Picturesque Adams Lake State Park lies within Ohio’s bluegrass region surrounded by remnant prairies, oak hickory woodlands, and a small peaceful lake. This beautiful area, equally divided by land and water, is located near West Union only 70 miles east of Cincinnati.
Adams Lake State Park offers visitors a chance to boat, hike, fish, picnic, and explore inside Adams Lake Prairie State Nature Preserve.
Activities
Come spend a peaceful day inside Adams Lake State Park. Explore the trails, spend some time fishing or paddling out on Adams Lake, bird watch, picnic, and more while taking in the surrounding serenity of southwestern Ohio.
A playground, rest areas, and picnic areas with shelters, tables, and restrooms are scattered throughout this small Ohio state park to help make your visit more comfortable.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Adams Lake State Park:
Boating at Adams Lake State Park
Bring your canoe, kayak or other hand powered boat and spend a quiet day on the park’s small lake. Paddle, fish or just sit and listen to the sounds of nature all around. A small boat launch with access to the lake is located near the park entrance.
Hiking at Adams Lake State Park
Explore the oak hickory woodlands that surround Adams Lake and lead into the adjacent Adams Lake Prairie State Nature Preserve. The park’s ¾ trail circles the lake and extends into the adjoining nature preserve allowing guests access to more trails.
Adams Lake State Park also has a Storybook Trail. This easy ½ mile trail features a story (that changes throughout the year) spread along a picturesque walk for youngsters and the young at heart. A Free Little Library is located at the beginning of the trail where visitors may take a book or leave a book.
Fishing at Adams Lake State Park
Pack up your angling gear, pick up an Ohio fishing license and spend a peaceful day fishing at Adams Lake State Park. The park’s 47-acre lake provides guests with ideal fishing conditions for catching rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, and bullhead.
Hunting at Adams Lake State Park
Interested in bird hunting? Adams Lake State Park features 2 waterfowl hunting blinds and seasonal hunts managed by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
Be sure to pick up an Ohio hunting license and contact the park for more information.
Birding at Adams Lake State Park
Interested in capturing birds in a completely different way? Then head over to Adams Lake State Park with your binoculars, camera, and bird list. Summer and winter seem to be the ideal times to view many species of birds. During your visit keep an eye out for ducks, geese, herons, tanagers, hawks, orioles, robins, larks, woodpeckers, and more.
Nature and Wildlife at Adams Lake State Park
This beautiful rustic area was once home to roaming elk, buffalo, and bear. Today it’s easy to see birds, White-tailed Deer, turtles, and squirrels throughout the woods and prairie. Visit during the summer and you’ll also see colorful wildflowers such as prairie dock, purple coneflower, and little bluestem.
Pets at Adams Lake State Park
Pets are allowed within designated areas at Adams Lake State Park. Please supervise your pets and keep them on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet.
Camping Near Adams Lake State Park
Spend a relaxing day at Adams Lake State Park and then stay the night nearby. Here are a couple of state parks close to Adams Lake that offer overnight accommodations:
- Shawnee State Park, located at 4404 State Route 125 in nearby West Portsmouth, features the resort Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center plus a family campground, and cabins. This picturesque state park lies within the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest and is often referred to as the “Little Smokies.” Guests enjoy exploring the trails and swimming, boating, and fishing on the Ohio River, Turkey Creek Lake and Roosevelt Lake.
- Paint Creek State Park, located at 280 Taylor Rd in Bainbridge, features a family campground, camping cabins, and a small equestrian camping area. This beautiful state park lies within Paint Creek Valley surrounded by 5,652 acres of rolling hills, streams, and a 1,148-acre lake. The main campground area offers full hookup, electric, and premium deck sites that are pet friendly.
Park Location
Adams Lake State Park
14633 State Rte 41
West Union, OH 45693
Phone: 937.393.4284
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Adams Lake State Park:
