hiking/biking

Hiking and biking trails throughout Jackson County offer the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region in an up-close and personal way.

hiking

Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve

Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve is a magnificent natural area in southeast Ohio’s Jackson County.

The focal point of this preserve is a clear water lake surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs.

The rich Appalachian forest is cut by three deep ravines in which are found magnolias, eastern hemlock, sweet gum, birch and beech. The dry ridge tops support an association of mountain laurel, Virginia pine and oak. The preserve has many native orchids as well as diverse spring flora. Lake Katharine harbors the state’s largest and finest populations of both bigleaf and umbrella magnolia trees, both state-listed species.

1703 Lake Katharine Road
Jackson

Hammertown Lake

Jackson City Reservoir, also known as Hammertown Lake, is in Jackson County, approximately 70 miles south of Columbus. The north side of the lake is accessible from County Road 76 (State Street) and the south side is accessed by County Road 10 (South Street).

There is an electric motors only restriction on Jackson City Reservoir. There are three boat launches and parking areas around the lake.

Lake Alma State Park

In the midst of some of Ohio’s most rugged, scenic territory of Jackson and Vinton counties lies 292-acre Lake Alma State Park. A quiet 60-acre lake and a gentle creek meandering through a wooded valley provide a restful setting for park visitors. It is a friendly community park with walking trails and scenic views.

422 Lake Alma Road
Wellston

Jackson Lake State Park

Although relatively small, 106-acre Jackson Lake State Park boasts some of the most scenic country in Ohio. The park’s serene lake is a focal point for excellent fishing and provides the ideal setting for a peaceful retreat.

921 Tommy Been Road
Oak Hill

Buckeye Furnace State Memorial

Ohio has long been known for it’s Iron cities. Jackson County was a major producer of Iron in the 19th Century. From about 1830 to 1900, the Hanging Rock Iron Region (HRIR) which included Jackson, produced the majority of iron within the United States.

Although there are other furnaces in the area, Buckeye Furnace is the only totally restored site in Ohio. You can take a self-tour of the furnace area, look around the company store or visit the covered bridge on the property. Bring a picnic and enjoy the landscape around you.

123 Buckeye Park Road

Wellston

Leo Petroglyphs & Nature Preserve

Leo Petroglyph is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its series of petroglyphs, or rock carvings, ancient Indians chiseled into an outcropping of sandstone.

The age of these carvings is unknown. However, based on the symbolism and the amount of weathering of the generally soft sandstone, they probably are less than one thousand years old and so likely are the work of the Late Prehistoric period Fort Ancient culture, or of American Indians living in the region during the period European contact.

257 Park Road
Ray

biking

Eddie Jones Park

Located on Harding Avenue near Veteran’s Drive

Edwin A. Jones Park, more commonly known as Eddie Jones Park, was donated to the city by Eddie and Katharine Jones. The park was dedicated in July 1981. It features two shelter houses, picnic tables, playground equipment, pickleball courts, bike/walking path access, and a dog park.

There is a surface lot on site for parking.

1235 Veterans Drive
Jackson

Wellston Bikepath

The Wellston Bike Path is just under 2 miles, but when combined with the path around Lake Alma, you can make it a 5-mile round-trip. North of town, the path parallels State Route 349, making for a pleasant journey to and from the lake along a non-motorized route. At grade crossings include State Routes 93 and 349. The path occupies part of an old railroad corridor.

At the north end, park at Lake Alma State Park (422 Lake Alma Rd.). In Wellston, on-street parking is available.