About Shawnee State Park

Shawnee State Park sits in the foothills of the Appalachians, where stream erosion has carved valleys out of the Appalachian Plateau and created the rugged terrain that is now nicknamed ‘The Little Smokies’.

In its hardwood forests that were once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee tribes, you will find interesting and unique flora, such as wildflowers and rare orchids. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, and raccoon live here, and a sighting of a bobcat or black bear happens on a rare occasion. Birders will especially enjoy the various songbirds heard throughout the woods.

The park is home to the endangered Timber Rattlesnake. It is a docile snake, so it is easy to give it space and steer clear if you encounter one.

A marina provides access to the Ohio River, and there are two lakes totaling 68 acres, Roosevelt and Turkey Creek.

Activities and Facilities

There is a long list of activities available at Shawnee State Park. Not only are there plenty of trails, but there are many water activities available, too. No matter your interest, you are sure to find something you enjoy!

Trails at Shawnee State Park

There are ten hiking trails at Shawnee State Park, ranging from easy trails to more difficult, rugged trails.

• Lampblack Trail | 1.5 miles | Follow the purple triangles
• Lake Trail | 0.8 miles | Follow the aquamarine triangles
• Lodge Beach Trail | 0.5 miles | Follow the fluorescent green triangles
• Knighton Nature Trail | 2.9 miles | Follow the red triangles
• Turkey Creek Nature Center Trail | 0.5 mile loop | Follow the bright green triangles
• Park Loop Trail | 5 miles connector trail | Follow the blue triangles
• Lookout Trail | 1.5 miles with steep up and down | Follow the hot pink triangles
• Campground Loop Trail | 0.5 mile loop | Follow the coral triangles
• Shawnee Forest Day Hike Trail West Loop | 4.6 miles | Follow the blue blazes
• Shawnee Forest Day Hike Trail West Loop East Loop | 7.2 miles | Follow the blue blazes
• Storybook Trail | 0.5 miles of storytelling trail for kids and adults

Mountain Biking

A mountain biking trail system is available. Park at the lodge and ride toward the playground to the marked trailhead.

• High Meadow – 0.6-mile, easy
• High Meadow Gap Pass – 0.3-mile, intermediate
• Horseshoe – 0.4-mile, intermediate
• Cabin Fever – 0.6-mile loop, intermediate
• Lampblack – 1-mile loop, intermediate
• Down & Out – 0.6-mile

Horseback Riding

There are two trails, the Lampblack Bridle Trail and the Mackletree Bridle Trail. Primitive equestrian camping and more trails are nearby at Shawnee State Forest.

Boating

There is a full-service marina off U.S. 52 that offers 72 docks with access to the Ohio River, including one with ADA accessibility.

Electric-motored and hand-powered boats can be used on Roosevelt Lake, while gas-motored boats at idle speed are allowed on Turkey Creek Lake. Both lakes have a launch ramp.

You can rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, and pedal boats at the camp store.

Fishing

Roosevelt and Turkey Creek lakes have a nice stock of crappie, trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Note: Ohio fishing regulations apply, and a valid Ohio fishing license is necessary.

Swimming and Beaches

There are two public beaches, one on each of the lakes, and there are designated areas for swimming. A splash pad is located at the Ohio River campground.

Pets are not allowed.

Please use caution when swimming, as beaches are not guarded.

Camping

There are 107 campsites featuring electric and non-electric sites for tents or trailers. They are located at Roosevelt Lake and by the Ohio River. Two camper cabins are also available.

Heated showers, waste disposal, flushing toilets, and laundry facilities are on site. Pets are welcome at some locations. For more information, check out the Shawnee State Park Campground website.

Reservable Shelters

There are two historic shelters on Roosevelt Lake that can be reserved. They have electricity, grills, and picnic tables.

A meeting room at the marina can also be reserved. It will hold 40 people and is equipped with heat/AC, a kitchen, and restrooms. It is not ADA-compliant.

