Camping, Hiking and More at Scioto Trail Ohio State Park

Vacation time and quality time. A get-away from what? Hurried private moments ? Pressuring choices? How about from the strain of breathing filthy car fumes? If so, then Scioto Trail State Forest should be on your mind. The Scioto Trail State Park of Ohio is a simple treasure that seems to be lost among the commercial choices of today's hectic society.

This wondrously beautiful paradise provides a grand buffet of outdoor activities. The outdoor hobbyist should feel at home in this peaceful forest, and without spending major cash. Two rustic camper cabins is available year-round for rental. Two campgrounds provide 73 sites, 40 of which are equipped with electricity. 18 of the non-electric sites is a secluded hike-in location near Stewart Lake, only one of the two lakes at Scioto Trail State Park.

Stewart Lake and Caldwell Lake offers boating to electric motors only. Canoeing on these peaceful waters is also welcomed. Caldwell Lake provides a launch ramp and swimming beach. Both lakes sport Bluegill, Bass, Catfish, and Trout. With thirty acres of water at your backyard, the one thing you won't catch will be a fisherman's tall tale.

Hunting in the undisturbed 9,000 acres of Scioto Trail State Forest, becomes a game of sport between the hunters and the elusive wildlife, wild turkey, white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse, that thrives in the Appalachian foothills. Mushroom hunters aren't left out of the foray, not with the abundance of the morel mushroom.

Photo hunters are sure to be dazzled with the spectacular vistas, mirrored lake surfaces and even the roadways. The forest animals will sometimes come out of hiding, and poise for the breif moment that it takes to press the shutter button.

Creatures known to be residents of the Scioto Trail State Forest is red fox, skunk, opossum, grey squirrel and raccoons with occasional sightings of black bear and bobcats. Other living things are bound to be here as well, like snakes, birds and rabbits. Who is to say a bigfoot isn't hiding in the dense greenery. There has been reports made in the neighboring county of such a creature.

Twelve miles of hiking trails showcase the natural beauty of the floral vegetation in spring. In summer, the forest is green with tree leaves and undergrowth. Fall brings the brilliant colors of mother nature to the front-line whereas winter glorifies the dead cold beauty of the snow and ice storms.

However, some of the hiking trails aren't tolerant to novice hikers. Loose rocks mixed with the steep inclines is daunting to most average walkers, sending many to turn back after one to two minutes. While determined hikers might enjoy the steep uphill climbs that the Fire Tower trail possesses. the wide smooth walkways in the middle of the 2.25 mile trail teases the tired muscles with an easy stroll.

Outdoor activities keep pace with the seasons. In winter, ice skating, ice fishing, cross country skiing and, the child's favorite,sledding replaces outdated objectives. The seasons change and the activities change, the wondrous attraction of peace and quiet never changes.

Not to be forgotten is the Old Log Church attraction, fire towers, horseback riding and horseshoe pits. Also, a children's' playground, and basketball and volleyball courts that entertain children of all ages are sprinkled around the Scioto Trail State Park. Two camp stores provide services for picnickers and campers along with loaning games and sporting equipment to registered campers.