Rocky Fork State Park is a paradise for outdoor
enthusiasts. Unlimited horsepower boating allows for excellent skiing on the
lake which also provides catches of bass, muskellunge and walleye for skilled
fishermen. A scenic gorge, dolomite caves and natural wetlands add to the
popularity of this recreation area.
Nature of the Area
Rocky Fork State Park nestled in Highland County derives
its name from the stream flowing through the park. This stream, winding over
dolomite limestone, has eroded spectacular gorges and caves which we can enjoy
today.
Present-day Rocky Fork Creek flows through an ancient
valley. Blocked by glacial ice more than 12,000 years ago, the stream reversed
direction and rapidly cut the 75-foot gorge seen today. Caves in the region
formed as rainwater, trickling through the limestone, dissolved the bedrock.
Dolomite limestone is particularly vulnerable to this type of weathering.
Sullivantia, extremely rare in Ohio, blooms in the gorge. The small white
flowers can be seen from the moist cliff face in mid-summer. Other wildflowers
include wild geranium, jewelweed, yarrow and Queen Anne's lace.
Rocky Fork provides habitat for numerous waterfowl,
songbirds, raccoons, skunk, red fox and white-tailed deer. The wetlands in the
park are home to the green frog, bullfrog, opossum and muskrat.
History of the Area
Rocky Fork State Park is an area steeped in the rich
Indian history of Ohio. The land provided abundant game and a ready
transportation system in the nearby creeks and rivers. These same streams
provided access to the Rocky Fork area for the first settlers.
Plentiful water attracted a number of millwrights to the
Highland County region. During the 1800s and the early 1900s, at least six
different mill sites were established along Rocky Fork's banks. These mills
not only ground flour, but also cut lumber, carded wool and even wove
blankets. Water-powered industry was instrumental in the early development of
the locale.
The only mill remaining on the Rocky Fork is the J. A.
McCoppin Mill found just below the Rocky Fork spillway and operated until the
1970s. First built by David Reece in 1810, the earliest mill was washed out
during high water. Soon after the destructive flood, the present cut-stone dam
was built. These mills were the focal point of early rural life.
In 1897, surveyors for a proposed railroad came to the
countryside that would one day be the park. Local people had high hopes that
the new "Black Diamond" rail line would bring prosperity to the
area. The addition of rail transportation would enable the local mills to ship
flour and other mill industry goods all over the country. There was to be a
depot built in Rainsboro with a stockyard and telegraph office. Meetings were
held by railroad officials to secure a right-of-way from nearby landowners. A
town was planned near McCoppin's (at that time Costello's) Mill.
Unfortunately, the "Black Diamond" never got past the planning
stages, and the new town of Lodore never came to be.
The eastern part of Highland County has been a resort
location for many years. The "Seven Caves" and nearby Rocky Fork
gorge attracted visitors even in the mid 1800s. At the turn of the century,
Colonel Walter H. Hutchins, a regular visitor to the area from Cincinnati,
first dreamed of building a dam near McCoppin's Mill. He was the lake's
biggest promoter and saw construction begin in 1949. The first water spilled
over the dam in April 1953. Since that summer, thousands of people have
visited Rocky Fork State Park. The lake has become a favorite of fishermen and
water sports enthusiasts.
Camping
There are 190 campsites suitable for trailers and tents
at the northwest corner of the lake. The campground is equipped with showers,
flush toilets, laundry facilities, dump station, camp store and campers'
beach. Electric hookups are available at 130 sites, with an additional 20
sites offering full-service hookups. Pet camping is permitted on designated
sites in both the electric and non-electric areas. A launch ramp and tie-ups
are provided for campers with boats.
A separate group camp may be reserved by contacting the
park office. The recreation barn also may be rented. It contains meeting
space, restrooms, showers and a modified kitchen.
Boating
Motors of unlimited horsepower are permitted at Rocky
Fork. Sixteen boat launching ramps are located around the lake. Rental docks
are available for frequent summer visitors. A designated area is available for
boat camping.
Marinas
Three marinas are located around the lake. One marina
provides fuel; all three have launch ramps, docking space and parking. The
East Shore Marina includes a modern restaurant while a snack bar is provided
at North Beach.
Swimming
Two large public beaches with changing booths and
bathhouses are located on the north and south sides of the lake. A boat/swim
area is available for boaters.
Fishing and Hunting
Anglers will enjoy excellent catches of bass, bluegill,
crappie and muskellunge at Rocky Fork. A wheelchair accessible fishing pier is
located on the southeast side of the lake. Hunting is permitted in designated
areas. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required.
Trails
Four miles of hiking trails take visitors through cool
woodlands, scenic gorges and moist wetlands. A short trail near the campground
takes nature lovers to an observation station where excellent bird watching
can be pursued.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are located on the north and east shores in
wooded areas overlooking the lake.
Area Attractions
Fort Hill, south of Bainbridge off State Route 41, is
the site of a complex of Hopewell Indian mounds. These mounds are more than
1,000 years old and the site includes a museum. Serpent Mound, in northeastern
Adams County, is one of the most spectacular Indian earthworks in Ohio. Built
by the prehistoric Adena Indians, Serpent Mound is a 1,000-foot snake effigy
mound. Both of these sites are operated by the Ohio Historical Society.
Paint Creek and Pike Lake state parks are located within
a short drive of Rocky Fork. Both parks offer excellent camping, fishing and
hiking opportunities. Oldaher, Fallsville and Hillsboro Reservoir are areas
operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife and offer fishing and hunting.
