Rocky Fork State Park Features Spectacular Gorges, Caves
Sullivantia, extremely rare in Ohio, blooms in the gorge. The small white flowers can be seen from the moist cliff face in mid-summer. Other wildflowers include wild geranium, jewel weed, yarrow and Queen Anne’s lace.
Rocky Fork State Park is an area steeped in the rich Indian history of Ohio. The land provided abundant game and a ready transportation system in the nearby creeks and rivers. These same streams provided access to the Rocky Fork area for the first settlers.
Plentiful water attracted a number of millwrights to the Highland County region. During the 1800s and the early 1900s, at least six different mill sites were established along Rocky Fork’s banks. These mills not only ground flour, but also cut lumber, carded wool and even wove blankets. Water-powered industry was instrumental in the early development of the locale.
The only mill remaining on the Rocky Fork is the J. A. McCoppin Mill found just below the Rocky Fork spillway and operated until the 1970s. First built by David Reece in 1810, the earliest mill was washed out during high water. Soon after the destructive flood, the present cut-stone dam was built. These mills were the focal point of early rural life.
Present-day Rocky Fork Creek flows through an ancient valley. Blocked by glacial ice more than 12,000 years ago, the stream reversed direction and rapidly cut the 75-foot gorge seen today. Caves in the region formed as rainwater, trickling through the limestone, dissolved the bedrock.
There are 190 campsites suitable for trailers and tents at the northwest corner of the lake. Camping is $22 dollars a night with 6 people. The campground is equipped with showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, dump station, camp store and campers’ beach. Electric hookups are available at 130 sites, with an additional 20 sites offering full-service hookups. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites in both the electric and non-electric areas. A launch ramp and tie-ups are provided for campers with boats. A separate group camp may be reserved by contacting the park office. The recreation barn also may be rented. It contains meeting space, restrooms, showers and a modified kitchen.
The camp store has the best hand-dipped ice cream cones I’ve tasted. They also have miniature golf, playground areas and fishing at the campground.
Motors of unlimited horsepower are permitted at Rocky Fork. Sixteen boat launching ramps are located around the lake. Rental docks are available for frequent summer visitors. A designated area is available for boat camping. Three marinas are located around the lake. One marina provides fuel; all three have launch ramps, docking space and parking. The East Shore Marina includes a modern restaurant while a snack bar is provided at North Beach.
Two large public beaches with changing booths and bathhouses are located on the north and south sides of the lake. A boat/swim area is available for boaters. There is 2080 acres of water and 800 foot swimming Beach.
Anglers will enjoy excellent catches of bass, bluegill, crappie and muskellunge at Rocky Fork. A wheelchair accessible fishing pier is located on the southeast side of the lake. Hunting is permitted in designated areas. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required. Rocky Fork provides habitat for numerous waterfowl, songbirds, raccoons, skunk, red fox and white-tailed deer. The wetlands in the park are home to the green frog, bullfrog, opossum and muskrat.
Four miles of hiking trails take visitors through cool woodlands, scenic gorges and moist wetlands. A short trail near the campground takes nature lovers to an observation station where excellent bird watching can be pursued.
Picnic areas are located on the north and east shores in wooded areas overlooking the lake.
Rocky Fork also has sailboats that populate the lake and it’s very beautiful to see sailboats going across the lake. If you’ve never been to Rocky Fork plan a trip its a very beautiful lake. And if you have been there go again its always fun and peaceful.
