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Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southwest Ohio Region
Sycamore State Park
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Sycamore State Park © Gene Shirk
Sycamore State Park © Gene Shirk
Sycamore State Park © Gene Shirk
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SYCAMORE STATE PARK
SYCAMORE STATE PARK
4675 Diamond Mill Rd
Dayton, Ohio   45426-4254
(lat:39.8139 lon:-84.3678) map location

Phone: (937) 854-4452
The meadows, woodlots and still waters of Sycamore State Park offer an oasis of natural features win the midst of expansive farmland. Sycamore provides the perfect setting for picnicking, hiking, fishing and horseback riding.
Nature of the Area
Sycamore State Park lies in the vast fertile till plains of western Ohio in the Wolf Creek Valley. The original forest contained magnificent oaks, walnut, maple, ash, wild cherry and many other tree species. The forest abounded with wild turkey, deer, elk and bison. Long before any permanent settlement was made in the area, its beauty and fertility were well known in the Kentucky settlements and to the people east of the Alleghenies.

Settlement and development of the valley soon brought an end to the forest and game. Farm production in the area was greater than anywhere else in Ohio by 1880. Today, through conservation efforts, the rich fertile farmlands are now yielding to second growth forests. The huge sycamores lining the banks of Wolf Creek give the park its name. The increasing wildlife population includes red fox, deer, woodchuck, raccoon, coyote in addition to a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. The woodlots and meadows harbor diverse colonies of wildflowers including spring beauties, wild blue phlox, ironweed andgoldenrod.
History of the Area
The first inhabitants of the area were the Adena Indians who resided in Ohio around 800 B.C. to 700 A.D. Evidence of their presence can be seen at the ceremonial mound found in the park. In the mid to late 1700s, the area became a stronghold of the Miami and Shawnee tribes. After General Anthony Wayne's defeat of the Indians at the battle of Fallen Timbers, the Greenville Treaty of 1795 stripped the Indians of their lands. In less than a year following the signing of the treaty, the first settlers arrived.

Settlers were attracted to this area because of the fertile soil. When the Miami-Erie Canal was completed in 1829, the area became quite prosperous. Underlying the rich fertile soils were vast beds of gravel and sand providing excellent materials for road making. Hundreds of miles of roads were built in the county with these materials making it one of the most accessible during the state's infancy.

At one time, the land comprising Sycamore State Park was purchased by a development corporation to build a housing project. When the corporation was unable to complete the construction, the lands were offered to the state of Ohio. Sycamore was dedicated as a state park in November 1979.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres2,384
 Water, acres5
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles8
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #2
 Bridle Trails, miles15
CampingGroup Camp, capacity140
 Horsemen Campsites, #15
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
 Snowmobilingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
Group areas are available to organized groups on a reservation basis. Group Camp "A" contains several basic sleeping shelters, restrooms, grills and a large barn with electric. This area is completely accessible by wheelchair. Group Camp "B" is for tent camping only. Electric service, firering and picnic tables are available. Contact the park office for details.
Boating
The park's scenic ponds offer opportunities for hand-power boating only. Canoes and rowboats are suitable for the park's quiet waters.
Fishing
Sycamore State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's main water body, the Sycamore Creek, is home to several species of fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. There are also numerous smaller ponds scattered throughout the park where you can try your luck at catching these same species as well as carp or bullhead catfish. Fishing from shorelines is popular but small non-motorized boats like kayaks or canoes may be used on some bodies of water within the park boundaries too.



Picnicking
Picnicking is popular at Sycamore State Park. The Overlook Picnic Area boasts a grand picnic shelter with doors and two large fireplaces making it available for year-round use. The shelter may be reserved or available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are available from February 1 until November 30. Contact the park office for details.
Trails
The 3-mile Ghost Hedge Nature Trail offers the hiker an opportunity to explore the Wolf Creek Valley. Giant sycamore trees form a picturesque canopy over the trail. The 1.5-mile Beech Ridge Trail explores the surrounding woodlots and meadows. An additional trail connects these two trails to create 8 miles of hiking opportunities. Horsemen can enjoy 15 miles of bridle trail, including the snowmobile routes when not snow covered. The trails pass through scenic meadows and woodlots.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy over 15 miles of multi-use trails. Be aware, these paths are shared with horse riders.

The terrain varies from flat to hilly and is suitable for all skill levels. However, caution should be exercised on uneven surfaces or during wet conditions.

Mountain bikers might find the park's rugged landscape challenging but rewarding. Always wear a helmet and follow trail etiquette rules when cycling off-road.

Remember that some areas may not permit biking due to environmental concerns or safety issues; always respect signage instructions.

For those preferring paved routes, there's an accessible bike path near the picnic area which offers scenic views without much difficulty - perfect for family outings!

In winter months, cyclists must take extra care as icy patches could make certain sections treacherous - consider alternative activities if weather conditions seem unfavorable.

Lastly: don't forget your water bottle! Staying hydrated while exercising outdoors is crucial regardless of season or temperature fluctuations experienced throughout the day in this Midwest region.


Birding
The park, located in Ohio, offers a variety of birding opportunities due to its diverse habitats including wetlands and forests. It is home to numerous species such as the Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl and various types of waterfowl. The area also attracts migratory birds during different seasons making it an ideal spot for avid bird watchers throughout the year.
Area Attractions
The nearby city of Dayton has several attractions including the Wright Brothers' flying machines on display in the city's Carillon Park. Other unique aviation displays can be seen at the U.S. Air Force Museum. Local historical attractions include Brookville's Spitler House and the Train Depot in nearby Trotwood.

Nature enthusiasts may wish to visit the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, Dayton's Natural History Museum and the reserves of the Montgomery County Park District.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 4 My old home by Susan Trace Puck
park review stars; one to five I lived in a house on Providence Road from August, 1932, to December, 1934. My parents paid about $7000 for 50 acres with a house and barn and some outbuildings. The line of cedars that are along the lane to the house site were there when I was a child. I was last there in 1995, and there was one Lombardy poplar left of the windbreak my father planted.
March 19 Wonderful Bridle Trail! by Cindy
park review stars; one to five This park is a wonderful place to ride. The trails are varied but not tough; very pretty and relaxing. Great place for an afternoon ride, or come early and ride all day. The horse camping area is very nice and we really like the gravel pads. Would love eletric sites!
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Area Campgrounds
Dayton KOA
7796 Wellbaum Road
Brookville, OH
937-833-3888
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Gettysburg Lake
3636 Frytown Rd
Dayton, OH
(937) 268-4535
Anglers Bait & Tackle
516 S Main St
Englewood, OH
(937) 836-5335
Rod-Dee's Party Supplies
324 N Main St
Dayton, OH
(937) 384-9150
American Fishing & Outdoor
596 S Main St
Englewood, OH
(937) 836-3474
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
4675 N. Diamond Mill Road, Trotwood, Ohio 45426

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Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

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