(Last Updated On: March 27, 2023)
Public beach area viewed from across Cutler Lake at Blue Rock State Park

Public beach area viewed from across Cutler Lake at Blue Rock State Park. Photo: Dustin M. Ramsey, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

Picturesque Blue Rock State Park lies along Cutler Lake surrounded by rugged hills and acres of oak/hickory forest.

This serene area, just 70 miles east of Columbus offers visitors opportunities for camping, hiking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and bird watching.

Guests also love to follow the trails, by foot or horseback, into the adjoining 4,573 acre Blue Rock State Forest.

Activities

Come spend a few peaceful and relaxing days inside this scenic Ohio state park. Blue Rock State Park not only offers trails, camping, lakeside activities, and picnic areas, but also access into Blue Rock State Forest.

Explore the trails, spend some time on the lake, and bring a picnic (or pick up something at the seasonal camp store) and take a break at one of the parkโ€™s comfortable picnic areas.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Blue Rock State Park:

Boating at Blue Rock State Park

Bring your canoe, kayak, or electric powered boat and spend a peaceful day out on Cutler Lake. An accessible boat launch is available along the 15-acre lake. Seasonal rentals of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats are available at the camp store.

Swimming at Blue Rock State Park

Take a refreshing dip in Cutler Lake during your visit to Blue Rock State Park. The parkโ€™s 250-foot beach is located along the north end of the lake and is open to the public. Showers are available for registered campers as well as a camp store that carries snacks, souvenirs, and other supplies.

Hiking at Blue Rock State Park

Blue Rock State Park has 5 hiking trails, all a mile or less, that wind throughout the park, past the lake, and into the surrounding oak and hickory woodlands. All trails are considered moderate. The Orienteering Trail invites guests to practice their map and compass skills. This unique trail was created by the local Eagle Scouts.

Horseback Riding at Blue Rock State Park

Blue Rock State Park offers 3 miles of bridle trails for guests who bring their own horses into the park. These trails extend into nearby Blue Rock State Forest and connect to another 26 miles of rugged trails.

The park also features equestrian campsites so that guests may stick around and enjoy the trails and the area for more than a few hours.

Archery at Blue Rock State Park

Do you have your own archery equipment? Blue Rock State Parkโ€™s archery range is free to use for those who bring their own gear. The range features 10, 20, 30, and 40-yard targets.

Fishing at Blue Rock State Park

Spend a peaceful day fishing from boat or shore on Cutler Lake inside Blue Rock State Park. Catfish, bass, trout, and bluegill are popular catches here. Make sure you pick up an Ohio fishing license before heading into the park.

Hunting at Blue Rock State Park

Seasonal bow hunting is allowed within designated areas at Blue Rock State Park. For more information contact the park and also be sure to pick up an Ohio hunting license.

Birding at Blue Rock State Park

Donโ€™t forget to bring your bird list, camera, and binoculars with you when you visit Blue Rock State Park. Throughout the parkโ€™s rugged hills, thick forest, and along the lake you will have many opportunities to see White-throated Sparrows, American Goldfinches, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, Blue Jays, Carolina Wrens, American Robins, Blue-winged Warblers, Summer Tanagers, Mourning Doves, American Crows, and Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers.

Nature and Wildlife at Blue Rock State Park

Millions of years ago this area was a shallow inland sea. Remnants of this sea can be seen throughout the areaโ€™s bedrocks of limestone, shale, and sandstone. A blue-colored shale found within the park prompted the name Blue Rock State park.

When the first settlers arrived here most of the state was covered with thick forests. But by the early 1900s only 12% of this original forest still existed. However, since farmers were forced to abandon their lands during the Great Depression, much of the forest grew back throughout the state. This includes Blue Rock State Forest, an area of 4,573 acres of lush oak and hickory forest, that surrounds Blue Rock State Park.

Guests exploring this serene area will also discover beautiful woodland wildflowers, ferns, mosses, and white-tailed deer, squirrels, and many species of birds.

Pets

Well behaved pets are allowed within designated areas at Blue Rock State Park. Please supervise your pets and keep them on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet.

Camping

Blue Rock State Park features a cozy family campground with non-electric sites, Sherman Cabins, and an equestrian camping area. Each site inside the park has a picnic table and fire ring, and access to water, restrooms, and a dump station. And all campsites are pet friendly.

The campground also has a playground and a seasonal camp store with showers for registered guests, plus camping supplies, snacks, ice, firewood, and souvenirs.

Park Location

Blue Rock State Park
7924 cutler Lake Rd
Blue Rock, OH 43720
Phone: 740.674.4794

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Blue Rock State Park: