 Scioto
Trail State Park
144 Lake Road
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
(740) 663-2125
1-866-644-6727 for camping
and getaway rental reservations
| Recreation |
Facilities |
Quantity |
| Resource |
Land, acres |
218 |
|
|
Water, acres |
30 |
|
|
Nearby State Forest, acres |
9151 |
| Activities |
Fishing |
yes |
|
|
Hunting |
State Forest |
|
|
Hiking Trail, miles |
12 |
|
|
Bridle Trails |
State Forest |
|
|
Backpack Trails |
State Forest |
|
|
Picnicking |
yes |
|
|
Picnic Shelter |
1 |
|
|
Swimming Beach |
yes |
| Boating |
Boat Limits |
EMO |
|
|
Launch Ramps |
1 |
| Winter |
Ice Fishing |
yes |
|
|
Ice Skating |
yes |
|
|
Cross-Country Skiing |
yes |
|
|
Sledding |
yes |
| Camping |
Non-Electric Campsites |
33 |
|
|
Campsites with Elec. |
40 |
| |
Camper Cabin |
2 |
|
|
Pets Permitted |
yes |
|
|
Dumpstation |
yes |
|
|
Camp Store |
yes |
A small, quiet park nestled in beautiful 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest,
this state park is an undisturbed wooded refuge just south of Chillicothe.
The ridgetops and winding forest roads offer breathtaking vistas of the
Scioto River Valley. The beauty and remoteness of Scioto Trail offers the best
of escapes to park visitors.
Camping
The wooded campground at Caldwell Lake offers 55 sites of which 40 are equipped
with electricity. Vault latrines, pressurized water, dump station, fire rings
and picnic tables are provided. A secluded hike-in camp located near Stewart
Lake offers an additional 18 non-electric sites. There is a seasonal camp
check-in/store available on weekends near Caldwell Lake.
Two rustic camper cabins are available to rent year-round.
Boating
Two small lakes offer boating with electric motors only. Canoeing is excellent
on these quiet waters. A launch ramp is provided at Caldwell Lake
Swimming
A small, unguarded wading beach near the campground is open during daylight
hours.
Fishing and Hunting
Bluegill, bass, catfish, and trout provide good catches for anglers. Hunting is
excellent for deer, squirrel, grouse and turkey in the adjacent state forest. A
valid Ohio fishing and/or hunting license is required.
 |
| Photo courtesy of
SpokeJunkies |
Trails
Twelve miles of hiking trails and 17 miles of bridle trails lead to scenic
overlooks and breathtaking vistas. A portion of the Buckeye Trail which links
the four corners of Ohio passes through the state forest.
Picnicking
Several scenic areas offer excellent picnicking opportunities. Tables and grills
are provided. a picnic shelter with electrical outlets is located at the Stewart
Lake picnic area. A picturesque gazebo is located on the island in Caldwall
Lake. The gazebo and picnic shelter may be reserved for a fee. A shelterhouse in
the state forest operated by the Division of Forestry is available on a
first-come, first-served basis.
More To Do
The restored Old Log Chruch, a replica of the oldest Presbyterian Church in
the Northwest territory has been converted into a nature center.
Basketball and horseshoe courts are located in the campground, along with a
playground for children. The camp office loans games and sporting equipment to
registered campers. Additional basketball and horseshoe courts, along with a
volleyball court and playground, are offered in day-use areas of the park.
Nature of the Area
Located in the Appalachian foothills bordering the Scioto River, the park's
rugged ridgetops and wooded valleys support a host of natural wonders. This
densely forested hill country is reminiscent of the southern Appalachians
supporting a magnificent stand of oak and hickory. In spring, the forest trails
are lined with flowering dogwood and redbud trees. The forest floor displays
woodland wildflowers including spring beauties, Dutchman's breeches, wild blue
phlox and wild geranium. Ferns, mosses and lichens coat the sandstone
outcroppings. Mushroom hunters delight in the abundance of the delicious morel
mushroom.
The remoteness of the area and dense forest provides excellent habitat for some
of Ohio's most elusive wildlife. Wild turkey populations are thriving in this
region along with ruffed grouse and white-tailed deer. Small mammals of Scioto
Trail include red fox, skunk, opossum, gray squirrel and raccoon among many
others. Rare sightings of bobcat and black bear have been reported. Many
reptiles and amphibians find the woodlands and streams of the area desirable. |
