Alum Creek State Park is a beautiful natural area of fields and forest just outside Columbus in Ohio. There are both land and water-based activities to enjoy at the park, as it consists of 4,360-acres of land and 3,387-acres of water. If you are in the area, there are many reasons that you should consider adding a day trip to Alum Creek State Park to your vacation itinerary or even spending the night there. Here are 10 awesome things to do at Alum Creek State Park Beach.
1. Go Camping
Many people simply take a day trip to Alum Creek State Park Beach, but there is also the option to stay for one or more nights to make the most of what the park has to offer. It is one of Ohio’s top camping destinations, as there are 297 family campsites, says Ohio State Parks.
There are some campsites in sunny areas, some in shaded forested areas, and some that overlook the lake. Each campsite is equipped with electrical hookups and heated shower facilities. The park also boasts five camper cabins and a group camp with a capacity of 100.
2. Take a Boat Ride
The main feature of Alum Creek State Park is its lake, so you should make the most of your time by the water. One of the best ways to do so is to take a boat trip across the lake.
There is boat hire available, and many of the campsites have a boat launch. Taking a boat trip is a fantastic way to relax, take in the stunning surroundings, and observe the wildlife. Alternatively, you can canoe around the lake. If you prefer something a little more daring, then you may want to give jet skiing a go.
3. Paddle or Swim
Measuring 3,000 feet, the beach in Alum Creek State Park is Ohio’s largest inland beach. There is a changing area and a concession stand at the beach. Some popular activities to enjoy at the beach include paddling, swimming, taking a walk, and playing ball games. The beach is only open during daylight hours, and there are some restrictions relating to where you can paddle and swim.
4. Enjoy a Picnic
Throughout this state park, there are multiple picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a picnic together. There are some larger picnic areas for people who like to be sociable, and some picnic tables in quiet spots for those who prefer to enjoy their picnic away from other tourists. According to the Alum Creek State Park official website, many of the picnic areas also have grills so that visitors can create hot food to eat outdoors.
5. Hike the Trails
One of the main activities to enjoy in Alum Creek State Park is the hiking trails, as there are more than ten miles of trails to explore. There are plenty of people who visit this state park simply to enjoy walking amongst the trees or along the banks of the lake. In addition to the main hiking trails through this state park, there are also some trails suitable for horseback riding and mountain biking. Around the park, there are 38 miles of bridle trails and 14 miles of mountain biking trails.
6. Go Fishing
Many people find fishing in tranquil surroundings peaceful and relaxing, and there are some fantastic spots in Alum Creek State Park that fit this brief. Around the lake, there are various quiet inlets and narrow coves that are ideal for fishing. Some of the fish species in the lake include bluegill, saugeye, bass, crappie, and walleye.
It is important to note that you will need a valid Ohio fishing permit to fish in this area. Visitors with the appropriate licenses can also hunt deer, rabbits, squirrels, and upland game in some parts of the park.
7. Go Flora and Fauna Spotting
Alum Creek State Park is home to a diverse range of flora and many woodland creatures, so it is the ideal setting to enjoy nature. The woodlands are filled with beech and maple trees, and the forest floor has a carpet of wildflowers, including wild geranium, bloodroot, and large-flowered trillium. Some of the animals living in the forest include white-tail deer, rabbits, woodchucks, and fox squirrels.
8. Try Some Winter Sports
If you choose to visit in the winter, then spending time on the lake’s beach and swimming in the lake are activities that are unlikely to appeal to you. However, that does not mean that you can’t have some fun at Alum Creek State Park. There are plenty of winter sports that you can enjoy during the colder months. Some of the winter sports include ice fishing, ice skating, ice boating, snowmobiling, sledding, and cross-country skiing.
9. Have Fun with Your Canine Friend
Alum Creek State Park is a dog-friendly destination, so it is ideal for those who like to take their dog on their vacations. Visitors can walk their dogs along the hiking trails if the dogs are on a leash and the owner cleans up their dog’s mess. The campsites are also dog-friendly, but the same rules apply. Along one section of the beach, there is a four-acre dog-friendly area where visitors can take their dog to play ball games.
10. Take in the Beautiful Surroundings
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and spend some time in beautiful surroundings, then Alum Creek State Park is one of the best spots in Ohio. In addition to the spectacular lake, the dense forests, and the forest floors covered in colorful wildflowers, it is also worth taking note of the eyecatching rock formations within the park.
The rocks and cliffs are a distinctive dark hue that is due to the mix of mud and carbonized plant material that formed the shale. An interesting feature of the park is the Olentangy Indian Caverns.
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