|
| Activity |
Facilities |
Quantity |
| Resource |
Land,
acres |
319 |
 |
Water,
acres |
400 |
|
Nearby
State Forest, acres |
9238 |
| Day-Use
Activities |
Fishing |
yes |
|
Hunting |
yes |
|
Hiking
Trail, miles |
1.5 |
|
Picnicking |
yes |
|
Swimming
Beach, feet |
527 |
|
Beach
Concession |
yes |
| Boating |
Boat
Rental |
yes |
|
Boating
Limits |
10
hp |
|
Seasonal
Dock Rental |
yes |
|
Launch
Ramps, # |
2 |
| Winter
Recreation |
Sledding |
yes |
|
Ice
Skating |
yes |
|
Ice
Fishing |
yes |
One of the best fishing lakes in Ohio awaits sportsmen
in Hocking County at Lake Logan State Park. The lake sports northern pike,
bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and saugeye. Lake Logan is a day-use park
that provides scenic picnic areas and secluded walking paths to enjoy the
wooded beauty of Ohio's hill country.
Nature of the Area
Much time has passed since the region surrounding Lake Logan was first
uplifted from the ancient sea that once covered most of Ohio. This
unglaciated plateau in the southeastern part of the state is Ohio's oldest
landscape as the glaciers never invaded the region. Lake Logan State Park
lies in the Hocking Valley, formed by the Hocking River. The Hocking was a
major outlet for glacial meltwaters. These waters deposited large amounts
of outwash material, primarily sand and gravel, which strongly affected
the type of biological communities present today.
The forest surrounding Lake Logan is for the most part an oak-hickory
association. White and black oak, tuliptree, shagbark and pignut hickory
are the most dominant species. The forest floor is dotted with a variety
of wildflowers such as fire pink, wintergreen, bluets and spring beauties.
Ground cover plants include greenbriar, blueberry and numerous ferns and
fungi.
Lake Logan is home to the raccoon, opossum, skunk, red-backed salamander,
gray squirrel, box turtle, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Many birds
frequent the area such as the turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk, barn owl,
pileated woodpecker, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, wood thrush and
scarlet tanager. Various species of waterfowl can be viewed during
migration.
History of the Area
Lake Logan is located in Hocking County in southeastern Ohio. This
territory once belonged to the Wyandot Indians, who had a large village
known as Oldtown on the Hocking River, one mile above the city of Logan.
Logan was established by Thomas Worthington in 1816 and named for the
Mingo Chief, James John Logan, who was well known at first for his
friendship with the whites and later for his bitter animosity toward them
following the murder of his entire family by a frontier trapper named
Greathouse.
The Hocking River provided sufficient water power for the purpose of
operating grist and sawmills particularly at the falls above Logan. The
town of Logan was slow to progress until the opening of the Hocking Canal,
a branch of the Ohio-Erie Canal, in 1838. Several industries prospered due
to the rich mineral resources of the Hocking Valley.
 The discovery of immense
quantities of coal led to the flourishing mining industry. Towns appeared
and vanished as quickly as mines opened and closed.
It was soon found that iron ore could be extracted from the sandstone
bedrock of the area. At its height during the Civil War, Ohio was the
leading producer of iron for implements and weapons. No less than
forty-six furnaces were firing in Ohio's six-county Hanging Rock Iron
Region.
The clay soils of the Hocking Valley helped Ohio become a leader in clay
products. The firebrick industry of the valley manufactured such products
as clay tile, building and paving bricks and clay sewer pipe. Evidence of
the industry can be seen in the many brick houses and abandoned kilns of
the area. Clay is still an important industry in the region.
Lake Logan was developed in 1955 for recreational purposes. The area was
administered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife until 1964, when
jurisdiction was transferred to the Division of Parks and Recreation.
Originally known as Hocking Lake, it was re-named Lake Logan to reflect
the Indian heritage of the area and to avoid confusion with nearby Hocking
Hills State Park and Forest.
Boating
Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted on the lake. A speed
limit of 10 mph is enforced. Sailboating is also popular. Boat tie-ups can
be rented at the park office. A launch ramp and boat tie-ups for
picnicking fishermen are conveniently located at four of the many picnic
areas in the park. Boat docks are also available on a rental basis.
Fishing and Hunting
The lake has abundant populations of bluegill, crappie, bass, muskie,
catfish, northern pike and saugeye. Fox, squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, deer,
waterfowl, turkey and ruffed grouse may be hunted in season. A valid Ohio
fishing and/or hunting license is required.
Trails
Across Lake Logan Road from the beach, the one-mile Pine Vista Hiking
Trail circles a hilltop, providing opportunities for nature study and
wildlife observation. A section of the Buckeye Trail runs through the
northwest end of the park toward Hocking Hills State Forest.
Picnicking
There are many picnic areas with large parking lots around the lake. Most
areas have drinking water, grills and restrooms available. The picnic
areas on the northwest and south shores of the lake have boat tie-ups for
fishermen. Fires are permitted in grills only.
Swimming
A 527-foot public swimming beach is located on the north shore of the lake
on Lake Logan Road (C.R. 3). Facilities include a concession area,
drinking water, restrooms and change booths.
Area Attractions
Hocking Hills State Park and Forest are located southwest of Lake Logan.
Points of interest at Hocking are Old Man's Cave, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar
Falls, Ash Cave and Rock House. The Hocking Hills Dining Lodge in the Old
Man's Cave area is open from April 1 to November 30. A pool at the dining
lodge is open to the public during the summer months. Cabins, camping
areas and facilities for picnicking and hiking are also provided.
Zaleski State Forest and Lake Hope State Park are south on State Route 278
off U.S. 33. Cabins, camping areas and facilities for fishing, hiking,
boating and picnicking are provided.
In Lancaster at 137 Main Street, is the Sherman House, the restored
birthplace of General William T. Sherman and Senator John Sherman. The
house is open to the public 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Monday, June to
October. An admission fee is charged.
Climb aboard an old-time passenger train for a leisurely ride through the
beautiful hills of the Hocking Valley. Two train rides depart weekends,
rain or shine from Nelsonville. The depot is located at U.S. Route 33 and
Hocking Parkway Drive. This service is available from Memorial Day through
October, on Saturday and Sunday only.
Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, north on U.S. 33, contains one of the
largest of Ohio's natural rock bridges. Conkle's Hollow State Nature
Preserve, 10 miles south on State Route 374, is one of the most
picturesque valleys in Hocking Hills. Sheer cliffs of Black Hand Sandstone
rise nearly 200 feet above the valley floor. Numerous waterfalls,
hemlocks, Canada yew and yellow birch are unique features of the preserve. |
