Griggs Reservoir

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Griggs Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts located in the state of Ohio.


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Summary

The reservoir spans over 3 miles and is surrounded by lush greenery, providing visitors with an idyllic setting for a day out.

One of the main reasons to visit Griggs Reservoir is for the variety of outdoor activities available. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, cycling, and boating. The reservoir is also popular for birdwatching, with a variety of species visible throughout the year.

Points of interest at Griggs Reservoir include the Griggs Dam, which was completed in 1905 and is still in use today, as well as the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, which provides an opportunity to explore local wildlife and ecosystems.

Interesting facts about Griggs Reservoir include its history as a source of drinking water for Columbus, as well as its role in providing flood control for the surrounding area. The reservoir is also home to a variety of fish species, including bass, crappie, and bluegill.

The best time of year to visit Griggs Reservoir depends on the activity you plan to engage in. Spring and summer are ideal for boating, fishing, and hiking, while fall offers beautiful foliage and great birdwatching opportunities. Winter can be a great time for ice fishing and winter hiking, but visitors should dress warmly and be aware of potential hazards on icy paths.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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