Portage Lakes State Park - Turkeyfoot

The Turkeyfoot boat ramp at Portage Lakes State Park provides convenient access to Portage Lakes and the Tuscarawas River system in New Franklin. This is one of eight launch ramps serving the interconnected lakes, including Upper and Lower Portage Lakes, Turkeyfoot Lake, and Long Lake. The ramp features a floating dock to facilitate launching and loading. A smaller dedicated parking lot serves the boat launch area, with amenities including drinking water, change booths, and restroom facilities nearby.

This access point is ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and recreational boaters exploring a scenic 3,000+ acre lake system. Note that all areas operate under "no wake" restrictions except portions of Turkeyfoot Lake. Boats up to 400 horsepower are permitted. The lakes form part of the historic Portage Lakes, named after an old Native American portage route connecting the Cuyahoga River (north to Lake Erie) with the Tuscarawas River (south to the Ohio River). For additional services, boat rentals and fuel are available at private marinas around the area, and a boat camping area is located at Latham Bay.