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Ohio
223

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Blue Rock State Park
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Blue Rock State Park Blue Rock State Park © Lonnie Williams
Picnic Area
Blue Rock State Park Blue Rock State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Blue Rock State Park Blue Rock State Park © Lonnie Williams
Entrance Sign
Blue Rock State Park Blue Rock State Park © Lonnie Williams
Spillway
Blue Rock State Park Blue Rock State Park © Lonnie Williams
Boat Dock
Blue Rock State Park Blue Rock State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Blue Rock State Park © Gene Shirk
Blue Rock State Park © Gene Shirk
Blue Rock State Park © Gene Shirk
Blue Rock State Park © Gene Shirk
Blue Rock State Park © Gene Shirk
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BLUE ROCK STATE PARK
BLUE ROCK STATE PARK
7924 Cutler Lake Rd
Blue Rock, Ohio   43720-9728
(lat:39.8177 lon:-81.8485) map location

Phone: (740) 674-4794
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Rugged hills and rich green forests provide the backdrop to Blue Rock State Park. Escape to nature's solitude, and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of this scenic state park.
Nature of the Area
The origin of Ohio's bedrock materials can be traced back millions of years when the state was inundated by a shallow inland sea. Materials deposited by this sea formed the bedrock types now found in Ohio--namely limestone, shale and sandstone. The silt from these waters formed the sedimentary shale found within the Blue Rock State Park region. This blue-colored shale gave the park its name.

Before settlement of the area began, most of Ohio was in forest cover. By 1900, only twelve percent of the original forest remained. In the Blue Rock region, the rough terrain, poor soils and the economic woes caused by the Great Depression forced farmers to abandon their lands allowing them to revert back to forest. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources now maintains 4,573 acres of the Blue Rock State Forest surrounding the park. The forest is dominated by oaks and hickories. In the lush undergrowth, woodland wildflowers such as trilliums, cardinal flower and rare orchids can be found amongst a variety of ferns, mosses and lichens. Deer, grouse, squirrel and wild turkey are just a few of the woodland game which make the forest their home.
History of the Area
Years before this beautiful region was known to the white man, the great Shawnee Nation built Old Town, the village of Chief White Eyes, near present-day Duncan Falls on the Muskingum River. For years, White Eyes was on friendly terms with the white man including the adventurous trapper named Duncan who was permitted by the chief to hunt, trap and trade with them. Duncan became enraged when he found game was being stolen from his traps by a hostile band of Indians from across the river. Duncan began to shoot all Indians who meddled with his traps until he himself was shot by the hostiles while crossing the river at a low spot. His body was found on a gravelly ripple now called Dead Man's Ripple, and the falls at that spot are called Duncan's Falls because it was there that Duncan fell.

Rich coal deposits were discovered in the area. By utilizing the Muskingum River for transporting the coal, a prosperous mining industry soon developed.

In 1856, this area was shaken by one of the most remarkable mine disasters in history. The collapse of the mine happened about 11 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 1856. It was soon discovered that four persons were either imprisoned or crushed to death inside the mine. A dangerous rescue attempt began at once combining the greatest speed with the utmost caution possible. The rescue continued night and day with varying success. An immense crowd of people from the surrounding countryside and towns gathered at the mouth of the mine to offer help, encouragement and prayers for the imprisoned men. At 11 p.m., on Friday, May 9, after having been entombed for fourteen days, the men were reached and brought to safety--alive!

To the north of Blue Rock lies the city of Zanesville, Ohio's state capital from 1810 to 1812, and a leader in the manufacture of clay products. Several potteries still exist. In 1796, Congress gave Ebenezer Zane authority to construct a road from Wheeling to Maysville, Kentucky. The point where the road, known as Zane's Trace, crossed the Muskingum River became the site of Zanesville--named for Ebenezer Zane.

In 1936, the state of Ohio purchased the lands comprising Blue Rock State Forest. Construction of Cutler Lake was completed in 1938. Blue Rock officially became a state park with the formation of the Division of Parks and Recreation in 1949.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres322
 Water, acres15
 Nearby State Forest, acres4,573
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles3
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #3
 Swimming Beach, feet250
 Bridle Trails, miles26
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating Limits-1
 Launch Ramps, #1
CampingPrimitive, #97
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Rent-A-Camp Sites, #3
 Camper Cabins, #3
 Group Camp, capacity120
 Walk-In Campsites, #20
WinterSleddingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
There are 101 non-electric campsites available for tent or trailer camping in two separate areas near the lake. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. Latrines, picnic tables, water, dump station, fire rings and playgrounds are provided. Coin-operated warm showers are available to campers at the beach bathhouse. Three Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, sheltered picnic table, cooler, cookstove and other equipment can be rented during the summer months. Three camper cabins are also available with campstove, lantern and cooler provided. A group camp is available by reservation for organized groups only. A primitive camp area is also available. This walk-in "tents only" area is off Cutler Lake Road. Register for campsites at the camp store, where snack foods, camp supplies, sundries, souvenirs, ice and firewood can be purchased in season.
Swimming
A public beach is located on the north end of the lake. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only. Change booths, lockers, restrooms and snacks are available.
Boating
Boats with electric motors only, rowboats and canoes can be used on Cutler Lake. A launch ramp provides access to the 15-acre lake.
Fishing
Blue Rock State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's centerpiece, Blue Rock Lake, is stocked with several species of fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.

