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Ohio State Parks

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Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area
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SUNDAY CREEK STATE WILDLIFE AREA
SUNDAY CREEK STATE WILDLIFE AREA
New Straitsville, Ohio   43766
(lat:39.5348 lon:-82.1957) map location
The Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area, located in Ohio, is a picturesque natural reserve that spans over 4,000 acres. This scenic area is home to a diverse range of wildlife and offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the wooded terrain, pristine lakes, and meandering streams while engaging in activities such as hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and hunting. With its tranquil atmosphere and an array of wildlife species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl, the Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area is a haven for nature lovers, providing a perfect escape into Ohio's wilderness.
History of the Area
Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area is located in the southeastern part of Ohio, in Perry and Athens counties. The area was originally known as the "Sunday Hunting Grounds" and has a rich history dating back to the early settlers of the region.

In the early 1800s, European settlers started to make their way into the Sunday Creek area and began hunting and fishing in the forests and streams. The Sunday Creek Valley provided a crucial source of natural resources and became an important center of coal mining and timber production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As mining operations expanded in the area, the land was heavily disturbed and the wildlife population declined. However, in the late 20th century, efforts were made to reclaim the land and restore it as a wildlife habitat. In 1965, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) purchased the first tract of land for what would become Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area.

Since then, the ODNR has acquired more land, and the wildlife area now encompasses over 2,300 acres. The restoration efforts have focused on reforesting the land, enhancing water quality, and providing suitable habitats for a variety of animal species.

The Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area offers recreational opportunities such as hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is home to various species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, including wild turkey, white-tailed deer, squirrel, and several species of fish.

The area's history as a coal mining region is still evident with old mining sites and abandoned structures scattered throughout the wildlife area. Some of the former mining lands have been rehabilitated and transformed into wetlands, providing crucial habitats for waterfowl and other aquatic species.

Sunday Creek State Wildlife Area serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past and its potential for ecological restoration. It stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts to preserve and protect Ohio's natural resources.
Nearby Accommodations
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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.
17.7 miles from park*
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Conference Center
Hello I am the marketing coordinator for the Hocking Hills Lodge Conference Center. There is incorrect information on your website about our lodge, how would we go about changing that or providing
11.4 miles from park*
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Cottages and Cabins
A lakeside retreat in the beautiful Hocking Hills on scenic Lake Logan. Full kitchen, Hot Tub, Satellite HD TV, sitting room, breakfast nook, and electric AC/Heat.
14.2 miles from park*




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Area Campgrounds
Hocking River RV Park
30761Chieftain Dr
Logan, OH
740-331-4840
Campbell Cove Camping
30775 Lake Logan Road
Logan, OH
740-385-2994
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Whitetail Trophy & Exotics
1984 Bell Bottom Rd Se
New Straitsville, OH
(740) 385-9079
Area Cabins and Lodges
Burr Oak Resort
Glouster, OH
(740) 767-2112
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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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.
21.1 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Starting from the center of Athens, Ohio, head east on US-50 E/E State St.
2. Continue on US-50 E for approximately 7 miles.
3. Take the exit toward OH-690/OH-144/Trimble.
4. Merge onto OH-144 S/OH-690 W.
5. After about 0.5 miles, turn left onto OH-78 E.
6. Stay on OH-78 E for around 4 miles.
7. Shortly after passing through the town of Trimble, you will reach the Sunday Creek Entrance on your left.
8. Turn left onto the gravel access road and follow it until you reach the parking area near the wildlife area.

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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