6/21/2023 0 Comments East fork state park![]() ![]() The BPT’s red blazes are faded, but still easy to spot and generally plentiful enough. The first intersection is well marked and BPT heads off to the right. A wildlife viewing shelter is visible to the left. Watch your step though as it appears a small child positioned the first individual boards. The worst sections are covered with a low boardwalk which keeps you out of the worst of it. The trail starts out wide and can lay sloppy until the first turn. To the right of the latrine, trailhead kiosk and a picnic table, the Backpack Trail (BPT) heads out to the north. The Trailhead can be a busy place in season with multiple options for both hikers and mountain bikers all beginning at the same parking lot. The Backpack Trail is an out and back route with a “lollipop” loop at the end. Beyond waterfowl on the lake and songbirds in the forest, I also spotted turkey and pileated woodpeckers on the hike. Much of the forest is relatively young, but there are some impressive trees, especially in the steeper creek valleys.ĭeer and raccoon call the park home, but the variety of birds was more impressive to me. In spots, the understory promises to be thick with spring wildflowers. Hillsides are thick with oak, hickory, beech and maple while the wetter areas lean toward sycamore, elm and silver maple. The diverse topography results in diverse flora and fauna. The Backpack Trail meanders through resulting forested hills and rocky creek valleys, along with some flat stretches through swamp forest. Specifically, Illinoian glacial deposits are located in the park and surrounding area. ![]() Conditions can be bad enough that I felt it best to not promote it on this site at this time.Įast Fork State Park, like much of southwest Ohio, was shaped by glaciers advancing and retreating. However, the Perimeter Trail is a multi-use trail that is extremely rough and/or muddy from significant equestrian traffic. Other facilities of the park include a beach, nature center, picnic shelters, campground and trails for horses, mountain bikes, hiking and not one, but two trails for backpacking. At 2,160 acres, this flood control reservoir is a major natural feature of the park. The park is named after the East Fork of the Little Miami River, which was impounded in 1978 creating William Harsha Lake. The Backpack Trail is located within 4,870-acre East Fork State Park in Clermont County. Maps: ODNR East Fork State Park trail map There are several seasonal streams along the route and East Fork Lake is often in sight for those that really want to treat or filter their water. There is none at the Trailhead or on the trail. Water: Potable water is available at the park office. Older latrines at the campsites have been removed and there are no plans to replace them at this time. The two campsites have small shelters, fire rings and flat areas for tents. Portions of the trail are open to mountain bikes. The trail surface is dirt, typically well drained though there are sections that lay wet. Much of the trail co-exists with the blue blazed Buckeye Trail. The trail is well marked with red blazes and signage at major intersections. The trailhead has gravel parking, ample signage, a map and a latrine. Trail Facilities: Restrooms are available at the park office ¼ mile from the trailhead. After seven miles, left on Old State Rt 125 then left on Elklick Rd to either the Park office or the Trailhead. In five miles, take exit for OH-222 South. At least during Covid, the permit is self-issued and available just outside of the park’s office.Ĭontact: Park office (513) 734-2730. Permit/Fees: There are no fees to camp, though a permit is required. Length: 16 miles, out and back with a loop at the far end.ĭifficulty: Hiking is moderate with a few short, steep climbs. A Full Trail Guide downloadis now available. ![]()
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