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Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Strouds Run State Park
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Strouds Run State Park © Gene Shirk
Strouds Run State Park © Gene Shirk
Strouds Run State Park © Gene Shirk
Strouds Run State Park © Gene Shirk
Strouds Run State Park © Gene Shirk
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STROUDS RUN STATE PARK
STROUDS RUN STATE PARK
11661 State Park Rd
Athens, Ohio   45701-9781
(lat:39.3353 lon:-82.0163) map location

Phone: (740) 384-4474
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Acres of uninterrupted hardwood forest sprawl over the many hills and coves of Strouds Run State Park. The rugged terrain and scenic lake provide visitors a unique wilderness escape in southeastern Ohio.
Nature of the Area
Strouds Run State Park is located in the scenic forested hills of Athens County, in the midst of the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau. Although untouched by the vast ice sheets that moved across portions of the state over 12,000 years ago, the effects of the glaciers can be seen today in the deep ravines and high hills of Strouds Run. Stream valleys served as outlets for torrents of glacial meltwaters. The erosion power of these waters began carving valleys and hillsides into the familiar topography Ohioans know today. Large deposits of glacial outwash, primarily sand and gravel, were deposited along these streams and strongly affected the type of biological communities present today at the park.

Sandstone, the principal bedrock outcropping in the region, is very resistant to erosion and forms the uplands and steep sides of the valleys. Twisting roads and forest trails pass through these deep ravines and lead to dense stands of beech, hickory, oak, maple and tuliptree. Seasonal displays are offered by flowering dogwood, redbud and spring wildflowers--with fall presenting a pageant of colorful foliage. These woods are home to white-tailed deer, fox, raccoon, opossum, squirrel, wild turkey and a variety of songbirds. Woodthrush, white-breasted nuthatch, scarlet tanager, pileated woodpecker and the rufous-sided towhee inhabit the forest canopy. These rugged hills and woodlands are truly reminiscent of the wilderness that characterized the Ohio country in the days of early settlers.
History of the Area
Several mounds and ancient fortifications were found in this area by early settlers telling us that the Adena Indians once lived here. In more recent history, this was home to the powerful Shawnee Nation until the Treaty of Greenville forced them to abandon their lands in southern Ohio.

The first settlers arrived in the Athens County region in 1796. Two townships of land in the area had been apportioned by the Ohio Company in 1795 for the benefit of a university. Settlers were encouraged to settle on these college lands so as to make them attractive, productive and to form a fund for the institution.

This venture led to the founding of the town of Athens and Ohio University, the first college in the Northwest Territory. Settlers came by way of flatboats from Marietta down the Ohio and up the Hocking River to an attractive bluff where the town of Athens is now located.

With the discovery of rich coal fields in the area, Athens County soon developed into one of the leading coal producers in the state. The Hocking Canal and railroads provided easy means for shipping coal to distant markets. Clay tile, brick and salt were other industries that brought prosperity to the area.

The park derives its name from the Strouds family who settled in the area in the early 1800s. The land was purchased by the state for forest conservation purposes from 1948 to 1953. The dam creating Dow Lake was completed in 1960. The lake bears the name of C.L. Dow of Ohio University who was instrumental in initiating the project.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres2,606
 Water, acres161
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles20
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #3
 Swimming Beach, feet900
 Bridle Trails, miles9
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits10
 Launch Ramps, #1
CampingPrimitive, #78
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Rent-A-Camp Sites, #3
 Camper Cabins, #2
 Group Camp, capacity150
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
Camping
Strouds Run offers campers a family camp area with sites for tents or trailers. Latrines, waste drains, picnic tables and fire rings are provided. Ten sites are available for campers with pets. A group camp area is available for organized groups on a reservation basis. Three Rent-A-Camp sites consisting of a dining fly, sleeping cots and pads, cookstove and other gear are available by reservation.
Swimming
A 900-foot sand beach on the east side of the lake is open during the summer months from sunrise to sunset. Change booths, drinking water and restrooms are available. Scuba diving with proper equipment is permitted. Diving alone and within the beach area is prohibited.
Boating
Boats with a 10-hp limit are permitted on Dow Lake. A boat ramp and tie-up stakes are provided. Boat rental information may be obtained at the park office.
Fishing
Strouds Run State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both experienced and novice anglers. The park's main attraction is the 161-acre Dow Lake, where you can fish from either the shore or by boat. Species that populate this lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish among others. Fishing boats are available to rent at the boathouse if needed.



