|
|
State Park Overview |
| |
Nature of the Area |
|
Adams Lake State Park lies in an area rich in natural diversity with many unique plants and animals. Wedged between the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the glaciated land to the north and west, no other area of Ohio boasts a richer abundance of plant species.
Known as the Bluegrass Region of Ohio, Adams County harbors scattered pockets of prairie communities, a remnant of the past when the great western prairies reached into Ohio. Sometime after the last glacial advance, the climate turned warmer and drier. It was during such periods that the prairie advanced eastward into Ohio. Purple coneflower, little blue stem and prairie dock provide an impressive display during the peak blooming season of mid-summer.
The glaciers which covered most of Ohio did not reach Adams County, but their effect is still evident. As the glaciers advanced and the climate changed, many northern species of plants expanded their range southward and remained after the glaciers retreated. White cedar and maidenhair fern represent two such northern transplants.
Before the glaciers advanced, a great river called the Teays flowed through Ohio. As the glaciers moved forward, they had a profound effect on the drainage system by blocking existing rivers. The ancient Teays River was blocked and its waters were backed up forming the Ohio River. The Teays River transported plants native to more southern conditions to Adams County. Mountain laurel is one
such traveler still found in the area.
Once teeming with elk, buffalo and bear, animals of the region now include numerous songbirds, as well as opossum, gray squirrel, raccoon and other mammals.
|
Trails |
| |
Picnicking |
| |
Boating |
| |
Fishing and Hunting |
| |
History of the Area |
|
The Adams Lake region was once inhabited by prehistoric and mound building cultures, most notably the Adenas and Hopewell. Internationally renown Serpent Mound, the hallmark of the Adena culture (1000 B.C.-100 A.D.) remains a mystery in regard to its origin and purpose. The historical site can be found north of the park near Locust Grove off State Route 41.
The shorter-lived Hopewell culture (100 B.C.-600 A.D.) created Tremper Mound, located along State Route 104 in adjacent Scioto County. Here, effigy pipes which were fashioned in stylized images of native animals were discovered in great numbers.
In more recent history, the powerful Shawnee Nation controlled this area until trappers and traders seized upon its abundance of furbearers. Pioneers followed in vast numbers as the permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory continued. Adams County was one of the original four counties of this huge district.
Adams Lake was originally constructed to provide drinking water for the village of West Union. When an alternative county water system was developed, the state purchased the lake and surrounding land in 1950. The 95-acre park is now operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. |
| |
| |
Area Accommodations |
|  |
West Union, OH
Counrty Inn and Restaurant located in the Appalachian Foothills of Southwestern Ohio. Featuring 9 Cabins, each with a whirlpool tub, fireplace, queen or king-size bed, heating and air conditioning.
Price Range $107$240
Web Site
|
|
| | B&Bs / Inns | |
Situated on 142 acres of rolling woodland and farmland with breath-taking vistas of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Murphin Ridge Inn is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway, family vacation or business retreat.
| | Cottages and Cabins | |
Situated on 142 acres of rolling woodland and farmland with breath-taking vistas of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Murphin Ridge Inn is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway, family vacation or business retreat.
|
|
Area Places to Eat |
| Fine Dining | |
Situated on 142 acres of rolling woodland and farmland with breath-taking vistas of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Murphin Ridge Inn is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway, family vacation or business retreat.
|
| | |
More Info |
Area Attractions |
|
Nearby Shawnee State Park provides overnight accommodations in their lodge and cabin complex as well as in a family campground with 107 sites. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only, but cabins and lodge rooms may be reserved by calling 1-800-At-A-Park.
Additional facilities include an 18-hole golf course along the Ohio River, two fishing lakes, picnic areas, swimming beaches and a full-service marina with Ohio River launch facilities. Surrounding the park, Shawnee State Forest encompasses the largest contiguous woodland in the state. This rugged wilderness is often called Ohios Little Smokies. The forest is primarily oak-hickory with Virginia pine on dry sites. Miles of forest roads provide access to the wilderness and scenic vistas. |
Area Campgrounds | | L & K Lake
1418 Oakleaf Rd
Sardinia, OH
(937) 446-2881
| Lively Lady Camp Ground
995 Us Highway 52
Aberdeen, OH
(937) 795-2210
| Mineral Springs Lake Resort
160 Blue Gill Rd
Peebles, OH
(937) 587-3132
| |
|
Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Chris' Bait and Tackle
107 N Main St
Peebles, OH
(937) 587-5021
| Lakefront Enterprises
2296 State Route 134
Sardinia, OH
(937) 446-3162
| Walsh Live Bait & Tackle
8048 Tricounty Hwy
Sardinia, OH
(937) 446-3148
| |
|
|
| | |
|
|
