nature's wonders
With lakes, caves, parks, and nature preserves, Jackson County offers countless ways to get out and appreciate nature's beauty.
Canter's Cave
The Elizabeth L. Evans Outdoor Education Center & Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp provides an environment for the social and educational development of youth and adult groups through resident camping, retreats, seminars and other programs and events.
1362 Caves Road
Jackson
Coalton Wildlife Area
Coalton Wildlife Area is a 1760-acre state wildlife area located 1 mile west of Coalton.
State Route 93
Jackson
Cooper Hollow Wildlife Area
Cooper Hollow Wildlife Area is a 5,744-acre state wildlife area located 4 miles northeast of Oak Hill.
5403 CH & D Rd.
Oak Hill
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.
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
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
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
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
“Jackson County's history takes us from the early indigenous people of southern Ohio, through the Civil War and the iron and salt industries. The region has a rich legacy of hard work that dates back hundreds of years.”
Emily Davis