Great Council State Park
Ohio’s Newest State Park
Great Council State Park (opened 2022) commemorates Chalahgawtha, a major Shawnee town where Tecumseh grew up. The visitor center tells the story of Indigenous peoples and the Shawnee legacy.
Visitor Center
State-of-the-art Shawnee History Museum with interactive exhibits, artifacts, and rotating displays. Open year-round.
Trails
| Trail | Length |
|---|---|
| Great Council Trail | 2.5 miles |
| River Views | Overlooks of Little Miami River |
No Camping
Day-use only with visitor center and trails. For camping nearby, try John Bryan State Park.
Why is this park significant?
This site was Chalahgawtha, the most important Shawnee town. Tecumseh, Blue Jacket, and other notable Shawnee figures lived here.
Things to Do
Ohio state parks feature glacier-carved gorges, extensive cave systems, Lake Erie shoreline, and rolling Appalachian foothills. Activities include hiking through dramatic gorges at Hocking Hills (one of the most visited state parks in the Midwest), swimming at Lake Erie beaches and quarry-turned-swimming-holes, fishing for walleye and bass, camping in forested settings, kayaking scenic rivers, mountain biking extensive trail systems, exploring caves and caverns, golfing at park courses, and winter sports including cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (October) is the prime season — Ohio’s hardwood forests produce spectacular foliage, especially at Hocking Hills and Cuyahoga Valley. Summer (June–August) is peak season for Lake Erie beaches, lake swimming, and camping. Spring brings waterfall peak flow and wildflowers in the gorge parks. Winter offers peaceful hiking and frozen waterfall scenery at Hocking Hills. Hocking Hills is the most visited park and requires advance reservations for most activities.
Visitor Tips
Ohio state parks are free to enter — no admission fees or vehicle passes. Camping and lodge reservations through the Ohio DNR system. Hocking Hills State Park reaches capacity regularly on weekends — visit mid-week or arrive early. The lodge at Hocking Hills and Salt Fork offer comfortable indoor stays. Ohio is one of the most camping-friendly states in the nation, with extensive campground options.
Explore More Ohio State Parks
Great Council State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Ohio. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
