The 4,579-acre Blue Rock State Forest, located 12 miles southeast of Zanesville is accessed primarily via State Route 60 and Culter Lake Road. Most of the marginally productive farmland was originally acquired by the federal government during the 1930s under the Resettlement Administration. Surface ownership was later transferred to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Forestry while the federal government retained three-fourths interest in the oil and gas rights. Subsequent reforestration and the application of forest management and protection practices have transformed low quality farmland into one of Ohio's most beautiful and productive forests. In 1949, management of Cutler Lake and the adjoining recreation facilities was transferred to the Division of Parks and Recreation.

Blue Rock State Forest is located in Muskingum County, Ohio. The history of the forest dates back to the early 19th century when the state of Ohio began acquiring the land.

The area was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, until the late 18th century. With the signing of the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, much of the land was ceded to the United States government.

During the early 1800s, settlers from the east coast started moving to the Ohio Territory. The land that would eventually become Blue Rock State Forest was heavily forested and attracted settlers looking for lumber and resources. The area around the Blue Rock River, after which the forest is named, particularly witnessed a boom in sawmill operations.

In the 1920s, the state of Ohio recognized the importance of preserving forests and began purchasing land from private owners. The goal was to establish state forests for conservation, recreation, and resource management. Some of the land in what is now Blue Rock State Forest was purchased during this time.

Blue Rock State Forest was formally created in 1950 when the state purchased additional land. The forest covers around 4,500 acres and includes the scenic Blue Rock State Nature Preserve. The centerpiece of the forest is the stunning 15-acre Blue Rock Lake, which was created in the 1930s by damming the Blue Rock River. The lake serves as a popular recreational destination for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Over the years, Blue Rock State Forest has been managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The forest is utilized for a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hunting, hiking, and picnicking. It also serves as valuable habitat for wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, squirrel, and various bird species.

In recent years, the state of Ohio has made efforts to improve and expand recreational facilities at Blue Rock State Forest, making it an even more popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.