Twisting park and forest roads pass through deep ravines and dense
woodlands. Scattered shortleaf and pitch pines growing on the ridges were once a source of
pine tar for early settlers, hence the name Tar Hollow. Dogwoods, redbuds and a variety of
wildflowers color the hillsides in the springtime. Fall's pageant of color is spectacular.
Nature of the Area
At one time, Ohio was covered by a warm, shallow sea. As land rose
to the east, sand and gravel were washed westward into Ohio's waters. Southeastern Ohio's
sandstone was formed from this sediment. These sandstone hills are covered with a rich,
diverse forest. Oak and hickory prefer the dry ridge tops of the area, while sycamore,
black willow, buckeye and silver maple line the stream valleys. The forest not only
supports a variety of hardwoods but also contains a vast array of ferns, mosses, mushrooms
and wildflowers. Bloodroot, wild geranium, cardinal flower and Solomon's seal are typical
wildflowers found in the forest.
Surrounded by the rugged foothills of the Appalachian Plateau, Tar
Hollow State Park and surrounding state forest are characteristic of the wilderness that
blanketed Ohio in the days of early settlers. It is a stronghold for many exciting species
of wildlife. Numerous reptiles and amphibians, colorful game birds, songbirds and
secretive mammals can be found here. The timber rattlesnake, dwindling in Ohio due to
deforestation, holds on in Tar Hollow's forest. The five-lined skink, distinguished by its
brilliant blue tail, is found in the area along with the elusive fence lizard. Painted
turtles can be seen along the shores of Pine Lake while the lumbering box turtle inhabits
the dry land. Salamanders such as the red-backed, dusky, long-tailed and northern
two-lined thrive on the cool, moist forest floor. In spring, the wooded hollows echo with
the gobbling of wild turkey and the drumming of the ruffed grouse. Rare sightings of
bobcat have been reported in this unique, wild region.
History of the Area
This region was wilderness to early man. Indians and settlers both
found the land, especially in the valleys, to be rich and fertile. Many different Indian
tribes contributed to its history. From about 200 B.C. to 500 A.D., the Hopewell inhabited
the area. This culture left burial mounds that can still be seen. Later both the Shawnee
and Mingo claimed the area as hunting grounds.
In 1796, Nathaniel Massie platted a town on the Scioto River just
north of the mouth of Paint Creek which he named Chillicothe. One hundred of the first
lots were offered free to the first settlers. Farm lots in the area were sold for one or
two dollars an acre, in 100- to 200-acre tracts. The area attracted many Kentuckians and
Virginians. In 1803, Chillicothe became the state capital.
For a time, the ridges to the east of Chillicothe remained
wilderness because the hills were too steep to farm. But as the pressure for land and
lumber increased, the hills of Tar Hollow were gradually cleared and inhabited by marginal
farms. Life was difficult and settlers took advantage of every resource available. The
region derives its name from pine tar, an essential commodity in early Ohio households. It
was taken from the knots and heartwood of the native Pitch Pine tree to be used in the
home manufacture of balms, animal liniments, and lubricants for pioneer wagons and
equipment.
In the 1930s, the Tar Hollow region was purchased for conservation
purposes under a New Deal program, the Ross-Hocking Land Utilization Project. People were
given a new financial start in life and were encouraged to move to the cities. Most,
however, bought more poor ground outside the park and continued to live as they always
had.
During the Depression years, recreation facilities including the
15-acre Pine Lake and group camp were built by the WPA and NYA programs. In 1939, the Ohio
Division of Forestry accepted operational control of the land which was then known as Tar
Hollow Forest-Park.
When the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was created in 1949,
the Division of Parks and Recreation accepted land of several state agencies including the
old Division of Forestry. Tar Hollow State Park was developed from the earlier forest. The
park, today, is bordered by Tar Hollow State Forest -- Ohio's third largest state forest.
Camping
The campground is set in a wooded hollow near the lake. Twenty-eight
electric sites and sixty non-electric sites, both sunny and shaded are available. The
campground is equipped with showers, pit latrines and a dump station. Pet camping is
permitted on all sites. A group camp area is available for organized groups on a
reservation basis. Camping is permitted at five shelters.
Boating
Boating with electric motors only is permitted on the 15-acre Pine
Lake. The lake is perfect for canoes and rowboats. A launch ramp is located near the
beach.
Fishing and Hunting
Bluegill and other panfish provide good sport for the fisherman on
Pine Lake. Excellent hunting opportunities exist for squirrel, deer, grouse and turkey in
the adjacent state forest. A valid Ohio hunting and fishing license is required.
Picnicking
Picnicking is a popular pastime at Tar Hollow. The picnic areas
offer excellent scenery and a peaceful setting. Six shelterhouses can be reserved through
the park office, while the others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trails
Ross Hollow Hiking Trail, located near the camp, provides foot
access to the hills of Tar Hollow. The 21-mile Logan Boy Scout Trail (red blazes)
traverses the park and forest. A section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail (blue blazes) also passes
through the area. Bridle trails and a horse camp are located on the forest land. A
backpack camp is located at the fire tower.
Area Attractions
Tar Hollow State Forest is managed to provide timber, wildlife
habitat, forestry research and demonstrations of good forest management. During the spring
and fall forest fire seasons, the prevention, detection and suppression of wildfires
within the protection area becomes a major objective. Nearby state parks include Great
Seal (just north of Chillicothe), Scioto Trails (south of Chillicothe) and Hocking Hills
(near Logan). These areas provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Conkles Hollow,
a state nature preserve, is found within the Hocking Hills' region. Ross Lake, a wildlife
area operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife, offers good fishing opportunities.
Mound City Group National Monument, three miles north of
Chillicothe, includes 23 prehistoric Indian burial mounds, a museum and a visitor center.
Adena, the beautiful hilltop estate where Ohio's sixth governor, Thomas Worthington, once
entertained noted guests is now operated by the Ohio Historical Society. The mansion,
outbuildings and grounds are restored to appear as they did in the early 1800s.
Tecumseh, an outdoor historical drama, is presented during the
summer in the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater just north of Chillicothe. The drama depicts
the life of the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. Ross County Historical Society in Chillicothe
highlights the region's history. The Capital Room records Chillicothe's early years as
Ohio's first capital.
For additional information on local attractions, contact Ohio's
Division of Travel and Tourism at 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Dum-Ford
House Bed & Breakfast