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State Park Overview |
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Nature of the Area |
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Lake Alma lies nestled in the heart of the unglaciated hill country of Ohio. These hills are part of the Appalachian Highlands. Most of the rock layers are acidic sandstones, shales and coals with an occasional limestone member. Much time has passed since the region was first uplifted from the ancient sea that once covered Ohio--allowing for the development of many different habitats. Today, this region supports more than seventy percent of Ohios remaining woodlands on only one-third of the states land. Lake Alma contains a fine example of the second growth forest now covering this part of the state. In this area, the forest is mainly of a mixed oak composition.
With the advent of forest succession on surrounding farmlands, upswings in the population of deer, grouse, gray squirrel and other woodland species were encouraged. In the late 1950s, wild turkeys were reintroduced into this part of the state giving Vinton County the highest population of this species. Other valuable resources found at Lake Alma include a vast array of woodland wildflowers such as large-flowered trillium, wild geranium and hepatica. The forest floor is blanketed with a variety of ferns, mosses and lichens. The woodthrush, pileated woodpecker, great-horned owl and barred owl make this 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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A wilder country than this in early days would be hard to imagine. Rocks and intermingled forests, Indians, wolves, wild game and snakes were more numerous than interesting.
After the Treaty of Greenville of 1795, the Indian threat in the Ohio territory subsided, clearing the way for settlement. The first geological survey of Ohio revealed that Vinton County was rich in mineral resources. Millstone, coal and iron ore provided the resources for flourishing industries.
The charcoal iron industry spurred growth in this Hanging Rock iron region. From 1818 to the turn of the century, thousands of acres of woodlands were cut to fuel the 46 furnaces in the region. At its peak in the mid-1800s, Ohio was the nations leading producer of iron for implements and weapons. The millstones quarried along Raccoon Creek helped alleviate the dependence upon imported French and Pennsylvania buhrstone. The Raccoon Creek quarry was only one of eight millstone manufacturers in Ohio in the mid-1800s.
For a time, coal was an important Vinton County export. Its importance has waned in this century but continues to provide a boost to the local economy. The timber industry is the countys most important business today. Vinton County is the least populated and most heavily forested county in the state.
Built in 1903 by the late C.K. Davis, a wealthy coal operator, Lake Alma was originally constructed as an amusement park. The park then boasted a large dance pavilion, outdoor theater, a merry-go-round and several other rides. This attraction prospered only until 1910 and was later purchased by the city of Wellston for a municipal water supply. The city leases the area to the ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation for operation as a state park. |
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Area Accommodations |
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New Plymouth, OH
A truly unique and romantic escape from the Real World! Enchanting castle rooms and suites unusual cottages and Gypsy Wagon! Most have fireplaces some with Jacuzzis. Old World ambience throughout!
Price Range $45$275
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South Bloomingville, OH
Let nature entertain you! Whether you are sitting in the Hot Tub, OR relaxing on one of our log beds, OR just listening to the rippling stream, Or exploring the small cave on the property, NATURE SURROUNDS YOU!
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Local Visitor Information Web Sites |
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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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More Info | |
U.S. Geological SurveyNational Mapping Information Geographic Names Information System Query Results VINTON COUNTY, OHIO 349 Feature records have been selected from GNIS. Latitude is... |
Area Attractions |
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Lake Hope State Park is 24 miles north off State Route 278. Cabins, a camp area, dining lodge and other recreational facilities are provided there.
Lake Katherine State Nature Preserve in Liberty Township on County Road 60 is a 1,467-acre botanical preserve. Lake Katherine contains the largest and finest colonies of both the bigleaf and umbrella magnolias. The rich forested ravines of the preserve contain communities of hemlock, sweet gum, birch and beech. The drier ridgetops support mountain laurel, Virginia pine and oak. Many rare plants including several species of native orchids are found here.
Lake Rupert of Wellston Wildlife Area, four miles south of McArthur, provides excellent opportunities for fishing. Pike, largemouth bass and bluegill provide good catches while the wildlife area offers good hunting for rabbit, deer and squirrel.
Leo Petroglyph State Memorial is located southwest of the park on County Road 28. The area features rock carvings made by Fort Ancient Indians. Trails and picnic facilities are provided.
Buckeye Furnace State Memorial, located southeast of Wellston, is a reconstructed iron furnace of the Hanging Rock district. The complex includes the changing house, charcoal and casting sheds and the company store. |
Area Campgrounds | | Hidden Trails Campgrounds
542 Allen Rd
Beaver, OH
(740) 988-3251
| Ohio Parks Dept
Lake Alma
Wellston, OH
(740) 384-4474
| Noah's Ark Animal Farm
1527 Mcgiffins LN
Jackson, OH
(740) 384-3060
| Lazy Dog Camp Resort
1527 McGiffins Ln
Jackson, OH
(740) 384-3060
| Deerland Resort
974 Standpipe Rd
Jackson, OH
(740) 286-6422
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Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Williams Bait & Tackle
1268 S Pennsylvania Ave
Wellston, OH
(740) 384-6163
| Lakeview Grocery & Sporting
10346 State Route 279
Oak Hill, OH
(740) 682-3915
| Jeff's Bait & Tackle
259 Bridge St
Jackson, OH
(740) 286-0107
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Area Activities |
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Rockbridge, OH
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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