What to expect
Upper Grand River Metropark encompasses 135 acres along Cork Cold Springs Road in Austinburg, Ohio. Once home to youth and religious camps—including a Camp Fire Girls camp during the 1950s—the property has since been transformed into a peaceful sanctuary for wildlife and the Grand River. The park protects three-quarters of a mile of Grand River frontage within a scenic bend of the state-designated Scenic River, nestled between Morgan Swamp Preserve and Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark. The property is permanently protected through a conservation easement with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and is also part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Scenic Rivers Program. Funding through an ODNR Paddling Enhancement Grant and ODOT’s Biennium Fund helped provide public parking, improve existing trails, and create a river access trail and boat launch. Today, Upper Grand River Metropark offers visitors a chance to explore towering forests, wetlands, unique wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Future plans call for additional visitor amenities, including picnic shelters, meeting spaces, and expanded trails, making the park an even more inviting destination for enjoying the natural beauty of the Grand River.
- Trails & Access: Enhanced foot trails and a dedicated river access trail; parking area provided through state funding
- Nature Highlights: Soaring forests, wetlands, unusual wildflowers, diverse wildlife habitats, and 3/4 mile of Grand River frontage
- Recreation: Hiking, birding, nature walks, photography, paddling, and fishing along the scenic river; boat launch available
- Facilities: Parking area, a boat launch, an open-air shelter & portable restroom. Future development to include picnic shelters, a grill, a prep table, and a meeting space.
- Utilities: No water or electricity currently available
- History: Formerly a youth and religious camp, including a Camp Fire Girls Camp in the 1950s