The lake spans 15 acres providing ample space for shoreline or boat fishing. Boats are allowed on the water but must be manually propelled or use electric motors only as gas-powered engines are prohibited to maintain the tranquility of the area.

In addition to Blue Rock Lake itself there are also numerous streams throughout the park where visitors can try their hand at stream fishing. These areas may offer catches such as smallmouth bass and various types of trout depending upon seasonality and local stocking efforts by state wildlife agencies.

Fishing within Blue Rock State Park requires an Ohio Fishing License which can be purchased online through ODNR Division Of Wildlife website or from authorized vendors across state.

For those interested in night-time angling adventures under starlit skies; Night-fishing is permitted along shorelines until 11pm each evening offering unique experience not found elsewhere during daytime hours

Please note that all regulations set forth by Ohio Department Fish & Game should always followed when engaging any type outdoor recreational activity within public lands like this one ensuring sustainable enjoyment future generations come!



Picnicking
Tables and grills are located in several tree-shaded areas in the park. Three shelterhouses can be reserved by contacting the park office. Two of these shelterhouses have electricity.
Trails
Several miles of hiking trails begin near the campground and picnic areas of the park. Additional hiking trails are in the adjacent forest lands. Horsemen can enjoy more than 26 miles of bridle trails through the Blue Rock State Forest. No overnight facilities are available. You must provide your own horse as no rentals are available.
Birding
Blue Rock State Park in Ohio offers a variety of birding options for enthusiasts. The park is home to diverse species, including songbirds, waterfowl and raptors due to its mix of habitats like forests, wetlands and open fields. Bird watchers can explore the 3-mile hiking trail or take advantage of the quiet picnic areas that are ideal spots for observing birds. Additionally, visitors may also spot migratory birds during spring and fall seasons as they pass through this area on their migration routes.
Area Attractions
Surrounding the park, the 4,573-acre Blue Rock State Forest offers hiking, trail riding and hunting opportunities. The Muskingum River is nearby offering fishing, boating and the opportunity to view several nineteenth century locks and dams located off State Route 60 on the Muskingum River Parkway. These are the only full system of hand-operated locks still in use in the United States.

Historic Zanesville lies north of the park on State Route 60. The famous "Y" bridge, spanning both the Muskingum and Licking rivers is in the center of town. The Lorena steamboat is available for cruises on the river at Zanesville during summer months. The National Road-Zane Grey Museum in Zanesville traces the development of the country's first highway and features belongings of the famous native-born novelist Zane Grey. The International Center for the Preservation of Wild Animals ("The Wilds") is located only 10 miles away.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 26 Hunting by Rachel_R
park review stars; one to five
June 8 Needs Attention
park review stars; one to five The park is very nice and we have visited for the last two weekends. 1st weekend modern restrooms were open 2nd weekend they were closed so we needed to use camp ground outhouses which did not appear to be cleaned recently. There appeared to be no rangers or staff on site the entire day with large crowd of visitors.
April 30 Beaver Dam
park review stars; one to five Shame on you for destroying the beaver dam at the south end of the lake. It is a mud hole with little attractiveness and the recent building of the beaver dam gave the public the ability to see nature at work. We had planned on sharing this jewel of nature with friends and family as a learning tool. Apparently none of you watched the PBS special on the benefits to the land and environment that the beaver brings to a stream. I walk this park daily and saw within a few days of the dam had been constructed, ducks, herons, and other wildlife at the edge. The beaver dam would slow the obvious silting of the lake that in that area is now only a few inches deep. No property upstream was in danger of flooding. This lake and park has long been neglected and it is obvious that you care little for what it means to the area.
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Area Campgrounds
WALKAbOUT Creek Campground
7375 Sugargrove Road
Chandlersville, OH
740-868-2430
National Road Campground
2850 South Pleasant Grove Road
Zanesville, OH
740-819-0226
Wolfie's Campground
101 Buckeye Drive
Zanesville, OH
740-454-0925
Area Fishing Related Businesses
313 Carryout
11844 Clay Pike
New Concord, OH
(740) 685-3333
Longs Pay Lake
3200 Chandlersville Rd
Zanesville, OH
(740) 454-8990
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.
39.4 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
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.
44.5 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Use Mapquest and the following address to generate a custom set of directions from your location to the Park:

7924 Cutler Lake Road, Blue Rock, OH 43720

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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