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Salt Fork
State Park
Salt Fork State Park
1477 Cadiz Road
Lore City, Ohio 43655
(740) 439-3521 Park Office
(740) 432-1508 Campground Office |
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For general information and/or camping call
1-800-BUCKEYE (282-5393)
For lodge and cottage reservations call
1-800-AT-A-PARK (282-7275)
For additional information or questions
regarding Ohio State Parks,
send mail to: parkinfo@dnr.state.oh.us
Salt Fork Ohio State Park located in southeastern Ohio, approximately 2 hours
from Columbus or Cleveland, and 1 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . The
resort accommodations offer 148 comfortable guest rooms and 54 two-bedroom
housekeeping cabins. Salt Fork's conference facilities include 8 meeting rooms
which accommodate up to 375.
The landscape of rural Guernsey County appears as a patchwork of forested
hills, open meadows and misty valleys threaded by numerous streams. At the heart
of this region is Salt Fork State Park, encompassing the woodlands and fields
flanking Salt Fork Reservoir. As Ohio's largest state park, Salt Fork boasts
recreational facilities to suit nearly every taste.
Nature of the Area
Before settlement, Ohio lay in the heart of a vast forest wilderness
stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Great Plains. None of the
world's hardwood forests surpassed this one in variety and size of trees. Ohio's
forest was a magnificent sight and an enormous challenge for settlers determined
to clear and till the land. Towering oaks, hickories, beeches, maples, walnuts,
ashes and chestnuts, some over 150 feet tall, rose from the rich fertile soil
below. By 1900, most of Ohio's original forest was decimated. In its place stood
wheat, corn, oats, hay and thriving cities.
Through conservation efforts over the past few decades, a magnificent
regrowth has occurred. Today, nearly 30 percent of the state is once again
supporting a thriving forest. This is most evident in the rugged, unglaciated
hill region of southeastern Ohio including Salt Fork State Park. Salt Fork
contains a blend of rich woodlands and rolling meadows. The park contains
diverse populations of plant and animal life. White-tailed deer, wild turkey,
ruffed grouse, red fox, gray squirrels and barred owls are well established
within Salt Fork. Songbirds such as the scarlet tanager, cardinal, goldfinch,
Kentucky warbler and others provide delight for birdwatchers.
Spectacular wildflowers such as wild geranium, large-flowered trillium,
violets, asters and goldenrod line the forest floor and meadows. In spring, the
melody of wood frogs, chorus frogs and spring peepers echo through the park.
History of the Area
Salt Fork is said to have derived its name from a salt well used by Native
Americans which was located near the southeastern corner of the park.
Historically, this part of southeastern Ohio was one of the first areas of
the state to be settled by the pioneers emigrating westward from the crowded
eastern seaboard. Some of these settlers may have followed Zane's Trace into the
Ohio wilderness -- a route that led a few families into the Guernsey County
area. From Zanesville east to the Ohio River, the Trace became part of the
National Road, a major east-west transportation route constructed in 1811.
Today, the old National Road is known as U.S. Route 40 and passes near Salt Fork
State Park.
One of the early residents of Guernsey County, David B. Kennedy, constructed
a beautiful stone house overlooking Sugar Tree Fork in 1837. Built from
locally-quarried stone cut into 3' x 1' x 1' blocks, the Kennedy Stone House is
a sturdy reminder of bygone days. Because of its unique and enduring
construction, the house is listed in the National Register of Historic places
and can be visited throughout the year.
As the 19th Century progressed, industry continued to develop in Ohio, and
many of the southeastern Ohio counties came into prominence as coal-producing
areas. Responding to the demand for this important fuel source, Guernsey County
became one of Ohio's leading coal producers. Abundant reserves of clay allowed
the development of a thriving pottery industry in the county as well. The
present impoundment at Salt Fork dates back to 1956 when planning for the lake
was begun. The reservoir was originally slated to become a water source for the
city of Cambridge, but the potential for the area to become a major recreation
are in the state was so great that, in 1960, land acquisition was begun to
create a state park. The earthen dam was completed in 1967, and construction of
recreational facilities began in mid 1968. The spacious Salt Fork Lodge was
opened in May 1972.
Camping
The modern campground has 212 sites, all with electricity. Other features
include heated shower houses, flush toilets, dump station, a separate beach,
boat launching and docking facilities for campers. Eighteen sites are wheelchair
accessible. In addition, a group camp and horsemen's camp are available. Pet
camping is permitted on designated sites.
Golfing
The 18- hole golf course includes a golf shop, snack bar, driving range and
putting green. Tee times are recommended, and a pavilion is available by
reservation for outings.
Fishing and Hunting
Sizable populations of largemouth bass, crappies, bluegills, walleyes and
muskellunge are present. Fishing is good particularly in the many embayment
areas. The extensive artificial reef on the north branch of the lake should also
prove rewarding. Hunting is permitted on lands in wildlife management areas.
Check-in should made with park or wildlife officers for delineation of these
areas. Cottontail rabbit, gray and fox squirrels, deer, grouse, quail,
woodchuck, raccoon, mink, muskrat, beaver, wild turkey and waterfowl are
abundant. An ODNR Division of Wildlife office is located near the main park
entrance.
Swimming
The 2,500-foot beach is one of the largest inland beaches in Ohio. The modern
bathhouse provides showers, lockers, toilets and a snack bar.
Picnicking
There are several picnic areas in scenic locations around the lake. Tables
and grills are provided. A shelter house is available on a first-come,
first-served basis. A wheelchair accessible picnic area with hard surfaced paths
and accessible latrines, parking and tables is located off Park Road 1.
Lodge
Salt Fork Lodge, scenically overlooking the lake, has 148 guest rooms. Lodge
features include a dining room, coffee shop, snack bar, gift shop, lounge and
lobby areas, indoor game area and meeting rooms accommodating 25 to 300 people.
In addition, guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the tennis,
volleyball and shuffleboard courts, 400-foot swimming beach, as well as boat
launching and docking facilities.
Cabins
There are 54 heated family cabins with four rooms, bath and a large
screened-in porch. The all-electric kitchen is equipped with cooking and eating
utensils. Four twin beds, a hide-a-bed, linen and bedding provide comfortable
sleeping for six people.
Boating
Boats with unlimited horsepower are permitted on the lake. Combined speed/ski
zones are marked by buoys. There are numerous boat launching ramps on the lake.
Boaters may camp on their boats in no-wake zones within fifty yards of shore.
Swimming from boats is permitted in designated areas only.
Marina
The two marinas include 469 rental docks, comfort stations, gasoline fuel
stations, parking facilities, concession areas and a variety of rental boats.
Area Attractions
Not far from Salt Fork State Park are several of the Muskingum Watershed
Conservancy District lakes. These large reservoirs offer fishing, sailing, water skiing
and other exciting outdoor activities. Wolf Run State Park in Noble
County offers a quiet retreat for those interested in more rustic camping
facilities. The ODNR Division of Wildlife manages 12,000 acres of land
surrounding Salt Fork for forest game species.
For general information and/or camping call
1-800-BUCKEYE (282-5393)
For lodge and cottage reservations call
1-800-AT-A-PARK (282-7275)
For additional information or questions
regarding Ohio State Parks, send mail to: parkinfo@dnr.state.oh.us
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