Blue Rock State Park

Copyright: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Blue Rock State Park

Before settlement of the area began, most of Ohio was in forest cover. By 1900, only twelve percent of the original forest remained. In the Blue Rock region, the rough terrain, poor soils and the economic woes caused by the Great Depression forced farmers to abandon their lands allowing them to revert back to forest. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources now maintains 4,573 acres of the Blue Rock State Forest surrounding the park. The forest is dominated by oaks and hickories. In the lush undergrowth, woodland wildflowers such as trilliums, cardinal flower and rare orchids can be found amongst a variety of ferns, mosses and lichens. Deer, grouse, squirrel and wild turkey are just a few of the woodland game which make the forest their home.

Attractions - Blue Rock State Park has 101 non-electric campsites available for tent or trailer camping in two separate areas near the lake. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. Latrines, picnic tables, water, dump station, fire rings and playgrounds are provided. Coin-operated warm showers are available to campers at the beach bathhouse. Three Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, sheltered picnic table, cooler, cookstove and other equipment can be rented during the summer months. Three camper cabins are also available with campstove, lantern and cooler provided. A group camp is available by reservation for organized groups only. A primitive camp area is also available. This walk-in "tents only" area is off Cutler Lake Road. Register for campsites at the camp store, where snack foods, camp supplies, sundries, souvenirs, ice and firewood can be purchased in season.

The 15-acre Cutler Lake invites boaters with electric motors only, rowboats and canoes. A launch ramp is provided. Anglers routinely catch bass, catfish and bluegill.

Several miles of hiking trails begin near the campground and picnic areas of the park. Tables and grills are located in several tree-shaded areas in the park. Three shelters can be reserved by contacting the park office. Two shelters have electric.

A public beach is located on the north end of the lake. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only. Change booths, lockers, restrooms and snacks are available.

Surrounding the park, the 4,573-acre Blue Rock State Forest offers hiking, bridle trails, and hunting opportunities.

Recreation - Activities enjoyed at Blue Rock include several types of camping opportunities, hiking, fishing, swimming, sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing. The adjacent state forest welcomes hikers, equestrians and hunters.

Climate - This state has four distinct seasons and a brilliant fall foliage display in it southern woods during mid October. Winter lasts from December through February with average temperatures near 25 degrees F. Low temperatures dip to single digits, but do not often drop below zero. Northern regions of the state receive average snowfall amounts of 55 inches, while the central and southern regions of the state receive lesser amounts with averages near 30 inches. This difference is caused by lake-affect moisture patterns.

Spring temperatures begin to warm the landscapes of Ohio by mid March and are in full swing by April. Temperatures range from 40 through 70 degrees F through the spring months. This season often brings the most rainfall, before the drying heat of summer. Summer can be extremely hot and humid in the interior of Ohio. Temperatures reach above 90 degrees F frequently through July and August. Cooler fall temperatures don't reach the region until mid to late September. This is a pleasant time to visit as the air is crisp with low humidity levels. Ohio's annual precipitation usually reaches slightly above 50 inches.

Location - Blue Rock State Park is located in southeast of Zanesville, east of the Muskingum River off State Route 60.