From the intersection of OH-11 and US-20, take US-20 (North Ridge Road) east for .5 mile. Turn left at Ridgewood Avenue. Turn right in the Ashtabula Towne Square parking lot and follow the perimeter around to the northeast corner.

This pond along Fields Brook may be viewed from the parking lot of the Ashtabula Towne Square shopping center.

From Ashtabula Towne Center return to US-20. Turn right onto US-20 (North Ridge Road) and use the right lane to get onto OH-11 north. Drive 1.1 miles and exit onto East 21st Street. Drive .3 mile and turn left onto Columbus Avenue. Turn right onto East 23 Street, turn left onto Harbor Avenue, and turn right onto East 24th Street. The trailhead is in .2 mile on the left.

Indian Trails Park is being developed along the river in Ashtabula.

There is an Educational and Informational pavilion for Indian Trails Park near the Smolen Gulf Bridge. The pavilion was built with all volunteer labor and was funded by several sponsors. Laminated colorful panels include information on the Ashtabula Scenic River, The Ashtabula Township Parks, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Lake Erie Scenic By-way, Covered bridges around the county, museums, and historical facts.

From East 24th Street, drive southwest and turn right onto Lake Avenue. Drive 1.1 miles and arrive at Walnut Beach Park.

The 28-acre Walnut Beach Park is at the terminus of Lake Avenue, north of the Walnut Boulevard intersection on the west side of Ashtabula River in the city of Ashtabula. This site features a wildlife preserve, playground, beach volleyball courts, basketball courts, picnic tables, a skate park and concession stand. However, the majority of the city-owned park is an expansive foot-friendly sand beach backed by low dunes with beach vegetation. Ashtabula Harbor’s west breakwater is at the east end of the beach. It extends 1.4 miles into Lake Erie and provides fishing access. The Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse is near the end of the limestone boulder breakwater. From the foot of the breakwater, the city’s public beach area extends nearly 800 feet west; the sand continues westward for another half-mile. Walnut Beach is approximately 500 feet at its widest area, which is just west of the parking.

From Walnut Beach Park turn left onto Walnut Boulevard and go .3 mile. Arrive at the Ashtabula River Overlook.

Ashtabula Harbor may be viewed from the east end of Walnut Street adjacent to the Ashtabula Marine Museum. Parking is available. A scope is helpful for viewing birds on the river.

From the Ashtabula River Overlook, drive southwest on Walnut Boulevard, turn left onto Hulbert Avenue, and turn left onto West Fifth Street. West Fifth Street turns slightly right and becomes Front Street. Continue straight onto East Sixth Street for .8 mile. Continue straight onto Harmon Road and turn left onto Minnesota avenue for .4 mile. Continue straight onto Lakeshore Drive and arrive at Lakeshore Park.

Lakeshore Park offers visitors many activities and amenities. A fenced in playground is available for children to enjoy a safe area under the watchful eye of parents and guardians. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are available as are bocce courts where local teams practice and play. A classic car show is held every Sunday through the summer and is one of the most popular in Northeast Ohio bringing dozens of great classic cars to the shores of Lake Erie each week. An 18 hole disc golf course can be used year round and is considered one of the most challenging that can be found. A large beach is also right on the shores of Lake Erie with lifeguards through the summer. Five pavilions are available with fabulous views for every type of family outing. A waterfowl pond offers visitors a chance to view beautiful white mute swans and a variety of mallard and other ducks. A pair of peacocks can also be seen.