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State Park Information |
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Caesar Creek State Park
8570 E SR 73
Waynesville, 45068-9719
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State Park Overview |
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Nature of the Area |
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The park area sits astride the crest of the Cincinnati Arch, a convex tilting of bedrock layers caused by an ancient upheaval. Younger rocks lie both east and west of this crest where some of the oldest rocks in Ohio are exposed. The sedimentary limestones and shales tell of a sea hundreds of millions of years in our past which once covered the state. The parks excellent fossil finds give testimony to the life of this long vanished body of water.
The forests of the area are comprised of over 65 species of plants. Several major communities thrive in the area. A northern flood plain forest is found in the valley, while mixed associations of oak-hickory and beech-maple woodlands clothe the ridges and hillsides. Red-tail hawk, white-tail deer, raccoon, red fox and box turtle make the park 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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The wooded lands of the park were home to several early Ohio Indian cultures. While the Hopewells inhabited several sites in the state, their earthworks (known as Fort Ancient) on the nearby Little Miami River are among the largest and best known. This hilltop enclosure used for ceremonial gatherings is surrounded by three miles of earthen walls, constructed using animal shoulder-blade scoops and hides for transporting dirt. This Indian race lived in the region during a period from 300 B.C. to 600 A.D.
A later group, living on the site from 1200 A.D. to 1600 A.D., were known as the Fort Ancient Indians. These people lived in villages along several river systems in the region including Caesar Creek. Displays about the Hopewell mounds and the later cultures can be seen at the Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center.
Woodland Indian tribes such as the Wyandot, Miami and Shawnee also called southwestern Ohio home. Old Chillicothe where the famous warrior Tecumseh was said to have been born was located in Greene County, just north of the park. The Caesar Creek area was named for a black slave captured by the Shawnee on a raid along the Ohio River. The Shawnee adopted Caesar and gave him this valley as his hunting ground. Caesar lived in this area during the time Blue Jacket was war chief and was said to have gone on many raids with him.
Many of these Indian villages were located along an ancient Indian trail, part of which follows the ridgeline on the eastern side of the Caesar Creek valley. The trail was used by white settlers in the early 1800s, who named it Bullskin Trace. Later the trail became part of the Underground Railroad used by runaway slaves to reach safe houses run by area Quakers.
The Caesar Creek valley was impounded in 1978 by the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with flood control in the Little Miami River watershed. The 4,700-acre park and adjacent 2,500-acre wildlife area were dedicated that year. |
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More Info |
Area Attractions |
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Nearby attractions include the Blue Jacket outdoor drama, Kings Island amusement park, Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival, Fort Ancient State Memorial, and Little Miami Scenic State Park and Cowan Lake State Park.
The Little Miami Scenic River offers many canoeing opportunities and spectacular scenery.
A history of Ohios pioneers is illustrated throughout the Caesar Creek region. Remnants of their lifestyles are reflected today at the Pioneer Village situated around the Levi Lukens cabin built in 1807. Other buildings dating from 1790 are reconstructed on the site.
Caesar Creek Gorge, a state nature preserve operated by the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, features a 180 foot deep gorge displaying unique geologic formations. Visitation during daylight hours only. |
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From Cleveland, Ohio I-71 South to State Route 73. Turn right on State Route 73, park entrance is approximately 6 miles on the right. Campground Left on State Route 73, left on State Route 380, left on Center Road.
From Columbus, Ohio I-71 South to State Route 73. Turn right on State Route 73, park entrance is approximately 6 miles on the right. Campground Left on State Route 73, left on State Route 380, left on Center Road.
From Cincinnati, Ohio I-71 North to State Route 73. Turn Left on State Route 73, park entrance is approximately 6 miles on the right. Campground Right on State Route 73, left on State Route 380, left on Center Road.From Toledo, Ohio I-75 South to State Route 73, turn left (East), follow through Waynesville, the main park entrance will be on the left.
From Lebanon, Ohio State route 42 North, turn right on State Route 73, follow State Route 73, the main park entrance will be on the left. |
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Area Activities |
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Offical Guide to Southeastern Ohios Scenic Wonderland, the Hocking Hills. The 9 State Parks and State Forests. How to get there, things to do, interesting local merchants, what to see, places to stay. Reserve your cabin or campsite online! |
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