Nestled in the rolling foothills of Athens County, Strouds Run State Park spans 2,606 acres of rugged Appalachian woodland just minutes from Ohio University’s campus. The park wraps around Dow Lake, a 161-acre reservoir that serves as the centerpiece for paddling, fishing, and swimming throughout the warmer months.

Hikers will find over 20 miles of trails winding through dense hardwood forests and along sandstone ridgelines. The Backpack Trail offers a challenging 12-mile loop with backcountry camping spots for those looking to spend a night deep in the woods. Mountain bikers share several multi-use trails that roll through steep, technical terrain — a draw for riders across southeastern Ohio.

Dow Lake itself is a quiet-water gem, perfect for kayaking and canoeing without the noise of motorboats (electric motors only). Largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish keep anglers busy, and a small sand beach at the lake’s edge gives families an easy place to cool off in summer.

The park’s proximity to Athens means you’re never far from local restaurants and shops, but once you’re on the trails, the dense canopy and hilly terrain make the outside world disappear. Fall brings exceptional color to these Appalachian hardwoods — mid-October is peak — while spring wildflower season carpets the forest floor from late April through May.

Strouds Run is one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets for a weekend of hiking, paddling, and genuine quiet in a landscape that feels wilder than its modest acreage suggests.

Explore Nearby

• Wayne National Forest — National Forest in Ohio
• Hocking Hills Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Ohio
• Scenic Olentangy Heritage Corridor — Scenic Byway in Ohio
• Bennett’s Mill Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Kentucky
• Oldtown Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Kentucky