Hidden gems: Blue Rock State Park

Located just over 10 miles southeast of Zanesville, Blue Rock State Park–named for the blue-hued shale commonly found there–is a hub for outdoor recreation of all sorts. It’s also the perfect candidate to host a much-needed outdoor retreat.

The 322-acre park features both rolling hills and lush forests–where primitive and established campsites can be found in abundance–as well as the on-site Cutler Lake, which provides opportunities to fish for bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. The lake also allows for hand-powered and motorized boats, in addition to canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and stand-up paddleboards, which can be rented at the camp store.

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And if you’re a fan of archery, this is the Ohio getaway for you. The park features a free, public-use archery range with 10, 20, 30, and 40-yard targets that’s free and open to the public. It even allows for bow-hunting in designated areas during the proper season. 

The park supports five different hiking trails, in addition to thee miles of horse trails (that connect to an additional 26 miles in the nearby Blue Rock State Forest), and even an orienteering trail where visitors can hone their outdoor navigation skills, if they’re brave enough to do so.

If you like this, read: Hidden Gems: Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area

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