ALUM CREEK STATE PARK
Alum Creek's large reservoir and gently rolling span of fields and woodlands provides a hub of recreational activity just minutes from Ohio's capital city. Quiet coves nestled among shale cliffs await the solitary fisherman in the park's northern reaches while sunseekers mingle with thousands on Ohio's largest inland beach.
Alum Creek rests in the midst of the fertile agricultural till plains and river valleys of Delaware County. In contrast to the surrounding farmlands, the park offers a diverse array of natural features. Cliffs of Ohio shale are notable in many areas, exposed as Alum Creek and other streams cut through underlying bedrock. The shale was formed as mud washed into the ancient sea which covered the area several hundred million years ago. The dark hue of the rock is due to the mixture of a carbonized plant material and mud that formed the shale.
The rich soils of Delaware County gave rise to a luxuriant beech-maple forest after the retreat of the glaciers about 12,000 years ago. That original forest has long since been cut but a healthy second growth forest is preserved in the park. The woodlands harbor a variety of plant species and offer the interested observer beautiful displays of wildflowers and wildlife. Large-flowered trillium, wild geranium, bloodroot, and spring beauties carpet the forest floor. The forest is home to the fox squirrel, woodchuck, rabbit, white-tail deer and many other species of wildlife.
Long before recorded history, man called this forest and the Alum Creek valley home. The Adena culture lived here over 2,000 years ago. Seven mounds constructed by the mound builders were identified along the creek. Six were excavated before the valley was flooded although archaeologists did not believe them to be burial mounds.
Much later, the Delaware Indian tribe occupied several villages near Alum Creek. A large town was located where the city of Delaware now stands on the banks of the Olentangy River. The Indians cultivated a 400-acre cornfield in much of what is presently downtown. These Algonquin tribespeople entered Ohio in the 1700s, being displaced from their eastern home in the Delaware River valley by the fierce Iroquois nation.
Colonel Moses Byxbe was one of the first settlers in the county. He built his home in 1805 on Alum Creek and named the township Berkshire after his native Berkshire, Massachusetts. He owned 8,000 acres on the creek and was the co-owner of 30,000 more. These were military lands which he sold for $2.50 to $10 per acre.
With the threat of the War of 1812, the frontier counties set about erecting structures to defend themselves in case of Indian attack. Four blockhouses were built in the county, one of which was on Alum Creek. The fortress had two stories, the second of which protruded over the first yielding a place from which to shoot, drop boiling water on the attackers and defy attempts to set the log structure on fire. This Fort Cheshire, which stood until the Civil War, was later used as a schoolhouse. A bronze plaque commemorates the site where the fort once stood in what is now the park's family campground.
During the fifty years prior to the Civil War, the border state of Ohio offered many routes for the Underground Railroad by which slaves escaped to freedom. Over 40,000 slaves passed northward through Ohio along these paths. The Sycamore Trail, whose guideposts were often the ghostly white bark of this floodplain tree, ran along Alum Creek. Slaves waded in the waters of the creek as they left the safe Hanby House in Westerville and attempted to elude pursuing trackers. Africa Road received its name from the fact that thirty slaves, freed in North Carolina, settled near friendly homeowners in this area.
Alum Creek Dam is part of the flood control plan for the Ohio River Basin. The lake was authorized by Congress in the Flood Control Act of 1962. Construction began in August of 1970 and was completed in 1974.
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
GeneralLand, acres4,630
Water, acres3,387
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trail, miles10
Picnickingyes
Swimming Beach, feet3,000
Mountain Bike Trails, miles14
Bridle Trails, miles38
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
Boating LimitsUnlimited HP
Seasonal Dock Rentalyes
Launch Ramps, #4
Fuel For Saleyes
CampingElectric Sites, #286
Full Hookup Sites, #3
Pets Permittedyes
Flush Toiletsyes
Dumpstationyes
Showersyes
Camper Cabins, #5
Group Camp, capacity100
Campground Beachyes
Rent-A-RV Sites, #3
Horsemen Campsites, #30
WinterSleddingyes
Cross-Country Skiingyes
Snowmobilingyes
Ice Boatingyes
Ice Skatingyes
Ice Fishingyes
Alum Creek's 297 family campsites offer both wooded and sunny areas, some of which overlook the lake. This well-designed campground has a beach and a boat ramp for exclusive use of the overnight guests. Each site has an electrical hookup, and heated shower facilities are located throughout the facility.
