Mad River County Beach

A pleasant drive through fields and down overgrown narrow roads leads to Mad River County Park, a system preserved and developed by the county for recreation. Mad River runs through the park, and a set of trails allows users to stroll the banks or kayak the waters. Part of the same unit is Mad River County Beach, a long beach backed by grassy dunes. Here visitors enjoy the cool waters of the ocean while combing the beach, flying a kite, or warming themselves next to a fire. Beach fires are allowed here so long as they remain less than 30 inches in diameter and no pallets are burned. 

A walk of less than a mile down the shoreline will take visitors to the Samoa State Marine Conservation Area. This protected area of ocean has been set aside and restrictions placed on its use in order to restore and conserve the marine habitat of the area. By protecting an entire ecosystem, instead of an individual species, the ocean is healthier and more resilient in facing pollution and climate change.