Information
Landmark: Scioto Trail State ParkCity: Chillicothe
Country: USA Ohio
Continent: North America
Scioto Trail State Park, Chillicothe, USA Ohio, North America
Overview
Scioto Trail State Park sits quietly in southern Ohio, about 12 miles south of Chillicothe, where wooded hills roll toward a shimmering lake.The park sprawls across roughly 218 acres, tucked inside the vast Scioto Trail State Forest-more than 9,000 acres of thick, green woodland where leaves whisper in the wind.Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian region, the park treats visitors to a landscape of quiet wooded hills, winding valleys, and broad, sunlit views over the Scioto River Valley.The park’s landscape blends hardwood forests with rolling hills and still ponds that mirror the sky.It’s a calm, tucked-away spot-perfect for anyone wanting to leave behind the blaring horns and crowded streets of the city.Rolling hills and thick clusters of trees provide rich habitats for local wildlife, so the park’s perfect for spotting deer, watching bright red cardinals flit through the branches, or snapping a photo of a hidden owl.At Scioto Trail State Park, campers can choose anything from a back-to-basics stay under the stars to a spot with modern perks.The park offers 55 electric campsites with 30/50 amp hookups-perfect for RVs or anyone who likes the hum of a coffee maker in the morning.Primitive campsites: If you’re after a classic camping feel, you’ll find 18 walk-in, non-electric sites tucked near Stewart Lake, where the quiet is broken only by rustling leaves.Two rustic cabins are available to rent, giving campers who skip tents or RVs a cozy roof and a few essentials.They’re a comfortable middle ground, with wooden walls that smell faintly of pine, between roughing it and modern lodging.The campground offers pressurized water, vault toilets, an RV waste dump station, picnic tables shaded by pines, sturdy fire rings, and a camp store that opens during the warmer months.The camp store stocks the essentials-matches, trail mix, and a few cold sodas-and rents gear like paddle boats for gliding across the calm waters of Caldwell Lake.Caldwell Lake, the park’s centerpiece, offers plenty of ways to get out on the water-whether you’re casting a line from the dock or drifting across its calm surface in a boat.You can paddle out in your own kayak or canoe, rent one on-site, or cruise in an electric motor boat-the gentle hum replaces the roar of gas engines, which the park bans to keep the water calm and the air clean.From spring through fall, you can rent a boat right at the campground’s check‑in desk, a handy option if you didn’t bring your own.The lake teems with life-bluegill dart near the surface, bass lurk in the shadows, while catfish and trout glide through the cool depths.Thanks to its variety, it draws anglers of every skill level-whether they’re chasing trophy bass or just enjoying the quiet splash of a cast.You’ll need a valid Ohio fishing license, and the rules are in place to protect the fish so future anglers can still hear the splash of a bass breaking the surface.At Scioto Trail State Park, you’ll find several well-kept paths that highlight the area’s natural beauty, including the Church Hollow Trail-a tough, 2-mile trek through rocky ground, steep climbs, and overlooks where you can catch your breath and take in the view.3-C Trail offers a gentle, one-mile hike-perfect for anyone looking to wander beneath tall pines without tackling steep climbs.Friendship Trail is a short, easy 0.4-mile path perfect for families and visitors of any age, offering a gentle stroll where you can hear leaves rustle and take in the forest around you.These trails draw mountain bikers and trail runners alike, giving visitors a chance to slip into the varied landscapes of the Scioto River Valley, where the scent of wildflowers drifts along the path.Near the campground, you’ll find the park’s wading beach-a shallow stretch along Caldwell Lake perfect for cooling off on a warm afternoon.The beach welcomes visitors during daylight, offering a safe, easy place to swim or unwind with the sound of waves in your ears, but pets aren’t allowed to keep the area clean and safe.Along with boating and swimming, the park offers picnic spots with sturdy tables and warm grills, perfect for friends sharing a meal under the shade of tall oaks.Visitors can take advantage of the playground where kids race down bright red slides, shoot hoops on the basketball courts, or toss a few horseshoes in the pits.At Scioto Trail State Park, you’re welcome to bring your pet along, but keep it leashed at all times and clean up after it-yes, even that muddy paw print on the trail.This policy keeps the area safe and welcoming for visitors, while safeguarding local wildlife-from the quiet rustle of nesting birds to the dart of a fox in the brush.You’ll find the park at 144 Lake Road in Chillicothe, Ohio, and you can call to book a spot or ask about visiting-just listen for the friendly voice on the other end.You’ll need to book ahead for the campground and cabins, and the state park’s online system makes it easy-just a few clicks and you’re set.Scioto Trail State Park offers a mix of winding trails through tall pines, plenty of ways to get outside, and spots the whole family can enjoy.Visitors can tackle rugged trails, cast a line or paddle across Caldwell Lake, camp beneath a sky scattered with stars, or spread a blanket for a quiet picnic among the trees-the park packs in something for every kind of outdoor adventure.Nestled inside the sprawling Scioto Trail State Forest, it offers miles of protected wilderness-quiet trails where leaves crunch underfoot-making it a treasured escape for both southern Ohio locals and visitors.
