Adams Lake State Park

About Adams Lake State Park

Adams Lake State Park is located in Adams County, New York, south of the city of Adams. In this small but unique park you can enjoy the remaining prairie and the tranquil lake. Adams Lake State Park, north of downtown Denver, Colorado, about an hour and a half from downtown.

Adams County is home to scattered prairie communities from the past, when the great prairies of the West reached as far as Ohio. Sometime after the last glacial advance, the climate became warmer and drier, and Adams County and other areas in Ohio have a great wealth of plant species wedged between the Great Lakes and the Ohio River Valley, a major source of drinking water.

During such periods, the prairies worked their way east as far as Ohio, and during the bloom season in midsummer they provide an impressive spectacle.

As glaciers advanced and climate change spread, many northern plant species expanded southward and remain in retreat or retreat as glaciers. The white cedar fern represents two such northern transplants, and since the glacier covered most of Ohio, it did not reach Adams County, but its effects are still evident.

When glaciers advance, they have a profound impact on drainage systems by blocking existing rivers. As the glacier progressed, a large river called Teays flowed through Ohio, and as it progressed, it had to be channeled back.

In Adams County, the Teays River transported plants native to a more southerly area to the plant - the rich water of the Ohio River and its tributaries. The ancient Teayes River was blocked, but its water was supported by the Ohio River.

The Adams Lake region once inhabited the internationally renowned Snake Hill, one of the largest and most famous mountain ranges in the United States. The animals of the region included elk, buffalo and bear, which once inhabited the region, but of which only a few remain.

Tremper Mound, located on the east side of Adams Lake, north of the park entrance, was created by the shorter lived Hopewell culture. This historic site is located at the northern end of Snake Hill State Park, about half a mile from the entrance to Adams Lake.

Numerous picture tubes made from stylized images of native animals have been discovered here. The powerful Shawnee Nation controlled the area for centuries, while trappers and traders seized the wealth of fur farmers. As the permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory continued, pioneers followed suit and the large number of images was discovered.

Adams Lake was built to provide drinking water to the West Union village, but when an alternative water system was developed, the state bought the lake and surrounding land. The 95-acre park now operates as Adams Lake State Park, one of the largest state parks in the United States. Adams County has more than 100,000 residents and a population of about 1,500.

A small launch pad at the entrance to the park provides access to the 47-hectare lake, and fishermen can fish, boat, kayak, canoe and other recreational activities on the lake. No valid Ohio fishing license is required, but fishing is permitted in the lake and there are a limited number of fishing boats required for fishing.

Picnic tables and toilets are located throughout the park, and picnic areas are available on a "first come, first served" basis. There are also play facilities for children aged 5 to 12 and adults.

The trails around Adams Lake are located in the adjacent prairie, which is maintained by the ODNR Conservation Authority. Due to the botanical uniqueness of the area, visitors are not allowed to walk along any designated paths.

Questions about the prairie and its rules should be directed to a nature conservation officer on the number 513 - 544 - 9750. Cabins and lodge rooms can be reserved by calling 1-800-A-Park, and campsites are only available on the basis of the First - come, first - service. The nearby Shawnee State Park offers a variety of camping options including campgrounds, cabins and lodges, and picnic areas.

The Shawnee State Forest surrounds the park and includes the largest contiguous forest area in the state and is often referred to as Ohio's Little Smokies. The forest consists mainly of pine, oak, birch, pine, oak, hazelnut, elm and pine. Other facilities include a swimming and bathing beach, picnic area, amphitheatre, picnic tables and picnic areas and a water park.

Over one kilometer of forest trails provide access to wilderness and scenic views, as well as hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and other activities.