Picnicking
Picnic tables and cooking grates are located at the north end of the lake and south of the dam. Each area has restrooms nearby. Three shelterhouses, located at the north end of the lake, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelterhouses may also be reserved for a fee.
Trails
Fifteen miles of hiking trails meander through the wooded hills of Strouds Run leading to scenic vistas throughout the park. Excellent birdwatching and nature study can be done along the trail. An 8-1/2 mile bridle trail has been constructed by volunteers from the Ohio Horseman's Council, Athens County Chapter, working under the Adopt-A-Trail program. The trail can be accessed from the parking lot off Township Road 21 and at locations along County Road 20.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 23 miles of trails, but be aware some are shared with hikers and horse riders. The Sundown Trail offers a moderate challenge for bikers due to its steep inclines. Be cautious on the Thunderbunny Trail as it's popular among mountain bikers; helmets are recommended here.

The Hollow Point trail is less challenging, suitable for casual cyclists or families. However, always keep an eye out for other users such as pedestrians or equestrians.

For those seeking more adventure, there's Trace Run - this path requires advanced biking skills because of rough terrains and sharp turns.

Remember: safety first! Always wear appropriate gear when cycling these paths including helmet and high-visibility clothing if riding in low light conditions.
Birding
Located in Ohio, the park offers a variety of birding options for enthusiasts. It is home to over 200 species of birds including warblers, vireos and thrushes which can be spotted along its numerous hiking trails. The lake attracts waterfowl such as ducks and geese while raptors like hawks are often seen soaring above the forested hillsides. Birders also have access to various observation points throughout the park that provide excellent views for spotting different avian species.
Area Attractions
The nearby town of Athens is the home of Ohio University. Tours of the university campus can be arranged by contacting the admissions office. The Anthony G. Trisolini Gallery, located on campus, houses fine art exhibits in an early Athens mansion.

Lake Hope, Hocking Hills and Burr Oak state parks are within a short driving distance offering camping, lodge, cabins, fishing and swimming.

Marie J. Desonier State Nature Preserve is located near Coolville. This preserve is heavily forested and contains a large variety of ferns, wildflowers and songbirds. Portions of Wayne National Forest are scattered through the county offering hiking, hunting and other forest related recreation.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Lake Snowden Campground
5900 U.S. 50
Albany, OH
740-698-6373
Wisteria Event Site and Campground
39825 Ohio 684
Pomeroy, OH
740-742-4302
Carthage Gap Camp
22575 Brimstone Road
Coolville, OH
740-667-3072
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Frank's Bait Carryout & Cnfctn
101 Central Ave
Athens, OH
(740) 593-3755
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
31.8 miles from park*
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Hidden Cave Cabin - Rockbridge, OH
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
33.3 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. From Columbus, OH: Take US-33 E towards Athens. Continue on US-33 E until you reach Athens. Take Exit 17 for OH-682 S towards Coolville. Follow OH-682 S for approximately 6 miles.

2. From Cleveland, OH: Get on I-90 W from E 9th St and Carnegie Ave. Follow I-90 W and OH-2 W to OH-83 S in Sheffield Lake. Continue on OH-83 S. Take US-20 W, US-250 S, OH-18 S, and OH-83 S to OH-800 S in Canton Township. Follow OH-800 S to US-50 W in Athens County. Continue on US-50 W to Athens. Take OH-682 S from US-33 E. Follow OH-682 S for approximately 6 miles.

3. From Cincinnati, OH: Get on I-71 N/I-75 N from W 5th St. Follow I-71 N and OH-32 E to Roberts Rd in New Boston. Take the exit toward OH-104/US-52 E/US-52 W/Sciotodale from OH-32 E. Take US-52 E to OH-329 N/River Rd in Raccoon Township. Follow OH-329 N, OH-140 W, State Rte 93 N and US-50 E to Athens. Take Exit 17 OH-682 S towards Coolville. Follow OH-682 S for approximately 6 miles.

4. Once you reach Strouds Run State Park: The park is located at 11661 State Park Rd, Athens, OH 45701. Follow the signs within the park for specific areas and activities you wish to explore.

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Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

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