General Information
PURPOSES SERVED: Flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement. DAM: Type - rolled earth fill, maximum height 52ft, top length 1,550ft, top width 25ft, base width 5lO+B/with a 2.4-foot parapet wall on top of dam. SPILLWAY: Uncontrolled saddle spillway near left (south) abutment, crest elevation 09.0, crest length 250ft. Design discharge 23,700 c.f.s., with surcharge of 10.3ft and freeboard of 5.1ft. OUTLET WORKS: Intake structure with three 3ft-6 x 7ft gated sluices discharging into a concrete lined 7ft-6 x 8ft horseshoe tunnel and stilling basin. To maintain the minimum pool, 1ft-6 diameter siphons are located in front of gates 1 and 3 and discharge below gate No. 2. Invert elevation siphon 898.55. OTHER STRUCTURES: None. DRAINAGE AREA ABOVE DAM: 71 square miles. MAXIMUM FLOW OF RECORD AT DAM SITE: 3,600 c.f.s. (4 March 1940) RESERVOIR DESIGN FLOOD PEAK FLOW: 6,150 c.f.s. RESERVOIR DATA: Zero gage, 865ft m.s.l.
Handicapped Access
Universally Accessible Facilities are provided at the Launch Ramp and the Campgrounds.
Historical Info
The Tappan - Moravian Trail Scenic Byway provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the views along two beautiful lakes surrounded by heavily wooded hills. In addition to the lakes, the Byway follows a portion of the historic Moravian Trail. This trail was originally used by Delaware and Wyandote Indians, then by Moravian Missionaries and then became a major stagecoach route. The trail follows the ridge above the south side of Tappan Lake, passes through the historic village of Deersville, past a restored log cabin, through Feed Springs, a natural stopping place for water in the covered wagon days, and past many scenic farms edged by hardwood forests. The village of Deersville was founded in 1815. It grew and prospered during the stagecoach days, boasting several hotels, taverns, a tin shop, tannery, creamery and many other shops. The coming of the railroad, which bypassed Deersville signaled the decline of the booming town. The village at present, with a population of less than 100 is still the focal point for travelers to the area. The General Store, founded in 1901, provides everything a general store should, plus famous homemade ice cream which is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike in all seasons. The Antique Store is a continuation of the small business culture of the village and provides visitors an opportunity to look at or purchase items our grandparents probably threw away as being old fashioned. Live theater productions are presented in the Community Hall several times each year and the Founders Day Festival is held the second Saturday of August each year.
Recreation
Bicycling
Bicycling is permitted on state highways but extreme caution should be followed do to the high rate of vehicle speed.
Boating
Tappan Lake has a 299 hp. limit on watercraft. There are 2 public boat launch ramps- one near the roadside rest area, and the second across from the Marina on Route 250.
Camping
Tappan Lake Park has over 500 campsites (class A full hookups and Class A with electric), 10 vacation cabins, also primitive and Group Campsites are available through MWCD @ (330) 343-6647 or visit their website @ www.mwcdlakes.com. Federal Recreation passes such as Golden Age, Golden Access, or America the Beautiful - National Park and Federal Recreation Lands Access Passes are not honored at MWCD facilities, but anyone over the age of 60 or those who have a Golden Buckeye Card receive a 10% discount.
Additional information about the federal recreation pass program is available at http://www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-888-276-8747 (1-888-ASK USGS).
Fishing
Tappan Lake is stocked annually by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Fish species in the lake include Saugeye, Bass, White Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, & Catfish.
Hiking
Tappan Lake Park has several fine hiking trails to include the Fox Trail (6 miles), Pine Trail (2 mile), Deer Trail (4 miles), Cabin Beach Trail, Nature Trail, & Turkey Ridge Trail.
Horseback Riding
The Buckeye Trail runs across the dam, along a short section of the lake, then uphill through the woods where it meets roadways and heads towards Clendening Lake in one direction and Leesville Lake in the other direction.
Hunting
Public Hunting is available on MWCD land. Maps for Public Hunting and Fishing Areas can be obtained from MWCD @ (330) 343-6647 or visit their website at www.mwcd.org.
Marina
There is one Marina located on the lake, which are operated by private enterprise. Tappan Lake Marina offers boat sales, service, rentals, docking, fishing licenses, supplies, gas sales, boat and ski accessories, vacation cabin rentals. The marina restaurant overlooks the lake and offers a full menu through the boating season. Tappan Lake Marina can be contacted @ (740)269-2031.
Picnicking
Many, many, picnic tables and some picnic shelters are available at MWCD's Tappan Lake Park.
Swimming
Tappan Lake Park Beach is the site of lots of FUN IN THE SUN Activities, including Christmas in July Celebration with Santa arriving on Water skis. Swimming is only allowed at authorized areas on the lake. A concession stand and paddle boat rental is available.
Visitor Center
No Visitor Center is available at this project. MWCD has an Activity Center within its park. This facility provides day to day information on campground activities and current events. The Activity Center is staffed April - October or upon request out of season. For more information contact Tappan Lake Park Office @ (740) 922-3649.