Weekend Road Trip: Enjoy the peace and quiet of Pymatuning

PHOTOS BY RICHARD COOK

I including the practice of “Forest Bath” but I never felt its benefits until a recent weekend in the deep woods surrounding Lake Pymatuning. Enveloped in a canopy of fall colors and a soundtrack that only nature could provide, a morning walk with my wife and two close friends was as restful and refreshing as a good night’s sleep.

Pymatuning Reservoir is a man-made lake that spans nearly 27 miles in Crawford County and Ashtabula County, Ohio. Much of the lake shore is part of two state parks, one on either side of the border. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with countless waterside dining options, waterskiing or jet skiing and long stretches of sandy beaches, Pymatuning is the place to go. not a viable option – and that’s part of its appeal.

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Fishing, sailing, hunting, hiking, biking, kayaking and sitting by a campfire are the main activities here. The flat terrain, trails and low traffic volume on most roads are ideal for biking.

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On a drive from the small towns of Espyville to Linesville, we stopped at the popular Pymatuning Spillway where schools of Pennsylvania giant carp are so thick, ducks can often be seen walking on the surface of the fish. More than 300,000 visitors a year stop by to watch the show and feed the carp with pieces of bread.

Hatchery

PHOTO: PA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION FACEBOOK PAGE

A short drive further north took us to Linesville State Hatchery operated by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Visitors are welcome daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Inside is a giant aquarium that showcases many of the species that inhabit the lake. The hatchery also hosts an annual open house in early April that features exhibits, demonstrations and activities.

Rebecca

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Arriving in Linesville, we discovered Rebecca’s Family Restaurant at 144 W. Erie St. Open for breakfast and lunch, this cozy restaurant specializes in large portions of comfort food at surprisingly reasonable prices. We left with a full stomach for less than $40, tip included.

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PHOTOS BY RICHARD COOK

The rest of the weekend was devoted to exploring on foot. Too cold to swim, we never got in the water but enjoyed a long walk along the lake.

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The weather and brilliant fall colors made this the perfect weekend getaway. While we stayed overnight, a visit to Pymatuning is an easy day trip, about an hour and 45 minutes from Pittsburgh. If you want to stay overnight, there are dozens of options on Airbnb and VRBO for homes, cottages, and cabins.

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