587-acre Pike Lake State Park is located in the midst of the scenic wooded hills of southern Ohio. The small 13-acre lake and surrounding state forest contribute to the park's rustic charm.
History:
Pike County is located in an area that has many earthworks constructed by Ohio's prehistoric people. These "first citizens" of Ohio lived in the Scioto River Valley and its tributaries, appearing here sometime around 800 B.C. The Moundbuilders eventually gave rise to the woodland Indian cultures--the first white settlers encountered. One tribe, the Shawnee, made this area their home and hunting grounds. They were fiercely protective of their land.
Nearby Chillicothe, the first capital of Ohio, spurred early settlement in the area. Some of the early, historic buildings still stand. Just south of the park is "Eagers Inn" built in 1797. The inn was constructed on a trace that ran from Limestone, Kentucky to Chillicothe. Limestone (now called Maysville) was an important crossing on the Ohio River. Many settlers from Kentucky followed this passage on their way to the frontier.
During the Civil War, only one advance was ever made by the Confederate Army into Ohio. General John H. Morgan crossed the Ohio River into Indiana, then rode with his cavalry into Ohio north of Cincinnati. "Morgan's Raiders" traversed the southern portion of the state, passing near present-day Pike Lake State Park. Eventually, he and many of his men were captured in southwestern Columbiana County near Salineville. Less than five months later, General John Morgan and six of his men escaped from the Ohio Penitentiary and returned to the Confederacy.
Also during this historic period, the family who farmed this valley found a wounded soldier collapsed in their field. The unconscious union soldier never revived. His name, unit or hometown were never known. Today, a solitary headstone below the dam at the base of a large oak tree marks the grave of this casualty from a tragic war.
The present park first began to take shape during the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) days of the 1930s. One of the Ohio camps was established near the future site of Pike Lake at Morgantown. Corpsmembers dug the lake by hand, built two or three fire towers in the area, constructed the roads to make them accessible and planted hundreds of pine trees. Pike Lake was originally a state forest park, but with the formation of the Division of Parks and Recreation in 1949, it became an official state park that year.
Camping:
All 79 sites have electricity
15 sites are designated for walk-ins only
Picnic table and fire ring
Showerhouse, latrines, dump station
Camp store loans sporting equipment to campers
Basketball court, playground
Pets are permitted on all sites
Group Camp
A group camp that accommodates up to 60 people can be reserved by calling the Camp Store at 740-493-1564.
Activities
Boating
Non-powered watercraft and boats with electric motors only (up to 4-1/2 horsepower) are permitted on the lake. Canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats are available for rent.
Disc Golf
The park features an 18-hole course. Rental equipment is available and no fee is charged to play.
Fishing
The small 13-acre lake in the park offers good catches of largemouth bass, channel catfish, bullheads, bluegill and crappie. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Hunting
Hunting is NOT permitted in the state park, but is permitted in the adjacent state forest. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
Picnicking
Ten picnic areas are located in scenic locations around the park. Grills and tables are provided. Two shelterhouses that can accommodate 80 people each are available for reservation online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Swimming
A beautiful sand beach is provided for swimmers. Changing areas and showers are available. Swimming is permitted in designated ares. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach.
Trails
Five hiking trails are found in the park:
Lake Rim Trail - 0.4 mile
Mitchell Ridge Trail - 1.2 miles
Wildcat Hollow Nature Trail - 1.2 miles
Greenbrier Nature Trail - 1/2 mile
CCC Nature Trail - 1/2 mile
A network of bridle trails are located in the adjacent state forest; horses are not provided by the park or forest.
Winter Recreation
Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy sledding.
