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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southwest Ohio Region
Hueston Woods State Park
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Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
Entrance Sign
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
Campground Entrance Sign
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
River View
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
River View
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
River View
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
River View
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
Marina
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
Lake View
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic River View
Hueston Woods State Park Hueston Woods State Park © Lonnie Williams
Panoramic Lake View
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Bruce Brooks
Hueston Woods State Park © Bruce Brooks
Hueston Woods State Park © Tom Croce
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
Hueston Woods State Park © Ken Davis
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HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK
HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK
College Corner, Ohio   45003
(lat:39.5765 lon:-84.7459) map location

Phone: (513) 523-6347
The outdoor enthusiast will find diverse opportunities at Hueston Woods State Park. Whether boating on Acton Lake, hiking through the 200-acre old growth forest or relaxing in the resort lodge, visitors will enjoy the finest of recreational facilities in southwest Ohio at this scenic park.
Nature of the Area
Hueston Woods State Park located in southwest Ohio has an enormous wealth of natural resources. The limestone bedrock of the area is evidence of an ancient shallow sea that once covered Ohio. Lime in the water accumulated on the sea floor and eventually recrystallized into limestone bedrock. Much of the limestone is the magnesium-bearing type called dolomite. Fossilized remains of ancient marine animals are concentrated in the limestone, so many in fact that people from all over the world come to Hueston Woods to collect them.

The rich soils of the area are part of the glacial till plains of western Ohio that attracted early settlers due to their tremendous agricultural value. When settlers arrived, the land had to be cleared of the dense woodlands that covered it and most of Ohio. Nearly all of Ohio's original forest has since vanished. However, one unique stand of old-growth timber remains at Hueston Woods. Over 200 acres have been protected and provide visitors with a glimpse of Ohio's primeval forest. Stately beech and sugar maple tower above the abundance of ferns, wildflowers and other woodland species. In 1967, the 200-acre forest was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
History of the Area
The history of the Hueston Woods area dates to 1797. Matthew Hueston, while serving with General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, observed the fertile soil in southwestern Ohio. When Indian resistance subsided, Hueston began to buy land in what is now Butler and Preble counties. Hueston, one of Ohio's earliest conservationists, preserved a portion of his forested land as did his descendants.

When the last of the Huestons died in the 1930s, Morris Taylor, a conservationist from Hamilton, purchased the woods and held it in trust until state funds could be allocated for its purchase. Cloyd Acton, a Preble County legislator, influenced the state legislature to appropriate funds to acquire the former Hueston land in 1940. His proposal became reality in September 1941 when the Hueston property was bought by the state and officially designated as a state forest.

In 1945, money was appropriated for the purchase of additional land. The Oxford Honor Camp was established in 1952. This camp, set up under the supervision of the Ohio Board of Corrections, housed honor status inmates for the next twelve years. Buildings of the former camp now serve as the park office, meeting rooms, and nature center.

Early in the summer of 1956, the 1,200-foot earth fill dam across Four Mile Creek was completed, and the following year Acton Lake was impounded. Shortly thereafter Hueston Woods was dedicated as a state park.

Throughout the 1960s, development continued at Hueston Woods with the addition of campgrounds, cottages, lodge, marina, and golf course.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres2,936
 Water, acres625
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles35
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beach, feet1,500
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles12
 Bridle Trails, miles18
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits10
 Seasonal Dock Rental234
 Launch Rampsyes
 Fuel For Saleyes
CampingPrimitive, #236
 Electric Sites, #255
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camper Cabins, #3
 Group Camp, capacity125
 Horsemen Campsites, #28
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
 Ice Boatingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
AccommodationsLodge Rooms, #94
 Family Cottages, #37
 Game Roomyes
 Indoor Swimming Poolyes
 Tennisyes
 Outdoor Swimming Poolyes
 Golf Courseyes
 Restaurantyes
Golf Course
The 18-hole, 7,005-yard, par 72 golf course is off Brown Road approximately eight miles from the park entrance. The course is open from March until November. Please call the pro shop at (513) 523-8081 for a tee time.
Cottages
There are 25 family cottages and 12 one-room efficiency cottages available. The housekeeping cottages have two bedrooms, bath, kitchen, living room, and screened porch. With the addition of convertible sofa beds, this cottage will accommodate six people.

The efficiency cottages combine a living room-dining room, with sleeping facilities for four and a private bath. All cottages are equipped with cooking and eating utensils, towels and bedding. Cots are available. For reservations contact 1-800-AT-A-PARK. Weekly rentals are given preference between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Cottage guests have access to all lodge facilities.

