A Path Less Travelled: East Fork State Park
With all of the stress and anxiety surrounding us, a quick trip into nature can be help calm the nerves and is proven to do so. One such place I find myself visiting for such reasons is East Fork State Park. Adding to the list of parks in the southwest Ohio region, East Fork packs a lot of activities into a small area and is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati.
I began visiting the park to get some miles in on the North Country National Scenic Trail which runs through the heart of the park. On other occasions, I would head to the lakefront on hot days to swim, dig holes in the sand, and get a sweet treat from the ice cream truck. I explored many of the twisting trails and scenic views the park has to offer, but most often, sitting on the dike which overlooks the lake, to stare at the night sky. I've spent more time here than anywhere else in Ohio because its close to the city with remarkably few encounters with other hikers.
About the Park:
Backpacking, swimming, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing are among the many activities the park has to offer. Park staff host multiple events for all ages and interests, and various styles of camping are available from full hookup to primitive backcountry, provided you obtain a permit. The park is open from dawn to dusk, however, stargazing, night hiking, and other approved activities are allowed after dusk. There is no entrance fee to the park, and parking lots are rarely filled.
For more information, or to plan your next trip, please visit Ohio DNR.
