The Hoover Dam that brackets the Arizona/Nevada border may sell more postcards, but Ohio’s Hoover Dam is close enough to be a regular visit for us. Matt and I rode bikes across the imposing cement structure just last week, and on Friday we took Lily to swim at a secluded beach along its shore.
Like Alum Creek Dam to our north, Hoover brims with outdoor options for the active. Rollerbladers, cyclists and runners weave between those strolling or walking dogs along the paved pathway atop the dam. Sports fields, picnic and play spaces and a frisbee golf course are among the well-used amenities at the recreation area.
Less utilized is the canoe launch area below the dam and a delightful nature trail that leads to Lily’s swimming spot. The nature trail entrance is located to the northeast of the walkway at the edge of a parking lot turn-around. Blackberries abound in late summer (as does poison ivy, so pluck with care!) in a sunny stretch of brush near the trail head. After a short stroll west through woods, the path swings north again. We rarely continue the trail from here, however, opting instead to slip through one of the side paths that lead to the water.
A flat shoreline and an abundance of big sticks make this a great swimming spot for dogs. Most often we have the beach to ourselves but occasionally, to Lily’s delight, she finds a playmate such as Otis (pictured with Lily). There are always a few logs to climb over (or fall over if you’re me and having a less than graceful day), plenty of flat skip-worthy stones and some lovely views.
More on Lily the Lab
More “In-Town Tourist”: Hoover Reservoir
More “In-Town Tourist”
Tags: 1 Adult/3 Children, Hoover Reservoir, Ohio, Outdoor Adventures by Heather Dugan
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