EAST FORK STATE PARK
One of Ohio's largest state parks, East Fork offers a
great diversity of recreational opportunities and natural
history only 25 miles from Cincinnati. The park's terrain
includes both rugged hills and open meadows, setting
the stage for a wonderful getaway.
Clermont County's rolling hills and meandering river
valleys provide a colorful backdrop for spacious East
Fork State Park. Shaped by the forces of the Illinoian
and Wisconsinan glaciers, the East Fork region is
characterized by beautiful hill country scenery and is
noted for the occurrence of remnant prairie habitats.
Illinoian glacial deposits are not common in Ohio but
can be observed at East Fork and the surrounding area.
East Fork's diverse landscape includes dry-forested hills,
rocky cascades, abandoned farmlands, thickly grown
floodplains, marshy grasslands and swamp forests. This
diversity lends well to an abundance of plant and
animal life. Woodlands are composed of beech, sugar
maple, red and white oak, shagbark hickory, and wild
black cherry. The swamp forests contain silver maple,
American elm, sycamore, and black gum. The
meadows and remnant prairies contain big bluestem
grass and purple coneflower among others.
Animals of the area include eastern plains garter
snake, fence lizard, red fox, deer, raccoon, Canada
geese, song sparrow, eastern meadowlark, and the barn
swallow.
The Little Miami River basin in which East Fork State Park is situated has been home to many generations of man,
dating back to nearly 3,000 years ago. Moundbuilders, the Adena and Hopewell Indians, occupied this area. The
mound near Elklick Road is thought to have been built by the Adena. The Erie Indians also lived here much later,
though by 1655 this nation was completely destroyed by the powerful Iroquois. The area was virtually uninhabited
through the remainder of the 17th century.
As the new state of Ohio began to be settled in the early 19th century, the East Fork region attracted settlers from the
east. Grist mills, sawmills, blacksmith shops, tanneries and stagecoach depots were among the early commercial
activities.
In 1869, two gold mines operated in the vicinity. One mine was located near Elklick and consisted of a flume for
washing gravel containing flakes of gold. The mine near Twin Bridges tunnelled underground to reach gold deposits
encased in bedrock.
Not far from the present park office, the "Old Bethel Church" on Elklick Road dates from 1867. It occupies the site of
a log church built about 1807 by Reverend John Collins. Some of the hand-hewn timbers secured with wooden pegs
and hand-forged nails used to construct the 1818 church are still present in the existing church.
More recently, the area has taken on a new appearance due to the creation of East Fork Reservoir in 1978. As part of
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control program, East Fork Lake and the surrounding region comprise one of
southwestern Ohio's largest recreational areas.
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
GeneralLand, acres4,870
Water, acres2,160
Nearby Wildlife Areayes
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trail, miles82
Backpack Trail, miles46
Picnickingyes
Picnic Shelters, #3
Swimming Beach, feet1,200
Mountain Bike Trails, miles5
Bridle Trails, miles55
Beach Concessionyes
Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoating LimitsUnlimited HP
Launch Ramps, #6
CampingElectric Sites, #384
Full Hookup Sites, #5
Pets Permittedyes
Flush Toiletsyes
Dumpstationyes
Showersyes
Rent-A-Camp Sites, #6
Camper Cabins, #4
Campground Beachyes
Horsemen Campsites, #17
WinterSleddingyes
Cross-Country Skiingyes
Ice Skatingyes
Ice Fishingyes
East Fork has one of the largest camping areas in the state with 416 sites. The campground offers electrical hookups,
showers, drinking water, camper's beach, flush toilets and boat ramps. Pets are permitted in designated areas. A
17-site horsemen's camp is available as well. Six Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook
stove and other equipment can be rented during the summer months. Six Rent-A-RV units are also available.
A 1,200-foot swimming beach with a concession and picnic area provides the perfect setting for a fun family outing.
Those who enjoy water sports will find East Fork Lake very accommodating. There are 2,160 acres of water and
unlimited horsepower boating with access available at five launch ramps.
East Fork State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's main attraction is the 2,160-acre East Fork Lake, which has an abundant population of various fish species.
The lake is known for its populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. It also contains other species such as white bass and saugeye that can provide excellent sport to angler enthusiasts.
In addition to these common catches at East Fork Lake are hybrid striped bass or wipers - a cross between white bass and striped Bass; they were stocked into the lake by fisheries managers specifically because they grow large quickly on gizzard shad diet.
Fishing from boats is popular here with several boat ramps available around the lake providing easy access points for boaters while shoreline fishing spots are plentiful too especially along beaches where you might find panfish congregating near submerged structures like fallen trees or rocks just offshore.
