|
| |
|
| Activity |
Facilities |
Quantity |
| Resource |
Land,
acres |
1058 |
 |
Water,
acres |
200 |
| Day-Use
Activities |
Fishing |
yes |
|
Hunting |
yes |
|
Hiking
Trail, miles |
5.3 |
|
Picnicking |
yes |
|
Swimming
Beach, feet |
500 |
|
Summer
Nature Programs |
yes |
| Boating |
Boat
Limits |
EMO |
|
Launch
Ramps, # |
1 |
| Winter
Recreation |
Sledding |
yes |
|
Cross-Country
Skiing |
yes |
|
Sledding |
yes |
|
Ice
Skating |
yes |
|
Ice
Boating |
yes |
|
Ice
Fishing |
yes |
| Camping |
Campsites,
# |
115 |
|
Campsites
with Elec., # |
109 |
|
Pets
Permitted |
yes |
|
Showers |
yes |
|
Flush
Toilets |
yes |
|
Dumpstation |
yes |
|
Group
Camp, capacity |
200 |
|
Rent-A-campsites,
# |
3 |
Tucked away in the rolling highlands of southwest Ohio,
Stonelick State Park offer a quiet retreat for visitors. The still waters
of the lake and stately woodlands provide the setting for a host of
outdoor recreational pursuits.
Nature of the Area
By studying the bedrock layers in Ohio, we can find clues that reveal
ancient seas, marshes or swamps covered all or portions of the state at
various times in the past. Remains of plants and animals that lived in
those waters littered the sea's floor and became entombed as lime
precipitated to the bottom. Eventually, the lime and other sediments
solidified into stone and uplifted forming dry land.
An arch formed in Ohio, during the time the Appalachian Mountains were
formed, known as the Cincinnati Arch. This dome-like feature of uplifted
bedrock passes through Stonelick. Several areas of the arch have been
exposed from erosion uncovering some of the oldest rocks (350-500 million
years old) in Ohio. The once entombed fossils are now exposed giving
Stonelick one of the richest fossil records in the state. The rocks of the
arch contain so many fossils of such diverse species that they have become
very famous and have attracted people from all over the world since the
early 1800s. Trilobite, brachiopods and cephalopods provide excellent
finds for fossil hunters.
Another interesting feature of the Stonelick landscape is the significant
stand of sweet gum trees. Normally, sweet gum is a subordinate tree but
co-dominates the woodlands of Stonelick with beech and maple. Substantial
colonies of dense flying star, purple fringeless orchid and Virginia
mountain mint--all uncommon wildflowers in Ohio--can be found in the park.
History of the Area
Stonelick State Park lies within Clermont County, the eighth county
established in the Northwest Territory. Settlement of the area began in
1798 when the towns of Bethel and Williamsburg were laid out. A
considerable amount of the early settlers came from Kentucky, Virginia and
Pennsylvania.
Several clashes between the settlers and Indians occurred here as the area
was situated between the Kentucky settlements south of the Ohio River and
the Indian villages along the Little Miami River. Legendary frontiersmen,
Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, were among those involved in the conflicts.
The town of nearby Milford was the site of the first Methodist church in
Ohio. Francis McCormick, a pioneer Methodist preacher, organized the
church in his cabin.
Clermont County was a vital link in the Underground Railroad as it was
just across the river from the "slave owning" states of Kentucky
and Virginia. The position of Clermont on the border made it the first
place of refuge for fleeing slaves. The county was also the birthplace of
Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant at Point Pleasant on the Ohio.
Land acquisition for Stonelick State Park began in 1948. A dam across
Stonelick Creek was completed in 1950. This beautiful park was originally
created to provide a wildlife area for Ohio's sportsmen. Now the area is
operated by the ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation and offers a variety
of outdoor recreational activities.
Camping
There are 115 campsites, all with electricity, at Stonelick's main
campground. The campground is equipped with showers, flush toilets, dump
station and laundry facilities. A primitive group camp area is available
for organized groups on a reservation basis. Pit latrines are found at the
group camp. Four Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining canopy,
cooler, cook stove and other equipment can be rented during the summer
months by reservation. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites.
Boating
Boats with electric motors only are permitted on Stonelick Lake. Two
launch ramps provide access to the lake.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting is permitted in designated areas. The lake is well known for
catches of bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. A valid Ohio hunting
and/or fishing license is required.
Swimming
A nice public beach provides enjoyment for swimmers and sunbathers on the
lake's south shore.
Picnicking
Picnic areas complete with tables and grills are located at many secluded
and well shaded areas around the park.
Trails
Over seven miles of hiking trails provide opportunities for exercise and
nature study.
Area Attractions
The village of Point Pleasant on the Ohio River is the birthplace of
President Ulysses S. Grant. Visitors can view the one-room cabin where the
18th President and Civil War general was born. The cabin is located at
U.S. 52 and State Route 232.
Cowan Lake State Park, north of Stonelick, offers camping, cabins,
boating, fishing, hiking and swimming opportunities.
Crooked Run State Nature Preserve is a river estuary that attracts a
variety of rare or unusual birds including bald eagles, ospreys and great
blue herons. Access can be obtained by written permit available from ODNR,
Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.
Click here for expanded information on this state park.
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