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State Park Information |
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Blue Rock State Park
7924 Cutler Lake Rd
Blue Rock, 43720-9728
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State Park Overview |
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Nature of the Area |
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The origin of Ohios bedrock materials can be traced back millions of years when the state was inundated by a shallow inland sea. Materials deposited by this sea formed the bedrock types now found in Ohio--namely limestone, shale and sandstone. The silt from these waters formed the sedimentary shale found within the Blue Rock State Park region. This blue-colored shale gave the park its name.
Before settlement of the area began, most of Ohio was in forest cover. By 1900, only twelve percent of the original forest remained. In the Blue Rock region, the rough terrain, poor soils and the economic woes caused by the Great Depression forced farmers to abandon their lands allowing them to revert back to forest. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources now maintains 4,573 acres of the Blue Rock State Forest surrounding the park. The forest is dominated by oaks and hickories. In the lush undergrowth, woodland wildflowers such as trilliums, cardinal flower and rare orchids can be found amongst a variety of ferns, mosses and lichens. Deer, grouse, squirrel and wild turkey are just a few of the woodland game which make the forest their home. |
Camping |
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Trails |
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Picnicking |
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Boating |
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Swimming |
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Fishing and Hunting |
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History of the Area |
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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 Mans Ripple, and the falls at that spot are called Duncans 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, Ohios 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 Zanes 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. |
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More Info | |
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources links users to its 13 divisions and to information about Ohios natural environment. | |
Ohio has 73 state parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences. | |
Parks ? Golf Courses ? Boating ? Canoe Rentals. Hunting & Fishing ? Bowling ? Skating ? Swimming Parks. Blue Rock State Park 7924 Cutler Lake Road Blue Rock, OH 43720 740/674-4794. Rugged... | |
Campgrounds & Cabins. Blue Rock State Park 7924 Cutler Lake Road Blue Rock, OH 43720 740/674-4794. Rugged hills and rich green forests provide the backdrop to Blue Rock State Park. Escape to... | |
Education-The Key to the Future! Click on topics to learn more about the Muskingum SWCD Education programs. Pictures from Teacher Workshop! Pictures from Water Festival at The Wilds 2001. Watch... | |
Remember 9-11-01. Home. Places America Directory. -+- Antiques & Crafts. -+- Auto Services. -+- Bicycle Routes. -+- Bed & Breakfast. -+- Cabins & Cottages. -+- Camping. -+- Covered Bridges. -+-... | |
Volume 123| Number 24 |Thursday, April 9, 1998. Back to the archives. Front Page. Feature Story Communications week begins with MC Alumnus By Christine Snell. News Editor. Several activities... | |
Volume 124 | Number 6 | Thursday, October 8, 1998. Marietta events. Oct. 8Oct. 16. Oct. 8. "Mississippi Queen Docks" 1-5 p.m. On the Levee, Marietta. Oct. 9. "The 28th annual Bob Evans... | |
Nonpoint Source Assessment Users Guide to Ohios Surface Waters, Bulletin 873-98, Appendix E NPS Impacted Lakes | |
Summer 1999. A Publication of Ohio State University Extension. Fairfield County. A Proper Watering. A good slow soaking is the best way to water your thirsty plants. A word of caution--in... | |
State Search List AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HA ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY. Ohio. ... | |
Zanesville Campgrounds and RV Services. Select the desired Campground or RV Service located in Zanesville, Ohio. Campgrounds Blue Rock State Park (614) 674-4794. Muskingum River Pkwy State... | |
Rest,relax and enjoy your privacy as you stay in this two bedroom, two bath, fully furnished luxury log cabin on a working orchard and vineyard. | |
Rivers potential unrealized Whats been done to help the river. July 2000 By Tom Hrach The Marietta Times thrach@mariettatimes.com With all its beauty and history, its rich bounty of wildlife... |
Area Attractions |
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Surrounding the park, the 4,573-acre Blue Rock State Forest offers hiking, trail riding and hunting opportunities. The Muskingum River is nearby offering fishing, boating and the opportunity to view several nineteenth century locks and dams located off State Route 60 on the Muskingum River Parkway. These are the only full system of hand-operated locks still in use in the United States.
Historic Zanesville lies north of the park on State Route 60. The famous "Y" bridge, spanning both the Muskingum and Licking rivers is in the center of town. The Lorena steamboat is available for cruises on the river at Zanesville during summer months. The National Road-Zane Grey Museum in Zanesville traces the development of the countrys first highway and features belongings of the famous native-born novelist Zane Grey. The International Center for the Preservation of Wild Animals ("The Wilds") is located only 10 miles away. |
Area Campgrounds | | Walkabout Creek
7375 Sugargrove Rd
Chandlersville, OH
(740) 674-6133
| Green Acres Grocery & Pizza
8635 Old River Rd
Philo, OH
(740) 674-6411
| Ohio Wolf Run State Park
16170 Wolf Run Dr
Caldwell, OH
(740) 732-5035
| Maple Lakes Campgrounds
4275 Blake Rd
Seville, OH
(330) 336-2251
| Chippewa Valley Campgrounds
8809 Lake Rd
Seville, OH
(330) 769-2090
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Area Fishing Related Businesses | | 313 Carryout
11844 Clay Pike
New Concord, OH
(740) 685-3333
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Use Mapquest and the following address to generate a custom set of directions from your location to the Park
7924 Cutler Lake Road, Blue Rock, OH 43720 |
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