline trails, and water access points.
- Rustic Natural Environment: Open surface lot set back from the road surrounded by woodland buffers.
Ideal For
- Anglers & Fishermen: Convenient parking for bank fishing, shoreline casting, and launching hand-carried canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards.
- Hunters & Wildlife Watchers: An ideal staging spot for accessing ODNR-designated hunting zones and birdwatching habitats during peak migration seasons.
- Day Hikers & Dog Walkers: A low-traffic, tranquil trail jumping-off point for exploring rural Portage County.
Visitor & Driver Tips
As an unimproved rustic lot, drivers should take care after heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or during early spring thaws when gravel and unpaved edges may become muddy or rutted. The parking area does not feature lighting or attendant staff, so bringing a flashlight or headlamp is highly recommended if arriving prior to dawn or departing after dusk. Park regulations require compliance with ODNR rules, including day-use hours and carry-in/carry-out trash policies to preserve the natural lakeshore ecosystem.
