Blue Rock State Park

Rugged hills and rich green forests provide the backdrop to Blue Rock State Park. Escape to nature's solitude, and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of this scenic 322-acre state park.

History:

Years before this beautiful region was known to the white man, the great Shawnee Nation built Old Town, the village of Chief White Eyes, near present-day Duncan Falls on the Muskingum River. For years, White Eyes was on friendly terms with the white man including the adventurous trapper named Duncan who was permitted by the chief to hunt, trap and trade with them. Duncan became enraged when he found game was being stolen from his traps by a hostile band of Indians from across the river. Duncan began to shoot all Indians who meddled with his traps until he himself was shot by the hostiles while crossing the river at a low spot. His body was found on a gravelly ripple now called Dead Man's Ripple, and the falls at that spot are called Duncan's Falls because it was there that Duncan fell.

Rich coal deposits were discovered in the area. By utilizing the Muskingum River for transporting the coal, a prosperous mining industry soon developed.

In 1856, this area was shaken by one of the most remarkable mine disasters in history. The collapse of the mine happened about 11 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 1856. It was soon discovered that four persons were either imprisoned or crushed to death inside the mine. A dangerous rescue attempt began at once combining the greatest speed with the utmost caution possible. The rescue continued night and day with varying success. An immense crowd of people from the surrounding countryside and towns gathered at the mouth of the mine to offer help, encouragement and prayers for the imprisoned men. At 11 p.m., on Friday, May 9, after having been entombed for fourteen days, the men were reached and brought to safety--alive!

To the north of Blue Rock lies the city of Zanesville, Ohio's state capital from 1810 to 1812, and a leader in the manufacture of clay products. Several potteries still exist. In 1796, Congress gave Ebenezer Zane authority to construct a road from Wheeling to Maysville, Kentucky. The point where the road, known as Zane's Trace, crossed the Muskingum River became the site of Zanesville--named for Ebenezer Zane.

In 1936, the state of Ohio purchased the lands comprising Blue Rock State Forest. Construction of Cutler Lake was completed in 1938. Blue Rock officially became a state park with the formation of the Division of Parks and Recreation in 1949.

Camping

77 non-electric sites; 21 non-electric are equestrian-friendly, located in the upper camp
Pet are permitted on all sites, but not in camper cabins or rent-a-camps
Latrines, picnic tables, water, dump station and fire rings are provided
Showers are available to campers at the beach bathhouse
Volleyball and basketball courts and a playground
Group camp is available by reservation for organized groups only; accommodates up to 120 people
Check-in for campsites at the camp store, where snack foods, camp supplies, sundries, souvenirs, ice and firewood can be purchased in season.

Activities

Archery

An archery range is located near the camp store. It is free and open to the public. Bring your own equipment.

Boating

One launch ramp provides access to the 15-acre lake. Hand-powered boats and boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake. Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and stand-up paddleboards can be rented at the camp store.

Fishing

Bass, trout, catfish and bluegill provide sport for the fisherman in Cutler Lake. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Bow hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park during deer bow season. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Several picnic areas with tables and grills are located throughout the park. Three shelterhouses are available for reservation online or by calling (866) 644-6727. The Northwest shelterhouse has a very picturesque covered bridge, ideal for outdoor weddings.

Swimming

A 250-foot public beach is located on the north end of the lake. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Restrooms and showers are located at the campground check-in station building. Snacks and sundries can be purchase at the campground check-in station. Pets are not permitted on swimming beaches.

Trails

The park features 5 hiking trails:

Beechnut - 1 mile - moderate
Hollow Rock Trail - 0.8 mile - moderate
Ground Cedar Trail - 0.4 mile - moderate
Ruffed Grouse Trail - 0.6 mile - moderate
Deer Trail - 0.2 mile - difficult

Winter Recreation

Under the proper winter conditions, park visitors can enjoy ice skating, sledding and ice fishing.