Weather.com Hour-by-Hour Forecast for Galena, Ohio
Weather.com Boat & Beach conditions for Galena, Ohio
Accuweather Hour-by-Hour Forecast for Galena, Ohio
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Mountain Biking at Alum Creek
Alum Creek State Park
Alum Creek is where nearly everyone in the area sails. There are two launches, one on the west side and one on the east.
SouthWest: This is the best wind direction for Alum Creek. There are nice swells when the SouthWest wind reaches 15 - 25 mph.
West Side: The western launch site is only good when the wind is north, northwest, or northeast. If it is northeast you really have to launch from this side as the eastern launch is very sheltered from this direction and getting out is tricky. There is a good beach and rigging area on the west side. It is a bit of a walk to the water, maybe 50 yards.
East Side: The east side is the more frequented of the two and it is good from every direction but north east. There are a few sand bars and shallow spots just outside the cove that will be over your head some years and fin deep or visible others. There is a road going into the resevoir at the north-eastern point of the cove. It is visible most of the time, but if the water is low it is possible to hit it 50 feet offshore. There is a grassy launch area right next to the parking lot and about 50 yards from the water. There is also a restroom and fresh water. The only problem with this site is you share the lot with the boat ramp. Parking is usually not a problem, but on nice days or if there is a fishing tournament you may have problems finding a close spot.
after Labor Day (when there's no lifeguarding and no off-limits swim area) the beach is a nice place to launch. But still be on the lookout for swimmers and Waverunners.
Powerboats and WaveRunners are allowed.
Click here for interactive map to Alum Creek
Take 71 North to Polaris Exit. Turn right heading east. Turn left on Old State just past Amphitheater. Continue on Old State past nursery and turn left at light (Africa Rd.). Take Africa to next stop which is about 3 miles. If going to the west side turn right and look for signs for beach. Turn right into park and follow signs to beach/swimming area. If going to the East side continue straight through the stop sign. You will go about two miles and pass over a cove where the water will be visible. Take the next left at the New Galena Launch.