Wolf Run State Park

About Wolf Run State Park

The rugged hills of southeast Ohio offer visitors a peaceful retreat in a remote part of the state.

Set against the backdrop of Wolf Run State Park, the rugged hills of southeast Ohio offer picturesque views of the Great Lakes and Ohio River.

Wolf Run State Park is located on the eastern edge of the Great Lakes National Park System, north of Lake Erie. The hills in the park region remain untouched by the glacial advance that swept through much of the state more than 12,000 years ago. However, the meltwater from the giant ice sheet contributed to permanently changing the topography of the area. With the acceleration of the intersection of the valley, the course of the streams increased sharply, creating the rough terrain that prevails today.

The predominant rock in the Wolf Run region is sandstone, which was deposited during the Pennsylvanian period, with alternating layers of coal. The area where wolves live has changed dramatically since human settlement, and the original forest was soon destroyed by axes and replaced by farms and villages.

Fortunately, much of the forest has regrown and now covers 70 percent of this region, and the second - growth forest - is mesophytic, meaning that a large number of tree species share a predominance. A common member of these forest species is the red pine, which is native to North America and Europe as well as parts of South America.

Mesophytic or mixed forests are known for their plant diversity, which includes many different tree species, grasses, shrubs and other plant species. The forest is one of the most ecologically exciting in the country and is home to many animals native to the area, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds of prey, insects, plants, fungi, spiders, butterflies, beetles, moths and many other insects.

The first settlers in the area were New Englanders who traveled from Marietta, Ohio, to what is now Noble County. Wolf Run State Park is located in one of the 88 counties that made up Ohio and is the first state park in Ohio. In 1804, the Greenville Treaty was signed, ending the Indian threat in this part of Ohio and paving the way for settlement.

The profitable industries that grew in the area's many mineral resources provided the settlers with a livelihood. Natural resources such as coal, gold, silver, copper, iron and copper ore, as well as wood, wood and wood products were abundant.

The oil was discovered in 1814 when Robert McKee began drilling a well to extract brine and the oil entered the fissure at a depth of 475 feet.

Although initially considered a nuisance, the true value of the oil was eventually recognized, and dredgers soon lined the Duck Creek Valley. Oil prices fell sharply after the civil war ended large-scale oil drilling in the region.

The park was acquired in 1963 and officially inaugurated as a state park in 1968, and the construction of a dam for the lake's overflow was completed. The park is named after the Wolf family, who were among the first to settle in the area.

The campsites are bordered by the Wolf Run Trail, a 2.2 km long hiking trail, and a 1200 m long stream on the southern shore of the lake.

Shower and laundry facilities are available at Wolf Run State Park Campground, with showers for adults and children. Walk - organized youth groups can participate without reservation in group rooms and fire rings.

The northern side of the lake is planted by Wolf Run State Park Campground on the east side and the northern and southern sides of Lake Michigan. In this area there are a number of picnic areas as well as a picnic area with picnic tables and benches.

Picnic tables, fire rings and latrines are available at Wolf Run State Park Campground on the north and south sides of the lake.

This public beach is located on the south side of the lake and offers toilets and changing rooms, but is only open during the day. Diving is also allowed in the lakes and beach areas, but appropriate equipment and markings are required for dive sites.

Boats with engines below 10 HP are allowed on Wolf Run Lake, and anchor ramps - ups are available on the south side of the lake as well as on the north and west sides.

The picnic area is located in a picturesque part of the park and shelters are available, whichever comes first, the better.

A 3 km long Buckeye Trail runs along the west side of the lake and a circular trail offers opportunities for nature and wildlife observation.

Blue Rock State Park to the west offers camping, fishing, hiking and picnics, and Blue Rock National Monument on the east side of Wolf Run Lake offers views of the river, lake and nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The monument stands on state road 821 in honor of the U.S. airship Shenandoah, which crashed in the area in 1925.

Wolf Run State Park and Blue Rock National Monument offer camping, boating, fishing and picnics. Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and other recreational activities are also possible, as well as facilities for campers and visitors.

Cambridge City Park features an original covered bridge and offers picnics and other leisure activities. The Ohio Power Company land is located to the west of the park and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers camping, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping and fishing, if you have a permit, as well as other activities.