Reservations can be made online or by calling 866-644-6727.

More Activities and Facilities

Winter Activities

You can go sledding near the park office on the lodge road when the weather permits.

Information About Shawnee State Park

There is a printable and downloadable map available for Shawnee State Park. The park is open daily, 6 am to 11 pm, but visitors may use the park outside of these hours, too.

Where is Shawnee State Park Located?

• Address: 4404 State Route 125, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663
• Phone: 740-858-6652 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Shawnee State Park

Let’s Visit Shawnee State Park

Have you visited Shawnee 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 are looking for more things to do in Portsmouth Ohio, we suggest Otway Bridge and White Gravel Mines Christmas Caves. Be sure to call in for a break and a bite to eat at Lofts Coffee Company and Roastery, and if you are looking to stay a while longer, check out Shawnee State Park Lodge.

If you love to visit Ohio State Parks, Ohio Metro Parks, or Ohio State Nature Preserves, be sure to check out Scioto Trail State Park and Mary Jane Thurston State Park! Ohio is home to many species of wildlife! Check out our article on Snakes in Ohio, and let us know if you find any while you are exploring the forest! 

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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About Blue Rock State Park

The bedrock materials in Ohio can be traced back millions of years when the state was covered by a shallow inland sea. This formed the bedrock types currently found in Ohio, limestone, shale, and sandstone. The silt formed the blue sedimentary shale that gave Blue Rock State Park its name.

There are 4,573 acres of Blue Rock State Forest that surround the park, dominated by oaks and hickories. Woodland wildflowers, as well as rare orchids, sit amongst ferns, mosses, and lichens. Deer, grouse, squirrel, and wild turkey are also in the forest.

The lake at Blue Rock, Cutler Lake, is a reservoir created by a dam on the Muskingum River.

Activities and Facilities

There are numerous activities available at Blue Rock State Park. Camping is a huge attraction, with over 100 campsites near the lake.

Boating

Boats with electric motors, rowing boats, and canoes/kayaks can be used on the 15-acre Cutler Lake. A launch ramp provides access to the water.

You can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, as well as stand-up paddleboards at the Camp Store, or you can bring your own.

Swimming

Swim and relax at the 250-foot public beach in designated areas at the north end of the lake. Restrooms along with showers are available at the Camp Store as well as snacks and sundries.

No pets on the beach.

Fishing and Hunting

Blue Rock Lake has a good stock of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.

Note: Ohio fishing regulations apply, and a valid Ohio fishing license is necessary.

Bow hunting is available in designated areas of the park during deer bow season.

Note: Ohio Hunting and Trapping regulations apply, and you will need a valid Ohio hunting license.

Archery

An archery range with 10, 20, 30, and 40-yard targets is available near the camp store. It is free to use. You need to bring your own equipment. 

Camping

There are 101 non-electric campsites available for tent or trailer camping in two separate areas near the lake.

Latrines, picnic tables, water, dump station, fire rings, and playgrounds are also available. The seasonal Camp Store has showers and also offers supplies and souvenirs. Pets are welcome on all sites.

Short video of the Camping Ground

Picnicking

There are several picnic areas located throughout the park, with seating, tables, as well as grills.

Reservable Shelters

There are three reservable shelterhouses. One of these is situated by the picturesque Blue Rock Covered Bridge. Two of the shelterhouses have electricity.

You can reserve these shelters by calling 866-644-6727

Short video showing shelters, lake & picnic area around the Park

Hiking Trails and Bridle Paths

There are five hiking trails:

• Beechnut Trail | 1 mile | Moderate
• Hollow Rock Trail | 0.8 miles | Moderate
• Ground Cedar Trail | 0.4 miles | Moderate
• Ruffed Grouse Trail | 0.6 miles | Moderate
• Deer Trail | 0.2 miles | Difficult

There are also three miles of bridle paths within the park link with 26 miles of bridle trails in Blue Rock State Forest.