A full paintball field and target range is available. Bring your own equipment, or we can supply everything! Group reservations are available. We fill tanks, and sell all equipment and supplies.
Lodge
The 92-room resort lodge opened in 1967. Murals and artifacts of the Miami Indians who lived in this area decorate the lodge interior. A dining room, snack bar, and lounge areas are available to both registered guests and visitors. Recreational facilities for guests include an indoor pool, outdoor pool, game room, lighted tennis courts, and floating boat docks. Two luxury suites are also available. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-AT-A-PARK.
Camping
There are 255 family campsites with electrical outlets on the west side of the lake. The area is provided with showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities and trailer waste station. Picnic tables and fire rings are also provided.

There are 236 non-electric sites available. These sites have picnic tables, fire rings and vault-type latrines. A group area is also available to organized youth and adult groups. Groups wishing to use this area must contact the park office at least fourteen days prior to the arrival date.

All camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. There are a limited number of sites available for campers with pets.
Swimming
A 1,500-foot swimming beach on the west shore of the lake is open to the public during the summer months. A concession stand and bathhouse are located at the beach. Swimming is permitted from sunrise to sunset.
Boating
Launch ramps and public docks are provided for boaters. There is a 10 HP limit on motors; canoes using motors have a limit of 4 HP. Boats may be rented at the marina.
Fishing
The lake has a population of largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill. Anglers 16 years of age and older must possess a valid Ohio fishing license.


Location
Hueston Woods State Park is located near Brookville, Eaton and Fairfield

Picnicking
Nine areas are provided with tables; areas with grills are shown on the map. No ground fires, please.
Bicycling
There are several biking trails available, ranging from easy to challenging. Be aware of varying terrain and weather conditions.

The 3-mile Sugar Bush Trail is suitable for beginners but requires caution due to occasional muddy patches.

For more experienced riders, the West Shore Loop offers a moderately difficult ride with steep inclines and rocky paths.

Biking around Acton Lake provides scenic views; however, it's important to note that this path can be busy during peak times.

Rental bikes may not always be in optimal condition so consider bringing your own equipment if possible.

Always wear protective gear including helmet when riding on any trail as safety should never be compromised.

Remember: all bikers must adhere strictly to park rules regarding conservation efforts while enjoying their rides.
Trails
Over ten miles of trails challenge the hiker and provide an opportunity for nature study. A hiker's guide is available at the park office. Six miles of bridle trail and a horsemen's staging area are located off S.R. 177 on Four Mile Valley Road.
Nature Programs
A year-round program is provided at the nature center. Live animal displays, nature hikes, bird and flower walks, slide talks, movies, and fossil hunts are presented.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities, with over 200 species recorded. It is home to diverse habitats including mature forests, meadows and wetlands that attract different types of birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers can spot migratory songbirds in spring and fall while waterfowl are common during winter months on Acton Lake. The area also supports raptors like hawks and owls as well as woodpeckers due to its extensive woodland areas.
Area Attractions
In nearby Oxford, McGuffey House and Museum features personal articles of William McGuffey, author of McGuffey Readers. Located north of the park is Hopewell Church and cemetery. The original church built in 1808 was constructed of logs. The present church, constructed in a Scottish architectural style, was completed in the 1820s. The cemetery was the first public cemetery in the township. Hopewell was an important stop and staging area for the Underground Railroad.

The Hamilton County Park District contains several state nature preserves including Newberry Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharon Woods Gorge and Trillium Trails.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 19 Horseback Riding by Poor Rental Horses
park review stars; one to five Before going out to ride at the park with the man who rents space from the park to run a rental string of trail horses, check out reivews. Recently was in the news with horses that were OBVIOUSLY cases of neglect. I would not support this part of the park, however, other parts are very nice.
March 13 great camping by mary mc.
park review stars; one to five we love to go there. the kids love it. we get a little quiet time too, very nice people, friendly. we always met great people from different places..
January 23 Outdated
park review stars; one to five Beautiful park, unmaintained facilities. Bath houses are way past needing plowed oever.
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Area Campgrounds
Cross's Campground LLC
7777 US 127 South
Camden, OH
937-452-1535
Hannon's Camp America
8501 Camden College Corner Road
College Corner, OH
513-798-2794
Area Cabins and Lodges
Hueston Woods Resort & Conference Center
5201 Lodge Rd
College Corner, OH
(513) 664-3500
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Cleveland, Ohio:Take 71 South to 270 West to I-70 West.Exit at Route 127 Eaton (South) on the South side of Eaton turn right on 732 South to the park.From Columbus, Ohio:Take I-70 West and exit at Route127 Eaton (South), on the South side of Eaton turn right on 732 South to the park.From Cincinnati, Ohio:Take Route 27 North to Oxford. In the center of Oxford turn right on 732 (North) to the park entrance.From Toledo, Ohio:Take 75 South to I-70 West. Exit at Route 127 Eaton (South)On the south side of Eaton turn right on 732 (South) to the park.

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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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