|
| |
|
| Activity |
Facilities |
Quantity |
| Resource |
Land,
acres |
290 |
 |
Water,
acres |
60 |
|
Creek,
miles |
0.5 |
|
Nearby
State Forest, acres |
2500 |
|
Nearby
Wildlife Area, acres |
1825 |
| Day-Use
Activities |
Fishing |
yes |
|
Hiking
Trail, miles |
3 |
|
Picnicking |
yes |
|
Picnic
Shelters, # |
3 |
|
Swimming
Beach, feet |
550 |
|
Beach
Concession |
yes |
|
Bike
Rental |
yes |
|
Nature
Center |
yes |
|
Summer
Nature Programs |
yes |
|
Programs
All Year |
yes |
| Boating |
Boat
Rental |
yes |
|
Boating
Limits |
EMO |
|
Launch
Ramps, # |
1 |
| Winter
Recreation |
Sledding |
yes |
|
Ice
Skating |
yes |
|
Cross-Country
Skiing |
yes |
|
Ice
Fishing |
yes |
| Camping |
Campsites,
# |
83 |
|
Campsites
with Elec., # |
72 |
|
Pets
Permitted |
yes |
|
Dump
Station |
yes |
|
Camper
Cabin Sites, # |
1 |
|
Group
Camping |
yes |
In the midst of some of Ohio's most rugged, scenic
territory lies Lake Alma State Park. A quiet lake and a gentle creek
meandering through a wooded valley provide a restful setting for park
visitors.
Nature of the Area
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 Ohio's remaining woodlands on only one-third of the state's
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.
History of the Area
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 nation's 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 county's 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.
Camping
Lake Alma offers 60 campsites suitable for tents or trailers. All sites
are wooded and have electricity. Pet camping is available on designated
sites. Facilities include pit latrines, tables, fire rings, dump station
and drinking water.
Boating
Non-powered watercraft and boats with electric motors only are permitted
on Lake Alma. A boat launch ramp is located at the northeast edge of the
lake.
Fishing
Bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish provide good catches in the
lake. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Trails
Approximately four miles of trail traverse hilltops and valleys offering
hikers a scenic view of the park. A 1-mile paved walkway/bicycle path
begins at the park entrance and ends at the park exit.
Picnicking
Scenic picnic areas with tables and grills are located throughout the
park. Three picnic shelters are located throughout the park. The picnic
shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Swimming
Two public beaches are located on the north side of the lake. Change
booths, latrines and parking are provided.
Area Attractions
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.
For additional information on local attractions, contact the Ohio Division
of Travel and Tourism at 1-800-BUCKEYE. |
|
