Hinckley Lake is a 90-acre impoundment created in 1926 through the construction of a dam on the East Branch Rocky River. Located in Hinckley Reservation in Medina County, Ohio, the lake offers calm, easy-to-navigate waters ideal for paddlers of all skill levels.

Access is available via the Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store, which provides a public launch ramp at the southern end of the lake off West Drive. The boathouse offers kayak rentals (single and tandem), stand-up paddleboards, and other watercraft. Only electric motors are permitted on the lake.

A 3.1-mile loop trail circles the lake, making it easy to identify your location while paddling. Notable features include the spillway area and dam at the lake's southern end. Paddlers should remain clear of the spillway and watch for marked shallow areas around the lake.

The lake attracts diverse wildlife, particularly during spring when Turkey Vultures with 6-foot wingspans return to breed in the area. The surrounding reservation encompasses over 3,200 acres and includes distinctive geological features like Whipp's Ledges, which rise 350 feet above the lake.

Facilities include the Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store, which provides refreshments, fishing tackle, bait, and basic paddling supplies. A swimming beach with lifeguards is located near the dam, and multiple picnic areas dot the shoreline.

The lake has historical significance as part of a failed 1920s resort development. Local entrepreneur John F. Johnson donated the land to Cleveland Metroparks in 1923, and the lake was created three years later. Today, the Cleveland Metroparks manages the lake with support from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which provides fisheries management services.

Safety equipment requirements include mandatory life jackets. During thunderstorms, the boathouse signals paddlers to return to shore using an air horn system.