Located roughly halfway between the cities of Columbus and Newark in the center of the state, Pataskala, OH, is not far from expansive nature reserves where you can spend some time away from the city with your friends or family. If you are traveling around the area in your 2022 Ford Bronco and are looking for new places to visit, here are three fantastic state parks you should check out.
1. Blue Rock State Park
Located about 60 miles east of downtown Pataskala, Blue Rock State Park is a picturesque nature reserve covering an area of just over 320 acres. Established by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1949, this place offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, selective hunting, and swimming. This state park features a large campground with fully equipped sites, making it a great spot to spend a weekend away from the city with your friends and family.
Getting from downtown Pataskala to Blue Rock State Park takes a little over one hour by car along route I-70. Without a doubt, the main feature of this park is the 15-acre Cutler Lake, which is open year-round for different water sports. This nature reserve is also a great spot for hiking and mountain biking, boasting an extensive network of trails.
2. Lake Logan State Park
Sitting in the heart of the Hocking Valley and about 40 miles south of downtown Pataskala, Lake Logan State Park is an excellent destination to enjoy your favorite outdoor sports and recharge your batteries after a long week. Established in 1964 and featuring a 400-acre lake, this state park is open year-round between 7:00 am and 11:00 and can be reached in about 45 minutes by car along route US-33.
Ever since the Lake Logan reservoir was created with the construction of a dam across Clear Fork Creek, the surrounding areas have turned into a well-known recreational spot among visitors from Columbus and other nearby towns. Regularly stocked with bluegill, catfish, crappie, and bass, this place is an excellent fishing destination, as well as a great place for boating, kayaking, and swimming.
3. Buckeye Lake State Park
Considered the oldest state park in the state, Buckeye Lake State Park is one of the easiest and most popular day trips among Pataskala locals. Located less than 15 miles southeast of the city center, this nature reserve can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. With an area of over 3,300 acres, this place is a great spot for boating, swimming, picnicking, birding, and wildlife watching.
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Image via Blue Rock State Park.
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