Great Seal State Park
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Great Seal State Park is a 1682-acre park located in Chillicothe, Southeastern Ohio. It is filled with beautiful scenery, hiking trails, a campground, and more!
About Great Seal State Park
Great Seal State Park is known for its hills. The hills here were the inspiration for the Great Seal of the State of Ohio, and that is how the park got its name! There is literally something for everyone to do at Great Seal State Park. You can hike, bike, horseback ride, play disc golf, camp, and lots more!
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips
Have you ever wondered if there can be too much nature? Of course not, but Great Seal State Park is overflowing with stunning scenery! There are lots of trails here, if you meet others, be aware they may be on bikes or horses. Bring your dog for a great day out, they are welcome on most trails and can even go off-leash in places!
Covid-19 Pandemic Memorial Grove
This park has an area dedicated by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and ODNR Director Mary Mertz in the spring of 2021 to the loss of life and in recognition of the frontline workers during the pandemic. The Covid-19 Pandemic Memorial Grove is near the campground and features 15 newly planted trees, all of which are native to Ohio, surrounded by a paved path with benches for visitors to relax and reflect.
Trails at Great Seal State Park
There are more than 23 miles of trails available to hikers and walkers. The terrain varies from rolling hills to steep hills. Some of the trails are strenuous so it is best to condition for these trails.
The multi-use trails (all but two trails) can be used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Bunker Hill Trail
- 2.9 miles | Loop | Dogs | Moderate
A 2.9-mile trail that is not too busy and is a moderate hike. There is a climb to the summit, but otherwise, this trail does not have a lot of ups and downs. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Lick Run Trail
- 3.9 miles | Out-and-Back | Dogs | Moderate to Difficult
A 3.9-mile trail that is not very busy. It is an out-and-back trail. It is a moderate to difficult hike, with a mix of ascents, descents, and flat sections. Lick Run trail is great for biking! Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Mt Ives Trail
- 1.6 miles | Out-and-Back | Difficult
A 1.6-mile trail. This is an out-and-back trail. This trail has strenuous trail winds but provides several scenic vistas. Hikers reported that it’s a great workout with nice hills.
Sand Hill Trail
- 4.7 miles | Loop | Dogs | Moderate
This is a very quiet trail. There are some very steep elevations at the start of the loop and in the middle. Dogs on a leash are welcome and may be able to be off-leash in places.
Shawnee Ridge Trail
- 11.7 miles | Loop | Dogs | Difficult
The Shawnee Ridge Loop Trail is a difficult hike. It is best used from March through November. This is a popular trail for biking and horseback riding, so hikers are advised to walk in the opposite direction to the bikers. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
- 1.8 miles | Loop | Dogs | Moderate
A 1.8-mile trail loop that climbs through a dense maple forest to the crest of Sugarloaf. The trail rises almost 500 feet in less than a quarter of a mile. The trail is a moderately busy trail and is a moderate hike. Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is accessible year-round. Hikers report there are many steep parts to the trail. Dogs on a leash are welcome and may be able to be off-leash in places.
Other Trails
- Annie’s Mountain Bike Trail: A 0.7-mile loop trail.
- Bald Hill Trail: A 1-mile trail that forms parts of the longer trails.
- Grouse Rock Trail: A 1.2-mile trail that forms parts of the longer trails.
- Rock Garden Trail: A 0.5-mile trail
- Rocky Knob Trail: A 1.4-mile trail
Hiking Only Trails
- Disc Golf isn’t necessarily a trail but is a walk of 1.3 miles through the 18 holes or baskets.
- Spring Run Trail is a 1.9-mile trail that includes 10 fitness training stations with instructions. This is a moderately busy trail and is great for all skill levels. The fitness loop is well taken care of. A portion of this trail intertwines with the disc golf course.
Storybook Trail
We are huge fans of the storybook trails located throughout Ohio. Storybook trails are an excellent way for families to enjoy learning outdoors together! They have signs to read as you walk along the easy hike. The signs tell the story!
The storybook trail is located near the Ireland Picnic Shelter parking lot. The storybook presented along the trail changes throughout the year. So be sure to come back and visit often!
If you would like to learn more about storybook trails you can see an example in the video below. It is not at Great Seal State Park, but it is very similar to the storybook trail here.
Activities
Great Seal State Park has some activities besides hiking for the whole family to enjoy!
Disc Golf
If you love disc golf aka frisbee golf you can enjoy a day on the 18-hole course located near the Ireland picnic area. Be sure to bring your own equipment because there are no rental options available. There is no fee to play a round of disc golf. You can print out a Great Seal State Park Disc Golf Course map.
Hunting
Hunters with a valid Ohio Hunting License are welcome to hunt in the park’s designated areas. Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations apply.
More Activities
Basketball courts are in the park’s day-use areas and playground equipment is around the park.
Facilities
Camping, picnicking, and shelter houses are among the facilities at Great Seal State Park.
Camping
The Great Seal State Park Campground offers only primitive camping sites. This means there is no electricity or running water at the sites. The campground has 15 sites. They also have horse picket lines (or tie lines) located behind 10 of the 15 sites. The campground does have drinking water and vault latrines available.
There is a playground and a shelter house at the campground. Campers can bring their pets. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance by calling the Great Seal State Park Campground office at 866-644-6727.
Picnicking
There are three main picnic areas. All areas have tables and grills. The areas are all in separate areas of the park. Be sure to pack a cooler of snacks and water and enjoy some time at the picnic area.
Reservable Shelter Houses
There are two reservable shelters:
Ireland Shelter has a non-electric fireplace, charcoal grill, and twelve picnic tables. The maximum capacity is 50. This shelter is close to all the fun: trails, playgrounds, and disc golf. There are vault restrooms nearby.
Vista Shelter has a maximum capacity of 50. There is a charcoal grill and twelve picnic tables. It is located near trails and vault restrooms.
If you would like to reserve a shelter house you can reserve them online or call 866-644-6727
Where is Great Seal State Park Located?
- Address: 4908 Marietta Road, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
- Phone: 740-887-4818 | Website
Location Map for Great Seal State Park
Let’s Visit Great Seal State Park!
Have you been to Great Seal State Park? We want to know what you thought! What was your favorite activity when you were there? Leave a comment below and share your experience!
If you love to visit Ohio State Parks, Ohio Metro Parks, or Ohio State Nature Preserves be sure to check out those categories on this website!!
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