Hocking County is a stunning region in Ohio, primarily known for Hocking Hills State Park. While this state park in Ohio is gorgeous, it's not the only one in Hocking County that belongs on your bucket list. Heck, it's not even the only state park in Logan, Ohio! Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to Lake Logan State Park, an underrated attraction in one of Ohio's most memorable small towns.
With just over 7,000 residents across a five square mile space, Logan is a community that will instantly feel airy and open. The population density is about 1,523 people per square mile — for contrast, Cleveland has a density of 4,793 people per square mile. Compared to even metropolitan suburbs in Ohio, you'll find that live just moves at a slower pace in Logan.
This area, believe it or not, is something of a musical haven. Logan is home to one of the only remaining washboard manufacturing companies in the nation, and their annual Washboard Music Festival in June is a weird and wonderful nod to this strange claim to fame. In July, the Diamond Music Festival takes place on the banks of Lake Logan.
Interestingly, Lake Logan is a man-made feature in a nature-rich region. By damming a tributary of the Hocking River in 1955, Lake Logan was intentionally crafted for recreational enjoyment. While it was originally known as Hocking Lake, it has since been renamed to avoid confusion with the more-famous state park in town.
Today, the 400-acre lake is the crown jewel of Lake Logan State Park. People flock here for fishing, boating, and swimming, but there's a great deal of nature-based activities that make the park special. A stretch of the Buckeye Trail runs through the park, and the one-mile Pine Vista Hiking Trail circles a hilltop and provides a stunning vantage point for visitors.
Birding is also a popular activity at the lake. As with any body of water, visitors can expect to encounter waterfowl like ducks, geese, and heron. With gorgeous wooded trails, a wide variety of birds — from songbirds to raptors — can be seen. As the sun bleeds into the horizon, owls are also a common sight here.
While swimming is one of the best summertime activities in the park, there's something special here throughout each and every season. As fall arrives, gorgeous and rich foliage erupts around the lake, and its reflection in the rippling water is like a nature-made watercolor painting. Once snow blankets the region, sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing are popular features in the park. And, of course, come spring, watching flowers bloom around the lake is a treat like no other.
No matter which season you visit in, you're going to love Lake Logan State Park. It's a gorgeous place to picnic and reflect, especially when autumn leaves are painting the local landscape in warm shades of rust. Plus, its proximity to Hocking Hills State Park makes it an excellent place to unplug and take it easy after knocking out some more demanding hikes.
This state park in Ohio is absolutely breathtaking, and it's open to visitors all year-round. With 318 acres of land and 400 acres of water to explore, its landscape is easily memorable, and it's a brilliant escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
Want to make the most of your visit to Logan, Ohio? Be sure to check out our list of cozy attractions in the area. From welcoming cabins to wine nights, you'll love settling into this pretty region in The Buckeye State.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