Fly-fishermen may enjoy casting their lines in one of many streams flowing through this state park including Backbone Creek renowned locally not only scenic beauty but trout it harbors during colder months when water temperatures drop low enough support them comfortably
For those who prefer ice fishing during winter season should be aware though conditions vary year-to-year depending upon weather patterns so always check local reports before heading out onto frozen surface ensure safety first above all else!
Remember that anyone over age 16 needs valid Ohio Fishing License catch any kind fish within boundaries Eastfork State Park whether using traditional rod reel setup fly tackle even if simply trying hand old-fashioned cane pole method favored some older generations still today!
East Fork State Park is located near Alexandria, Amelia and Batavia
Picnic areas with tables, grills and drinking water are located around the park. Two picnic shelters are available on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 16 miles of multi-use trails. Be aware, these paths are shared with hikers.
The Steve Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail is a challenging option for experienced cyclists due to its length and terrain.
For those seeking less strenuous routes, the Park Road Loop offers scenic views without too much difficulty.
Remember that helmets are highly recommended when biking on any trail within this park's boundaries.
It should be noted that some areas may become muddy or slippery after rain; proceed with caution during such conditions.
Always respect other users by signaling your approach and passing safely while enjoying your ride in nature.
For the hiker and backpacker, the 12-mile Backpack Trail tranverses many scenic park areas. In addition, the 37-mile
Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail circles the park and is available for hikers, backpackers, and horsemen.
Four primitive campsites are located along these trails. Permits for their use are available through the park office. For
those less adventuresome, shorter trails are easily accessible. A 5-mile mountain bike trail begins just west of the park
entrance on S.R. 125.
The park offers a variety of birding options, with over 260 species recorded. It is home to diverse habitats including mature forests, open meadows and wetlands that attract different types of birds throughout the year. The William H Harsha Lake within the park attracts waterfowl during migration seasons while raptors can be spotted in forested areas. Birdwatchers may also spot songbirds such as warblers during spring and fall migrations or woodpeckers which are resident all-year-round.
Overlooking the Ohio River, the town of Point Pleasant is birthplace of President Ulysses S. Grant. The one-room
cottage where the 18th President of the United States was born is located at U.S. 52 and S.R. 232 just south of East
Fork.
Stonelick State Park is located to the north of East Fork at S.R. 727 and 133. Camping, fishing, hiking and swimming
are just a few of the activities available at Stonelick.
East Fork's close proximity to the city of Cincinnati makes it easy to combine the best of the outdoor life with the
many activities available in the "Queen City." Major sporting events, fine dining, shopping, many cultural events
and festivities invite the park's visitors to spend a day in this bustling urban area. For more information, contact the
Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (513) 753-7211.
Catman Blues Fishing Lake
1911 Lindale Nicholsville Rd
Amelia, OH
(513) 797-1018
Sherry's Fishing Lake
2155 Slade Rd
Batavia, OH
(513) 797-5300
Starling Lake
1075 Starling Rd
Bethel, OH
(937) 379-1347
Boars Head Bait & Carry Out
2818 Old State Route 32
Batavia, OH
(513) 724-1211
Tan Resort
126 W Plane St
Bethel, OH
(513) 734-0100
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.
95.2 miles from park*
From Cleveland, Ohio: I-71 South to I-275 East at Cincinnati. I-275 East East to Exit #63 ( State Route 32), East- Batavia (Campground) or Exit #65, Beechmont Avenue East- Amelia ( Day Use) Come East 11 miles and follow signs.From Columbus, Ohio: I-71 South to I-275 East at Cincinnati. I-275 East to Exit 63 (State Route 32), East- Batavia (Campground) or Exit #65, Beechmont Avenue East- Amelia (Day Use), come East 11 miles and follow the signs.From Cincinnati, Ohio: From Downtown: take I-471 South into Kentucky to I-275 East. I-275 East to Exit #65, Beechmont Avenue East - Amelia ( Day Use) or Exit #63From Toledo, Ohio: I-75 South to I-275 East at Cincinnati. I-275 East to Exit #63 ( State Route 32), East- Batavia (Campground) or Exit #65, Beechmont Avenue East- Amelia ( Day Use) Come East 11 miles and follow signs.From Lexington, KY: I-75 North, to I-275 East (Near Erlanger, KY) to Exit #65, S.R. 125 - Beechmont Avenue East- Amelia ( Day Use) or Exit 63, S.R. 32 - East Batavai (campground). Come East 11 miles and follow signs.