Ohio State Parks: Hidden Gems

HIDDEN GEMS

Blue Rock State Park

Park Office Hours 8-5 M-F / Camp Store Hours vary during Spring/Summer 
7924 Cutler Lake Road, Blue Rock, OH 43720 
Phone: Park Office 740-674-4794

Blue Rock offers a quiet family oriented campground with 3 Camper Cabins, 3 Rent-A-Tents, and 97 campsites. There are two locations to camp near the 15 acre lake. The backdrop for Blue Rock consists of rugged hills and rich green forests. We offer basketball, volleyball court, hiking trails, horse shoe pit, and a beach. We have boat rentals at the camp store, for a fee. For reservations call 1-866-644-6727, or call park office for more information.
 

Forked Run State Park

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: On State Route 124 just south of Reedsville, Ohio
Phone: 740-378-6206 

Forested hills, a picturesque lake and the lazy Ohio River characterize Forked Run State Park. Located in the heart of Appalachia, colorful history, riverboats, scenic vistas and abundant wildlife give the park its rural charm. The main campground is situated on the ridges overlooking the scenic valley of Forked Run Lake. This nicely shaded campground offers 80 campsites with 50-amp electric sites along with 71 non-electric sites. Two Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cookstove and other equipment can be rented during summer months by reservation. Three camper cabins are available for nightly rental. The park features a disc golf course as well as a miniature golf course. Volleyball, horseshoes and tetherball can be enjoyed in day use areas of the park.
 

Great Seal State Park

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: Follow Delano Road east of U.S. Route 23, then south on Marietta Road
Phone: 740-887-4818 

Great Seal State Park is dedicated to the wilderness spirit of Ohio. The history of the Shawnee nation and Ohio's early statehood is centered in these rugged hills. Challenging trails take visitors to scenic vistas of distant ridgetops and the Scioto Valley below. These very hills are depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio, from which the park gets its name. Twenty-two miles of trails are available to hikers, mountain bikers, and horsemen. The terrain varies from steep to gently rolling. It is advised that horses and hikers be well conditioned for these trails. Volleyball, basketball and horseshoe courts are located in day-use areas of the park. Playground equipment is also available for youngsters. An 18-basket disc golf course is located at the Ireland picnic area.
 

John Bryan State Park

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: On State Route 370 east of Yellow Springs, Ohio
Phone: 937-767-1274 

John Bryan is the most scenic state park in western Ohio. The park contains a remarkable limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River which is designated as a state and national scenic river. A portion of the gorge itself is designated as a national natural landmark. The Little Miami River provides excellent stream fishing opportunities for anglers. Smallmouth bass, rock bass and panfish are in abundance. Nature lovers can enjoy any of the nine different trails found in the park. Trails follow the scenic river gorge and meander through majestic woodlands. Mountain bikes are permitted on 6.5 miles of multi-use trails. Portions of many trails are wheelchair accessible with assistance to some degree.

Mt. Gilead State Park

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: On State Route 95, east of Mt. Gilead, Ohio
Phone: 419-946-1961 or 740-369-2761 

Mt. Gilead State Park is a quiet, small park centrally located in the state of Ohio. Picnicking, fishing and hiking can be enjoyed year-round at this beautiful location. A family campground, offering 59 sites with electrical hookups, is set in a scenic pine forest and is open all year for camping enjoyment. Two deluxe Camper Cabins are available during the summer season on a reservation basis. Mt. Gilead allows boating with canoes, rowboats and boats with electric motors only. A launch ramp is provided. canoes and paddleboats are available for rent. Six and a half miles of trails, including a two-mile multipurpose trail for hikers and horseback riders, traverse Mt. Gilead State Park. Trails provides opportunities for exercise, nature study and wildlife observation. Boat rental is available and a double volleyball court, horseshoe pits and playground may be enjoyed by visitors in day-use areas of the park. The 200-seat amphitheater may be rented for a variety of outdoor functions. The picturesque gazebo may also be rented for special occasions.
 

Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: On State Route 282, north of Garrettsville, Ohio
Phone:440-564-2279 

Although a small park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges provides a thrilling experience to visitors with its rugged cliffs and diverse plant life typical of a more northern climate. A day-use park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is popular for picnicking and hiking. Hikers will enjoy the several trails that wander through the Nelson Ledges to formations like Devil's Icebox, Indian Pass and Old Maid's Kitchen. All visitors are urged to exercise caution while hiking and are advised to restrict their travel to established trails only. Park rules prohibit off-trail hiking and beverage containers on hiking trails.
 

Tinkers Creek State Park

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: On Aurora-Hudson Road, north of Interstate 480 at Streetsboro, Ohio
Phone: 440-564-2279 

The swamps and marshlands of Tinker's Creek State Park harbor a variety of natural wonders. Herons, ducks, geese and beaver can be found in the spring-fed waters, while cattail, buttonbush and swamp white oak line the shores of this beautiful park. The spring-fed lake offers anglers catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, perch and catfish. Bluegills and bass are also found in the two ponds located along Pond Run Trail. Three hiking trails are ideal for jogging, nature study or cross-country skiing. Volleyball and horseshoes can be enjoyed at the park and a playground is available for younger visitors.
 

Van Buren State Park

Admission is Free 
Open daily dawn to dusk
Location: Just south of State Route 613, just eats of Van Buren, Ohio
Phone: 419-832-7662

Van Buren State Park offers a quiet retreat with fishing and picnicking opportunities. The woodlands are a small but valued refuge in the rich agricultural land of northwestern Ohio. Van Buren offers a multi-use campground at the east end of the park with 38 non-electric campsites for general camping as well as horseman's camping. Good fishing is available at Van Buren Lake. Catches of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bullhead, bluegill and carp await the skilled angler. Hiking trails circle the lake. Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers are welcome on 6 miles of multiple-use trails traversing steep ravines and gentler terrain in scenic woodlands. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are available for use at the picnic areas. The park's nature center is located near the family campground.