Southeast Ohio State Parks: Perfect Spots for Hiking, Fishing, and Relaxing

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a kid-friendly summer vacation, Southeast Ohio state parks offer some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the Midwest. From the towering cliffs and wandering trails of Hocking Hills State Park and Shawnee State Park to lake access at Salt Fork and Lake Hope, this region is a hidden gem for hiking, fishing, and relaxing.

Let’s explore some of the best Southeast Ohio state parks to consider for your next trip.

Salt Fork State Park

Location: Guernsey County

Located in the southeast portion of the state, Salt Fork State Park is the largest state park in all of Ohio. For boating enthusiasts, there are two marinas and eight launch ramps on a 2,952-acre lake. Golfers will appreciate a top-rated 18-hole golf course, and hikers have a large trail system to enjoy with treks of various lengths and difficulties. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, overnight lodging is available at a full-service resort lodge, deluxe vacation cabins, and a large accommodation compound. A visit to the historical Kennedy Stone House will give park-goers a glimpse into American life in the 1840s.

Lake Hope State Park

Location: Vinton County

This 2,983-acre park lies in the much larger Zaleski State Forest and offers a beautiful retreat for those who want to reconnect with the natural beauty of Ohio. Anglers can expect to find bluegill, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass when fishing on Lake Hope. The state park is marked by steep gorges, narrow ridges, and abandoned mining and iron-producing infrastructure. Eight different hiking trails ranging from half a mile to over three miles are open to the public. For those who want to stay overnight, wooded campground space, year-round cabins for groups, and the large Laurel Lodge are excellent options.

Burr Oak State Park

Location: Athens and Morgan Counties

If you’re looking for an outdoor getaway with some added comforts of home, Burr Oak State Park’s facilities are the perfect opportunity. The Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center offers standard guest rooms, family suites, cabins, and a campground with lake access. The conference center amenities include a restaurant, outdoor gathering areas, and lake views. Guests enjoy access to a boat launch, tennis court, basketball court, miniature golf, playground, exercise room, and indoor swimming pool. Visitors can also take advantage of a large, connected trail system with moderate to difficult hiking paths.

Hocking Hills State Park

Location: Hocking County

Widely regarded as Ohio’s most popular state park, Hocking Hills frequently wins awards as one of the best places in the country to visit and hike through. The park boasts beautiful waterfalls, cave formations, and towering cliffs for visitors to enjoy. Spanning over 10,000 acres of unbroken forest, there are plenty of hikes to choose from. If you’re looking to extend your trip with an overnight stay, Hocking Hills offers something for everyone. Visitors can unwind after a long day of outdoor activity in cabin and cottage rentals, bed and breakfast accommodations, comfortable glamping, campgrounds, and relaxing lodges.

Shawnee State Park

Location: Scioto County

Formerly the hunting grounds for the Shawnee Native American tribes, this state park is often referred to as "The Little Smokies of Ohio." Shawnee State Park itself is just over 1,000 acres, but it is completely surrounded by the staggering 60,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, the largest contiguous tract of public land in Ohio. For fishing enthusiasts, two stocked lakes offer opportunities for catching largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and trout. Each year on the fourth Saturday in April, the park holds a trout derby at its Turkey Creek Lake.

Paint Creek State Park

Location: Pike County

Located on the edge of the Appalachian Plateau, Paint Creek State Park spreads across 5,652 beautiful acres, surrounding a 1,190-acre reservoir. The park and reservoir are popular destinations for boating, fishing, swimming, and exploring 25 miles of horseback riding bridle trails. Hikers have a variety of walks to choose from, ranging from under one mile to about six miles. Paint Creek’s 200 campground sites, rental cabins, and bridle camps offer plenty of opportunities to extend your stay by sleeping at the park overnight.