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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Chaplin State Forest
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CHAPLIN STATE FOREST
CHAPLIN STATE FOREST
Chaplin State Forest, located in Ohio, is a captivating natural haven known for its serene beauty and diverse wildlife. Spread across vast acres of ancient woodlands, this stunning forest offers a picturesque landscape adorned with towering trees, winding trails, and enchanting wildflowers. It provides a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts, featuring an abundance of recreational activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and camping. With its tranquil ambiance and vibrant biodiversity, Chaplin State Forest stands as a cherished destination for those seeking solace and connection with the natural world.
History of the Area
Chaplin State Forest, located in Geauga County, Ohio, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Here is a brief overview of its history:

- Origins: The land that would become Chaplin State Forest was originally settled by European immigrants in the mid-19th century, primarily for agriculture. However, with the decline in farming in the early 1900s, the land was abandoned and left to natural succession.

- National Reforestation Initiative: In the late 1920s, the Great Depression hit Ohio hard, causing economic distress and environmental challenges. As a response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched various programs under the New Deal, including the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In 1933, one of the CCC camps was established in Geauga County, and the workers were tasked with reforesting and restoring the abandoned lands.

- State Forest Establishment: Following the success of the CCC work, the State of Ohio established Chaplin State Forest in 1934. It was named after Charles G. Chaplin, a prominent Ohio conservationist, legislator, and forester who played a vital role in shaping Ohio's early forestry policies and practices.

- Reforestation Efforts: The primary objective of Chaplin State Forest was to reestablish a healthy and sustainable forest on the previously degraded land. Thousands of trees were planted, including pine, oak, maple, and other native species, contributing to the regrowth and preservation of Ohio's forests.

- Multiple Uses: Over the years, Chaplin State Forest has been used for a variety of purposes. It served as a firewood source for local communities during World War II. In the 1950s, a civil defense training center was established within the forest, aimed at preparing communities for potential emergencies. Today, the forest is primarily managed for recreational purposes, including hiking, birdwatching, and nature appreciation.

- Continued Conservation Efforts: As the years passed, concerted efforts have been made to conserve and protect the biodiversity within Chaplin State Forest. These efforts have included ecological research, wildlife habitat management, and invasive species control, among others, to maintain the integrity and health of the forest ecosystem.

Chaplin State Forest stands as a testament to the early conservation efforts in Ohio and the transformative work undertaken during the Great Depression. It continues to provide a natural haven for visitors while preserving the state's forestry heritage.
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Area Campgrounds
Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park in Chardon
10661 Kile Road
Chardon, OH
440-285-0910
Windrush Hollow Camp Inc
15560 Mayfield Road
Huntsburg, OH
440-635-5050
Area Fishing Related Businesses
A Lure Fishing Charters
Willoughby, OH
(440) 951-1089
Deep Springs Trout Club
11069 Chardon Rd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 946-0630
Hitman Sport Fishing Charters
35049 N Turtle Trl
Willoughby, OH
Unverified listing
Chagrin River Gillies
1540 Chagrin River Rd
Gates Mills, OH
(440) 423-1291
Erieshore Beverage & Bait
35608 Lake Shore Blvd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 942-3470
Weldon Tackle
18613 Saint Clair Ave
Cleveland, OH
(216) 531-2907
Minnow Bucket Inc The
8292 Lake Shore Blvd
Mentor, OH
(440) 257-7046
Chagrin River Bait & Tackle
140 Forest Dr
Willoughby, OH
(440) 942-9716
Gander Mountain
9620 Diamond Centre Dr
Mentor, OH
(440) 639-8545
Lake Erie Charters
905 Mannering Rd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 953-9507
A Lure Fishing Charters
6391 Iroquois TRL
Mentor, OH
(440) 951-1089
Aqua Fantasea Fishing Charters
6076 Walden Ct
Mentor, OH
(440) 257-3231
A Lure Fishing Charters
8911 Doral Dr
Mentor, OH
(440) 257-9544
North Coast Beverage & Tackle
35579 Lake Shore Blvd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 946-4812
Area Cabins and Lodges
Xanterra Parks & Resorts
12220 S Wintergreen Dr
Chardon, OH
(330) 723-5977
Last Resort Animal Haven & Pet
8370 Mayfield Rd
Chesterland, OH
(440) 729-7387
Radisson Hotels & Resorts: Eastlake
35000 Curtis Blvd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 953-8000
Lake Metroparks: Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center
10381 Hobart Rd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 256-3810
Radisson Hotel & Conference
35000 Curtis Blvd
Willoughby, OH
(440) 953-1356
Cleveland Ski Club Inc
12721 Concord Hambden Rd
Concord Township, OH
(440) 352-2121
Mentor Figure Skating Club
8600 Munson Rd
Mentor, OH
(440) 205-8498
Alpine Valley Ski Area & Party
10620 Mayfield Rd
Chesterland, OH
(440) 285-2211
Alpine Valley Ski Area & Party Center
10620 Mayfield Rd
Chesterland, OH
(440) 729-9775

Directions
1. Start by getting on I-71 S from Broad St and S High St.
2. Continue on I-71 S. Take I-70 W to US-23 S in Columbus. Take exit 104 from I-270 S.
3. Merge onto US-23 S.
4. Continue on US-23 S. Take US-23 S to Main St in Chillicothe.
5. Continue straight onto Main St.
6. Continue onto Bridge St.
7. Turn left onto OH-159 S/Hickory St.
8. Continue to follow OH-159 S.
9. Continue onto OH-159 S/US-23 S.
10. Continue to follow US-23 S.
11. Turn left onto OH-207 E.
12. Turn right onto Three Locks Rd.
13. Continue onto Pemberton Rd.
14. Chaplin State Forest will be on the right.

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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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