The largest inland beach in Ohio's state park system is located at Alum Creek. This 3,000-foot beach offers a changing area and concession stand. The beach is open during daylight hours only.
Alum Creek Reservoir contains 3,387 acres of water. The broad expanse of the lake south of Cheshire Road is a boater's paradise with unlimited horsepower and plenty of room for skiers. The northern portion offers a quieter scene with tree-lined shores, shale cliffs and sheltered inlets for canoeists.
The narrow coves and quiet inlets offer fine catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye and saugeye. The northern half of the park is best for the squirrel and deer hunter, while the southern half offers better opportunities for rabbit and other upland game. Valid Ohio hunting and fishing license are required. Note the hunting map as many areas are restricted.
Alum Creek State Park is located near Blacklick, Columbus and Delaware
Scenic picnic areas with tables, grills, restrooms and drinking water enhance the lakeshore. Additionally, two shelterhouses are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers at the Alum Creek dam. Contact the Corps office at 740-548-6151 for information regarding their use.
Be aware, the park offers a 7-mile multi-use trail for mountain biking of varying difficulty levels.
The terrain includes steep inclines and declines with sharp turns.
Novice riders should exercise caution on more challenging sections.
A paved path is available too, ideal for casual cyclists or families.
Remember to wear appropriate safety gear when cycling in this area.
Please respect other users by following proper trail etiquette at all times.
Check weather conditions before heading out as trails can become slippery after rainfalls.
Hikers and horsepeople enjoy the rugged northern reaches of the park. Over forty miles of trail wind along the lakeshore through mature beech-maple forests and across deep ravines. Riders must provide their own mounts. Primitive camping for horsepeople is provided on Howard Road. Pressurized water and a latrine are provided.
Alum Creek State Park in Ohio offers a variety of birding options for nature enthusiasts. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, making it an ideal spot for both beginner and experienced bird watchers. Visitors can explore the diverse habitats within the park including forests, fields, wetlands and reservoirs which attract different types of avian life.
The northern part of Alum Creek Lake attracts waterfowl such as ducks and geese during migration seasons while its shoreline provides nesting sites for various songbirds like warblers or sparrows. In winter months one might see bald eagles fishing on open waters.
For those interested in woodland birds, hiking trails through mature beech-maple woods are perfect spots where you may encounter woodpeckers or owls among others.
Birdwatchers should also check out "Below Dam Recreation Area" known to host several unique species not commonly seen elsewhere in central Ohio due to its specific habitat conditions - rocky cliffs attracting cliff swallows or belted kingfisher hunting along creek's course.
In addition there are designated wildlife observation areas equipped with viewing platforms providing excellent opportunities without disturbing natural behavior patterns too much - these include "New Galena Boat Ramp" area overlooking marshy zones frequented by herons & egrets; another platform located near Cheshire Road offering panoramic views across vast grassland sections preferred by meadowlarks & bobolinks etc..
Finally remember that best times usually fall around dawn/dusk when most activity occurs but always respect rules regarding disturbance minimization (e.g., staying on marked paths) ensuring continued availability this wonderful resource future generations enjoy just as we do today!
Within Delaware County are Delaware State Park and Wildlife Area, Olentangy Caverns and Highbanks Metro Park. Highly renowned is the Little Brown Jug harness race at the Delaware County Fairgrounds during September. The Columbus Zoo,located to the southwest, boasts an extensive collection of worldwide fauna.
The city of Columbus is located south of Alum Creek offering park users a short drive to myriad fine arts, cultural and sporting events. The Ohio Historical Society and Village, OSU sports, Columbus Clippers baseball, Ballet Met and state fairgrounds are but a few of the attractions to be found in neighboring Columbus.
Dock Stop
6481 Riverside Dr
Delaware, OH
(740) 881-5119
Dock Stop
6481 Riverside Dr
Powell, OH
(740) 881-5119
Hooker Tackle Co Ltd
8494 Fallgold Ln
Westerville, OH
(614) 899-9313
Baits Store LLC
7001 Sunbury Rd
Westerville, OH
(614) 898-3103
Alum Creek Bait & Tackle
7007 E State Route 37
Sunbury, OH
(740) 548-0343
Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Columbus Marriott North
6500 Doubletree Ave
Columbus, OH
(614) 885-1885
Radisson Hotel
7007 N High St
Worthington, OH
(614) 436-0700
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
51.7 miles from park*
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
53.7 miles from park*
Use Mapquest and the address below to generate a customized set of directions from your location to the Park:
3615 S. Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015