Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Tar Hollow State Park
start slideshow
Tar Hollow State Park © Gene Shirk
Tar Hollow State Park © Gene Shirk
Tar Hollow State Park © Gene Shirk
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
TAR HOLLOW STATE PARK
TAR HOLLOW STATE PARK
16396 Tar Hollow Rd
Laurelville, Ohio   43135
(lat:39.3835 lon:-82.7464) map location

Phone: (740) 887-4818
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Twisting park and forest roads pass through deep ravines and dense woodlands. Scattered shortleaf and pitch pines growing on the ridges were once a source of pine tar for early settlers, hence the name Tar Hollow. Dogwoods, redbuds and a variety of wildflowers color the hillsides in the springtime. Fall's pageant of color is spectacular.
Nature of the Area
At one time, Ohio was covered by a warm, shallow sea. As land rose to the east, sand and gravel were washed westward into Ohio's waters. Southeastern Ohio's sandstone was formed from this sediment. These sandstone hills are covered with a rich, diverse forest. Oak and hickory prefer the dry ridge tops of the area, while sycamore, black willow, buckeye and silver maple line the stream valleys. The forest not only supports a variety of hardwoods but also contains a vast array of ferns, mosses, mushrooms and wildflowers. Bloodroot, wild geranium, cardinal flower and Solomon's seal are typical wildflowers found in the forest.

Surrounded by the rugged foothills of the Appalachian Plateau, Tar Hollow State Park and surrounding state forest are characteristic of the wilderness that blanketed Ohio in the days of early settlers. It is a stronghold for many exciting species of wildlife. Numerous reptiles and amphibians, colorful game birds, songbirds and secretive mammals can be found here. The timber rattlesnake, dwindling in Ohio due to deforestation, holds on in Tar Hollow's forest. The five-lined skink, distinguished by its brilliant blue tail, is found in the area along with the elusive fence lizard. Painted turtles can be seen along the shores of Pine Lake while the lumbering box turtle inhabits the dry land. Salamanders such as the red-backed, dusky, long-tailed and northern two-lined thrive on the cool, moist forest floor. In spring, the wooded hollows echo with the gobbling of wild turkey and the drumming of the ruffed grouse. Rare sightings of bobcat have been reported in this unique, wild region.
History of the Area
This region was wilderness to early man. Indians and settlers both found the land, especially in the valleys, to be rich and fertile. Many different Indian tribes contributed to its history. From about 200 B.C. to 500 A.D., the Hopewell inhabited the area. This culture left burial mounds that can still be seen. Later both the Shawnee and Mingo claimed the area as hunting grounds.

In 1796, Nathaniel Massie platted a town on the Scioto River just north of the mouth of Paint Creek which he named Chillicothe. One hundred of the first lots were offered free to the first settlers. Farm lots in the area were sold for one or two dollars an acre, in 100- to 200-acre tracts. The area attracted many Kentuckians and Virginians. In 1803, Chillicothe became the state capital.

For a time, the ridges to the east of Chillicothe remained wilderness because the hills were too steep to farm. But as the pressure for land and lumber increased, the hills of Tar Hollow were gradually cleared and inhabited by marginal farms. Life was difficult and settlers took advantage of every resource available. The region derives its name from pine tar, an essential commodity in early Ohio households. It was taken from the knots and heartwood of the native Pitch Pine tree to be used in the home manufacture of balms, animal liniments, and lubricants for pioneer wagons and equipment.

In the 1930s, the Tar Hollow region was purchased for conservation purposes under a New Deal program, the Ross-Hocking Land Utilization Project. People were given a new financial start in life and were encouraged to move to the cities. Most, however, bought more poor ground outside the park and continued to live as they always had.

During the Depression years, recreation facilities including the 15-acre Pine Lake and group camp were built by the WPA and NYA programs. In 1939, the Ohio Division of Forestry accepted operational control of the land which was then known as Tar Hollow Forest-Park.

When the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was created in 1949, the Division of Parks and Recreation accepted land of several state agencies including the old Division of Forestry. Tar Hollow State Park was developed from the earlier forest. The park, today, is bordered by Tar Hollow State Forest -- Ohio's third largest state forest.



Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres604
 Water, acres15
 Nearby State Forest, acres16,046
 Nearby Wildlife Area, acres1,361
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles24
 Backpack Trail, miles21
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #8
 Swimming Beach, feet500
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles3
 Bridle Trails, miles25
 Nature Centeryes
BoatingBoating Limits4
CampingPrimitive, #23
 Electric Sites, #71
 Pets Permittedyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Group Camp, capacity100
 Walk-In Campsites, #17
Camping
The campground is set in a wooded hollow near the lake. Twenty-eight electric sites and sixty non-electric sites, both sunny and shaded are available. The campground is equipped with showers, pit latrines and a dump station. Pet camping is permitted on all sites. A group camp area is available for organized groups on a reservation basis. Camping is permitted at five shelters.
Nearby Accommodations
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.
18.1 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
Rustic beauty in a peaceful, clean atmosphere is the secret to this Family Retreat. The serene splendor of Mother Nature is your reward for visiting Walnut Creek. We offer cabin rentals for those who want the convenience with less effort.
11.9 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
A lakeside retreat in the beautiful Hocking Hills on scenic Lake Logan. Full kitchen, Hot Tub, Satellite HD TV, sitting room, breakfast nook, and electric AC/Heat.
18.3 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.
12.6 miles from park*
Swimming
Tar Hollow State Park offers a variety of swimming options for visitors to enjoy. The park features a 15-acre lake, known as Tar Hollow Lake, which provides a great spot for swimming. The lake has a designated swimming area where visitors can cool off and take a dip in the refreshing waters.

