The rugged hills of southeastern Ohio provide the setting for Wolf Run State Park. 1,046 acres of scenic woodlands and cool, clean waters of the park offer visitors a quiet retreat in this remote area of the state.
Natural Features
Wolf Run State Park is nestled in the heart of the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau of southeastern Ohio. The hills in the park region remained untouched by the glacial advances that passed over much of the state more than 12,000 years ago. Nevertheless, meltwaters from the vast sheets of ice helped to permanently alter the topography of the area. Stream flow was greatly increased, hastening the cutting of valleys and creating the rugged terrain so prevalent today. The predominant bedrock in the Wolf Run region is sandstone deposited during the Pennsylvanian period, with alternating layers of coal, clay, shale, and thin limestone.
The Wolf Run area has been dramatically changed since the settlement of man. The original forests soon fell to the ax and were replaced with farms and villages. Fortunately, much of the forest has regrown and now covers 70% of the region. This second growth forest is mixed mesophytic, meaning that dominance is shared by a large number of tree species. White and red oak, tuliptree, sugar maple, beech, wild black cherry and white ash are frequent members of this forest type. Mixed mesophytic forests are renowned for their plant diversity including ferns, clubmosses, mosses, algae, fungi and lichens. These forests are in some ways the most ecologically exciting in the state. Deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, weasels, bats, black rat snakes, box turtles, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and great horned owls are among the many animals that make this area their home.
Camping.
A total of 137 campsites are located close to the southern shore of the Wolf Run Lake
72 electric sites
65 non-electric sites
Showers, laundry facilities and dump station are available
Picnic tables, fire rings and vault latrines are provided
Basketball hoop, in addition to playground equipment for youngsters
Camp office loans games and sporting equipment to registered campers
A walk-in group area with fire rings is available for use by organized youth groups on a reservation basis. It accommodates up to 150 people.
20-site primitive fly-in camping area is located on the north side of the lake, within walking distance of the 4,700-foot runway at the Noble County Airport
Activities
Boating
Boats with motors of up to 10 horsepower are permitted on Wolf Run Lake. A launching ramp and tie-ups are available on the south side of the lake, easily accessible from State Route 215.
Fishing
The 220-acre Wolf Run Lake is well known for large catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, trout and catfish. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in special areas only. Hunting map can be obtained at the park office. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are located in scenic areas of the park. A shelterhouse may be reserved online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Swimming
A 200-foot public swimming beach is located on the south side of the lake. Restrooms and changing booths are available.
Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.
Scuba diving is also permitted in the lake, except within the beach area. Proper equipment and marking of the diving area are required. Diving alone is prohibited.
Trails
Three distinctly different trails showcasing the diversity of the area.
Cherry Tree Trail .4 - Mile. This out-and-back-loop begins at the nature center providing opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation.
Lakeview Trail 1 - Mile. The trail skirts the lake, providing a pleasant walk from the campground to the beach.
Buckeye Trail 3.5 - Mile. This section of the Buckeye Trail passes along the 3.5 miles of the west side of the lake, then continues both north and south of the park
Winter Recreation
Under the proper winter conditions, visitors may enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
