|
| Activity |
Facilities |
Quantity |
Fees |
| Resource |
Land,
acres |
2592 |
 |
|
Water,
acres |
664 |
|
|
Nearby
Wildlife Area |
yes |
|
| Day-Use
Activities |
Fishing |
yes |
|
|
Hunting |
privately
owned |
|
|
Hiking
Trail, miles |
10 |
|
|
Backpack
Trail, miles |
18 |
|
|
Picnicking |
yes |
|
|
Picnic
Shelters, # |
1 |
|
|
Swimming
Beach, feet |
500 |
|
|
Beach
Concession |
yes |
|
|
Nature
Center |
yes |
|
|
Summer
Nature Programs |
yes |
|
| Boating |
Boat
Rental |
yes |
|
|
Boating
Limits |
10
HP |
|
|
Fuel
For Sale |
yes |
|
|
Seasonal
Dock Rental |
yes |
|
|
Launch
Ramps, # |
5 |
|
| Winter
Recreation |
Sledding |
yes |
|
|
Ice
Skating |
yes |
|
|
Ice
Fishing |
yes |
|
| Resort
Facilities |
Family
Cottages, # |
30 |
|
|
Nature
Room |
yes |
|
|
Lodge
Rooms, # |
60 |
|
|
Restaurant |
yes |
|
|
Golf
Course |
privately
owned |
|
|
Tennis |
yes |
|
|
Indoor
Swimming Pool |
yes |
|
| Camping |
Campsites,
# |
109 |
|
|
Campsites
with Elec., # |
0 |
|
|
Pets
Permitted |
yes |
|
|
Showers |
yes |
|
|
Flush
Toilets |
yes |
|
|
Dumpstation |
yes |
|
|
Rent-A-Camp
Sites, # |
3 |
|
|
Youth
Group Camp |
yes |
|
Located in southeast Ohio, quiet and
remote Burr Oak State Park has a rustic country charm in its scenery of
wooded hills and valley farms. As one of Ohio's resort parks, Burr Oak
offers a wide array of overnight accommodations with its lodge, cottages
and campground. Burr Oak blends modern conveniences with the wilderness
spirit of Ohio
Nature of the Area
Burr Oak State Park epitomizes the wilderness character
of southeast Ohio. Miles of forested ridges and hollows comprise these
foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The woodlands support a variety of
wildlife including white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, box turtles and the
elusive wild turkey. The lake's shore is inhabited by the industrious
beaver and various waterfowl species.
The forest is comprised of numerous hardwoods but is dominated by stately
oaks and hickories. In autumn, the forest displays spectacular fall colors
as leaves turn to deep reds, brilliant yellows and burnt oranges. Woodland
wildflowers are equally as impressive in the spring when violets,
Dutchman's breeches, trillium, rare orchids, bloodroot and hepatica are in
bloom.
History of the Area
Situated in the valley of Sunday Creek, the Burr Oak
area was inhabited by Indians and, later, by settlers who found an
abundance of game animals and the resources necessary for survival in the
Ohio wilderness.
Coal, one of Ohio's most important mineral resources, was mined here for
many years. As mining operations expanded, mining towns grew and
prospered. Few of these mining towns were as notorious as the village of
Santoy.
Many colorful tales were told of life in Santoy. In the true spirit of
frontier life, so the story goes, a gunfight was once held over a $20
debt. The street was cleared as the two participants met for a showdown.
The ensuing battle left both men lying in the street--one dead and the
other critically wounded. The "Old West" came to life in Ohio
when the coal company payroll was robbed by bandits who made a
horse-mounted getaway through the town.
Countless other tales live on, but Santoy could not. A fire in 1924
destroyed the coal tipple and several businesses. The loss was so
devastating that just three years later the second mine shaft shut down.
In November 1931, the nineteen remaining voters decided to abandon the
town. Today, only the church, the town's first building, still stands as a
reminder of days gone by.
In 1950 Burr Oak Lake was created by the construction of the Tom Jenkins
Dam across the east branch of Sunday Creek. Two years later, Burr Oak was
dedicated as a state park.
Lodge
Burr Oak Lodge, overlooking the lake from the east,
offers sixty guest rooms, five meeting rooms, a dining room, full-service
lounge and gift shop. Facilities for lodge and cottage guests include a
swimming beach, tennis courts, playground equipment, boat launch ramp and
an indoor swimming pool.
Cottages
There are thirty family cottages situated near the
lodge in the wooded hills overlooking the lake. Each cottage sleeps six
people, has a bath with a shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining
area and screened porch. Linens, towels and cooking and eating utensils
are furnished.
Camping
There are 90 non-electric campsites to accommodate
campers. The campground offers showers, flush toilets and a dump station.
Fifteen primitive sites are offered at Dock #2 and eight primitive sites
at Dock #3. Three Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly,
cooler, cook stove and other equipment can be rented during the summer
months by reservation. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites.
Boating
A ten horsepower limit for boats is in effect on Burr
Oak Lake. Five launch ramps provide access to the lake. Boat rentals, fuel
and seasonal dock rentals are offered.
Fishing and Hunting
The lake is well known for its catches of largemouth
bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Hunting is permitted in designated
areas of the park and in the adjacent Wayne National Forest and wildlife
areas. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required.
Swimming
A public swimming beach offers enjoyment for swimmers
and sunbathers. A bathhouse, showers, changing booths and a snack bar are
provided. An indoor pool is available for lodge and cottage guests only.
Trails
Twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, including a
portion of the state's Buckeye Trail, take hikers to scenic vistas and
unique rock outcroppings. Backpackers will find the Burr Oak Backpack
Trail challenging and enjoyable. This eighteen-mile loop trail winds
around the lake shore and offers primitive campsites and drinking water at
several locations along the route.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are located in scenic areas of the park
and offer tables and grills.
Area Attractions
A portion of Wayne National Forest borders the park
near the dam. The U.S. Forest Service operates a 19-unit family camp at
Burr Oak Cove, off S.R. 13. Wildcat Hollow Backpack Trail, located on
Morgan County Road 58, is also operated by the U.S. Forest Service and can
be accessed by the park's backpack trail to extend the route.
Sunday Creek Wildlife Area, consisting of fifteen separate areas, borders
the park as well. Two other state wildlife areas are located
nearby--Trimble, six miles west and Wolf Creek, six miles east. Strouds
Run State Park, on U.S. 50 east of Athens, provides facilities for
fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking and boating.
State Route 78 between Glouster and McConnelsville earns its nickname
"Rim of the World" as one of the most scenic drives in the
state.
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