A printable and downloadable map is available for Blue Rock State Park.

Winter Activities

You can enjoy ice skating, sledding, as well as ice fishing when weather permits. Be sure to call ahead if you want to do any of these winter activities.

Where Is Blue Rock State Park Located?

• Address: 7924 Cutler Lake Rd., Blue Rock, Ohio 43720
• Phone: 740-453-4377 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Blue Rock State Park

Let’s Visit Blue Rock State Park!

Have you visited Blue Rock 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 Kiser Lake State Park and Lake Alma State Park!

Ohio is also home to many species of wildlife! Be sure to check our article about Frogs In Ohio, and let us know if you spot any while you are adventuring!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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About Scioto Grove Metro Park

The park has several miles of trail, picnic areas, shelters, grills, play areas for kids, and overlook decks.  There is fun for hikers, bikers, kayakers, and more. A sledding hill is available in the snowy winter months.

The entire park is pet-friendly. Leashed pets are welcome in all areas of the park. 

The park has about 4 miles of riverfront, which is a huge attraction for canoeists and kayakers.  The canoeing access can be found at the north and south ends of the park.

There is a fun rope bridge crossing Grant Run Creek on the REI River Trail.  Below the rope bridge are perfectly placed stones that you can hop across to get back to the other side of the creek! 

Scioto Grove Metro Park Video

Trails

This metro park has over 7 miles of trails. There are eight total trails here. All trails are rated as easy.

Backpacking

When visiting the park and starting along the trails, we immediately noticed the backpacking areas. They are labeled and provide a picnic table, a gravel-boxed area for your tent, and a grill. 

What is neat about the backpacking and camping areas of Scioto Grove Metro Park is that it is perfect for beginners and for those experts who might not want to travel far and have a quick, fun overnight stay!  This area along the REI Trail is open for reservations online from mid-April through October, weekends only. 

Staying at the backpacking camps is free. Many hikers consider this a beautiful, spacious spot to rest overnight. Others said it is a perfect place to test out your hiking gear. 

Playgrounds

The playgrounds are unique and also a big draw for families. This is not your typical playground. The modern playground is made up of climbing structures and slides. It is perfect for older, more independent kids versus toddlers. There are swings for younger children to enjoy.

Archery

Scioto Grove Metro Park offers a 3D archery course. It has 12 foam animal targets that archers can practice their skills with. There is a traditional archery range as well. When it comes to bows, all kinds can be used; however, broadhead arrows are not permitted.

Shelters at Scioto Grove Metro Park

The Grove is an indoor facility with a large meeting room and lots of windows.  It has a kitchenette, bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, and an outdoor patio. 

In addition to the reservable Grove shelter, there are two other shelter areas which are non-reservable. They are Arrowhead Picnic Area, which has three shelters with grills, and Hickory Picnic Area, which has two shelters with grills.

Sledding

During the snowy winter months, there is a sledding hill available for winter fun. This Ohio sledding hill is located by Backpacking Site #2. 

Park Map

If you are heading to Scioto Grove Metro Park, we suggest that you save the online map to your phone or print it out to carry with you. This will help you figure out what trails you are on and where you would like to go.

Scioto Grove Metro Park Quick Facts

Where is Scioto Grove Metro Park Located?

• Address: 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, Ohio 43123
• Phone: 614-949-1078 | Website | Facebook

Important Links

• Hours of Operation and Directions
• Printable Scioto Grove Metro Parks Trail Map

Location Map for Scioto Grove Metro Park

There are four entrances to the areas of Scioto Grove Metro Park, shown on this map.

Let’s Go to Scioto Grove Metro Park!

Have you been to Scioto Grove Metro 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!!

You may particularly enjoy learning about Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Clear Creek Metro Park, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, and Rockbridge State Nature Preserve.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

The post Scioto Grove Metro Park appeared first on Visit Ohio Today.