Walborn Reservoir
Nearly 1,800 acres and 7 miles of trails offer a wilderness experience surrounded by views of the water. Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and boating adventures await you at picturesque Walborn Reservoir in NE Stark County near Alliance. Natural surface trails take you through pine woods, oak and hickory forests, and wildflower areas. A designated equestrian area provides ties, mounting blocks, and trailer parking.
Walborn Marina offers affordable boat rentals and concessions beginning in May. Enjoy a day on the water in a row boat, motor boat, SUP, canoe, or kayak! Bait, tackle, and a selection of snacks and food are all available at the marina shop. A fishing pier and boat launch (boats up to 25 feet and 10 hp) are also nearby.
Reeder Ave. Trailhead
Located west of the marina and Price St. entrance this small trailhead at 12824 Reeder Ave. NE, Alliance 44601 has parking, water access, and a turnaround or starting point for the Shoreline Trail that travels 2.30 miles each way east toward the marina.
Eagle Observation Area
One of the most interesting experiences at Walborn Reservoir and in all of Stark Parks, nesting pairs of adult eagles have used this side of the park for over two decades for nesting. From the small gravel parking area, walk to the shoreline toward the peninsula and look north across the water.
The site is located at 13600 Marlboro Ave. NE, Alliance, OH 44601. Read more about the nesting pair in this article and timeline.
Bingham Property
Located off Marlboro Ave. and part of Walborn Reservoir to the SW (nearly across from the Eagle Observation Area) the 40 acre property is under restoration to a wetland. This property was previously farmed, but conditions of the original purchase required ending farming operations. Hiking trails and parking access are being proposed.
The existing vegetation was left over from previous farming efforts, and without additional management would convert to undesirable invasive species that could negatively affect neighboring farms. A major effort took place to restore the area to a wooded wetland. Thousands of native tree and plant species were planted and appear and will now be monitored for success. During the transition, expect it to look a little muddy and for access to be minimized to give the plants time to establish. The final product of the wooded wetland restoration will improve water quality and reduce siltation to the reservoirs as well as provide improved habitat and recreational spaces for trails.
Photo Gallery
Trails ()
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Green Trail
Trail Length: 3.90 milesExplore this network of trails with several loops on foot or by horse. You'll travel through several habitats and see views of the northern and southern parts of the reservoir. Parts of this trail overlap with the Shoreline Trail. Expect muddy conditions after periods of rain or snow melt.
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Marina Loop Trail
Trail Length: .60 mileStart behind the Walborn Marina and travel under a canopy of pine trees to a popular fishing peninsula before looping back to the other side of the parking area, or continuing on the Shoreline Trail or shared Equestrian Trails.
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Red Trail
Trail Length: 1.0 mileThis equestrian and hiking trail offers scenic views of Walborn Reservoir, north of Price St., with a short loop overlooking the water.
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Shoreline Trail
Trail Length: 2.3 milesThis natural surface trail wraps around the quiet and rugged shoreline from Price St. to Reeder Ave. taking you by a spillway and dam. Enjoy views of the creek from a small bridge and a wetland boardwalk as the reservoir comes in and out of view along the trail. Look for mayapple and trillium in bloom in Spring. You may see white-tailed deer, wild turkey, osprey, bald eagles, and migrating waterfowl.