Additionally, the park offers a beach area along the lakeshore, complete with sand and picnic tables, making it a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy a day at the beach. The beach area also provides restroom facilities, making it convenient for visitors.

For those who prefer swimming in a pool, Tar Hollow State Park has a public swimming pool as well. The pool is located near the park office and is open to the public during the summer months. It is a great option for those looking for a more controlled swimming environment.

Swimming at Tar Hollow State Park is a popular activity during the summer season. Whether you prefer swimming in a lake or a pool, Tar Hollow State Park has options for everyone to enjoy. So, take a break from hiking or camping and cool off with a refreshing swim at Tar Hollow State Park.
Boating
Boating with electric motors only is permitted on the 15-acre Pine Lake. The lake is perfect for canoes and rowboats. A launch ramp is located near the beach.
Fishing
Bluegill and other panfish provide good sport for the fisherman on Pine Lake. Excellent hunting opportunities exist for squirrel, deer, grouse and turkey in the adjacent state forest. A valid Ohio hunting and fishing license is required.



Picnicking
Picnicking is a popular pastime at Tar Hollow. The picnic areas offer excellent scenery and a peaceful setting. Six shelterhouses can be reserved through the park office, while the others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trails
Ross Hollow Hiking Trail, located near the camp, provides foot access to the hills of Tar Hollow. The 21-mile Logan Boy Scout Trail (red blazes) traverses the park and forest. A section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail (blue blazes) also passes through the area. Bridle trails and a horse camp are located on the forest land. A backpack camp is located at the fire tower.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts should note that there are no designated biking trails within this park.

However, the 21-mile fire tower loop road is open to cyclists.

It's important for bikers to be aware of hikers and horseback riders on shared paths.

Cyclists must adhere strictly to safety rules due to steep terrains and sudden turns in some areas.

Riders need proper gear as conditions can change rapidly; helmets, lights, reflectors are essential for safe cycling here.

Remember: off-road or mountain biking isn't permitted due its potential impact on wildlife habitats.

The lack of bike rental facilities means visitors will have bring their own bicycles with them.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy a variety of bird species within this 604-acre park located in Ohio. The area is home to numerous woodland birds, including warblers and thrushes during the spring migration season. In addition, visitors may spot raptors such as hawks or owls throughout the year due to its dense forest habitat. There are several trails available for hiking that provide excellent opportunities for spotting these creatures in their natural environment.
Area Attractions
Tar Hollow State Forest is managed to provide timber, wildlife habitat, forestry research and demonstrations of good forest management. During the spring and fall forest fire seasons, the prevention, detection and suppression of wildfires within the protection area becomes a major objective. Nearby state parks include Great Seal (just north of Chillicothe), Scioto Trails (south of Chillicothe) and Hocking Hills (near Logan). These areas provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Conkles Hollow, a state nature preserve, is found within the Hocking Hills' region. Ross Lake, a wildlife area operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife, offers good fishing opportunities.

Mound City Group National Monument, three miles north of Chillicothe, includes 23 prehistoric Indian burial mounds, a museum and a visitor center. Adena, the beautiful hilltop estate where Ohio's sixth governor, Thomas Worthington, once entertained noted guests is now operated by the Ohio Historical Society. The mansion, outbuildings and grounds are restored to appear as they did in the early 1800s.

Tecumseh, an outdoor historical drama, is presented during the summer in the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater just north of Chillicothe. The drama depicts the life of the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. Ross County Historical Society in Chillicothe highlights the region's history. The Capital Room records Chillicothe's early years as Ohio's first capital.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 27 Old camper by Patty(crouch) Montgomery
park review stars; one to five Tar Hallow is full of memories for me. Went there every summer when in high school. It was a week of church camp for kids from all over Ohio. We had the best times.
July 26 The best park in Ohio
park review stars; one to five My family and I have been going to Tar Hollow as long as I can remember it is the most beautiful place around. I am now taking my own family there every chance I get!
June 11 Our Favorite State Park hands down!!! by The Alford Family
park review stars; one to five Great family park the natruliast is wonderful with kids> we have been to several state parks and our kids always wants to go see Amy she is wonderful!!!:}
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Hocking Hills KOA Holiday
29150 Pattor Road
Logan, OH
740-385-4295
Walnut Creek Campground & Resort
2342 Walnut Creek Road
Chillicothe, OH
740-774-1203
Top O' the Caves
26780 Chapel Ridge Road
South Bloomingville, OH
740-385-6566
Palmerosa Horse & Hike Camp
19207 Keifel Road
Laurelville, OH
740-416-1066
Area Fishing Related Businesses
D & K Bait & Tackle Dealers
288 W Hydell Rd
Chillicothe, OH
(740) 772-1836
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com
Area Resources
businesss listing main photo
Tourism
Offical Guide to Southeastern Ohio's Scenic Wonderland, the Hocking Hills. The 9 State Parks and State Forests. How to get there, things to do, interesting local merchants, what to see, places to stay. Reserve your cabin or campsite online
10.5 miles from park*

Directions
16396 Tar Hollow Road, Laurelville, Ohio 43135

state route ranger badge
Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

X