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Blue Rock State Park
7924 Cutler Lake Road
Blue Rock, OH 43720
(740) 674-4794
Park
Map
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| Activity |
Facilities |
Quantity |
Fees |
| Resource |
Land, acres |
335 |
 |
|
Water, acres |
15 |
|
|
Nearby State
Forest, acres |
4573 |
|
| Activities |
Fishing |
yes |
|
|
Hunting |
nearby
state forest |
|
|
Hiking Trail,
miles |
3 |
|
|
Bridle Trails,
miles |
26
nearby
state forest |
|
|
Picnicking |
yes |
|
|
Picnic Shelters, # |
3 |
|
|
Swimming Beach,
feet |
250 |
|
|
Beach Concession |
yes |
|
|
Summer Nature
Programs |
yes |
|
| Boating |
Boating Limits |
EMO |
|
|
Launch Ramps, # |
1 |
|
| Winter
Rec |
Sledding |
yes |
|
|
Ice Skating |
yes |
|
|
Ice Fishing |
yes |
|
| Camping |
Campsites, # |
95 |
|
|
Campsites with
Elec., # |
0 |
|
|
Camper Cabins |
3 |
|
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Rent-A-Camp
sites, # |
3 |
|
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Pets
Permitted |
yes |
|
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Dumpstation |
yes |
|
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Walk-in
Tent Camping sites, # |
15 |
|
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Group Camp,
units |
32 |
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Rugged hills and rich green forests provide the
backdrop to Blue Rock State Park. Escape to nature's solitude, and enjoy
the diverse flora and fauna of this scenic state park.
Nature of the Area
The origin of Ohio's 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.
History of the Area
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 Man's Ripple, and the falls at that spot
are called Duncan's 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, Ohio's 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 Zane's 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.
Camping
There are 101 non-electric campsites available for tent or trailer camping
in two separate areas near the lake. Pet camping is permitted on
designated sites. Latrines, picnic tables, water, dump station, fire rings
and playgrounds are provided. Coin-operated warm showers are available to
campers at the beach bathhouse. Three Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a
tent, sheltered picnic table, cooler, cookstove and other equipment can be
rented during the summer months. Three camper cabins are also available
with campstove, lantern and cooler provided. A group camp is available by
reservation for organized groups only. A primitive camp area is also
available. This walk-in "tents only" area is off Cutler Lake
Road. Register for campsites at the camp store, where snack foods, camp
supplies, sundries, souvenirs, ice and firewood can be purchased in
season.
Boating
Boats with electric motors only, rowboats and canoes can be used on Cutler
Lake. A launch ramp provides access to the 15-acre lake.
Fishing and Hunting
Bass, catfish and bluegill provide sport for the fisherman in Cutler Lake.
Hunting, though not permitted in the park, ispermitted in season in the
surrounding state forest. A valid Ohio fishing and/or hunting license is
required.
Trails
Several miles of hiking trails begin near the campground and picnic areas
of the park. Additional hiking trails are in the adjacent forest lands.
Horsemen can enjoy more than 26 miles of bridle trails through the Blue
Rock State Forest. No overnight facilities are available. You must provide
your own horse as no rentals are available.
Picnicking
Tables and grills are located in several tree-shaded areas in the park.
Three shelterhouses can be reserved by contacting the park office. Two of
these shelterhouses have electricity.
Swimming
A public beach is located on the north end of the lake. Swimming is
permitted during daylight hours only. Change booths, lockers, restrooms
and snacks are available.
Area Attractions
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 country's 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.
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