Class I Lake Erie, OH

The Vermilion - Lorain Water Trail provides a paddling experience that is unique to the State of Ohio, offering both river and open water travel along the lakeshore. The trail begins along the shale cliffs of the Vermilion River at the Vermilion River Reservation in Brownhelm Township. It winds along the river and exits into Lake Erie in Vermilion. It then follows the shoreline of Lake Erie, passing Lakeview Park and entering the mouth of the Black River near downtown Lorain. The trail passes the U.S. Steel Mill and ends at the Bur Oak Area of the Black River Reservation. In addition to paddling opportunities, this Ohio Water Trail also offers hiking and biking opportunities within the scenic Lorain County Metro Parks as well as historical and cultural opportunities such as the Inland Seas Maritime Museum, Lakeview Rose Garden, Black River Historical Society, and the Lorain Lighthouse. (Ohio DNR)