Ready for an off-the-beaten path getaway?
Blue Rock State Park is one of the most amazing hidden gems around. The park definitely flies under the radar of most Ohioans, but that’s what makes it such a fantastic getaway.
You’ll probably feel like you have this 300+ acre state park to yourself, which means you can enjoy quiet time in some of the most picturesque nature in the state.
The park is home to a campground with non-electric sites, a 15-acre lake, and a Camp Store. There, you can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and stand-up paddleboards.
On the north end of the lake, there’s a public beach that allows swimming. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day after a beautiful hike on one of the trails in the park.
Blue Rock State Park became a park officially back in 1949. Prior to the 20th century, it was a densely forested region, but by 1900, only 12% of the original forest remained. The economic downturn of the Great Depression caused farmers in the area to abandon their properties, which in turn, allowed the forest to regain a foothold.
Today, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources maintains 4,573 acres of the Blue Rock State Forest around the park.
Oak and hickory trees dominate the forest and woodland wildflowers like trilliums, cardinal flowers, and rare orchids can be found amongst ferns, mosses, and lichens.
If you’re taking a hike around the property, you’ll want to stop by the Blue Rock Fire Tower. Constructed in 1937, it is the last 100-foot fire tower in the state of Ohio, and if you’re brave enough, you can climb to the top for sweeping views of the area.
The park is located just outside of Zanesville, OH. If you’re just heading down for a day trip, the park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The park is located at 7924 Cutler Lake Rd, Blue Rock, OH 43720.
For more information, or to start planning your trip, visit ohiodnr.gov.
