Jefferson Lake State Park

On the ground

The park sits in the sandstone hills of Jefferson County, where coal seams formed from decaying swamp vegetation during the Pennsylvanian period. A second-growth oak and hickory forest covers the hills and valleys, mixed with beeches, maples, tulip trees, walnuts, elms and ashes, and the forest floor fills with wildflowers such as wild geranium in spring. ODNR maintains nearly 18 miles of multiple-use trail for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers.

The Logan Trail, at 4.56 miles, is the longest named route mapped near the park, running through the wooded hills that give the park its character. The Campground Horse Trail and Beaver Dam Trail also thread through the property, connecting the campground area to the lake. Fishing on Jefferson Lake can produce largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill and redear sunfish, and a valid Ohio fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors up to 4 horsepower are allowed on the lake, with access from a single launch ramp. Two shelterhouses near the lake are available on a first come, first served basis for picnicking. In winter, conditions permitting, visitors can ice skate, cross-country ski, and ice fish.