One of the best fishing lakes in Ohio awaits sportsmen inHocking County at Lake Logan State Park. The lake sports northernpike, bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and saugeye. Lake Logan isa day-use park that provides scenic picnic areas and secludedwalking paths to enjoy the wooded beauty of Ohio's hill country.
Nature of the Area
Much time has passed since the region surrounding Lake Loganwas first uplifted from the ancient sea that once covered most ofOhio. This unglaciated plateau in the southeastern part of thestate is Ohio's oldest landscape as the glaciers never invadedthe region. Lake Logan State Park lies in the Hocking Valley,formed by the Hocking River. The Hocking was a major outlet forglacial meltwaters. These waters deposited large amounts ofoutwash material, primarily sand and gravel, which stronglyaffected the type of biological communities present today.
The forest surrounding Lake Logan is for the most part anoak-hickory association. White and black oak, tuliptree, shagbarkand pignut hickory are the most dominant species. The forestfloor is dotted with a variety of wildflowers such as fire pink,wintergreen, bluets and spring beauties. Ground cover plantsinclude greenbriar, blueberry and numerous ferns and fungi.
Lake Logan is home to the raccoon, opossum, skunk, red-backedsalamander, gray squirrel, box turtle, white-tailed deer and wildturkey. Many birds frequent the area such as the turkey vulture,red-tailed hawk, barn owl, pileated woodpecker, Carolinachickadee, tufted titmouse, wood thrush and scarlet tanager.Various species of waterfowl can be viewed during migration.
History of the Area
Lake Logan is located in Hocking County in southeastern Ohio.This territory once belonged to the Wyandot Indians, who had alarge village known as Oldtown on the Hocking River, one mileabove the city of Logan. Logan was established by ThomasWorthington in 1816 and named for the Mingo Chief, James JohnLogan, who was well known at first for his friendship with thewhites and later for his bitter animosity toward them followingthe murder of his entire family by a frontier trapper namedGreathouse.
The Hocking River provided sufficient water power for thepurpose of operating grist and sawmills particularly at the fallsabove Logan. The town of Logan was slow to progress until theopening of the Hocking Canal, a branch of the Ohio-Erie Canal, in1838. Several industries prospered due to the rich mineralresources of the Hocking Valley.
The discovery of immense quantities of coal led to theflourishing mining industry. Towns appeared and vanished asquickly as mines opened and closed.
It was soon found that iron ore could be extracted from thesandstone bedrock of the area. At its height during the CivilWar, Ohio was the leading producer of iron for implements andweapons. No less than forty-six furnaces were firing in Ohio'ssix-county Hanging Rock Iron Region.
The clay soils of the Hocking Valley helped Ohio become aleader in clay products. The firebrick industry of the valleymanufactured such products as clay tile, building and pavingbricks and clay sewer pipe. Evidence of the industry can be seenin the many brick houses and abandoned kilns of the area. Clay isstill an important industry in the region.
Lake Logan was developed in 1955 for recreational purposes.The area was administered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife until1964, when jurisdiction was transferred to the Division of Parksand Recreation. Originally known as Hocking Lake, it was re-namedLake Logan to reflect the Indian heritage of the area and toavoid confusion with nearby Hocking Hills State Park and Forest.
Boating
Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted on thelake. A speed limit of 10 mph is enforced. Sailboating is alsopopular. Boat tie-ups can be rented at the park office. A launchramp and boat tie-ups for picnicking fishermen are convenientlylocated at four of the many picnic areas in the park. Boat docksare also available on a rental basis.
Fishing and Hunting
The lake has abundant populations of bluegill, crappie, bass,muskie, catfish, northern pike and saugeye. Fox, squirrel,raccoon, rabbit, deer, waterfowl, turkey and ruffed grouse may behunted in season. A valid Ohio fishing and/or hunting license isrequired.
Trails
Across Lake Logan Road from the beach, the one-mile Pine VistaHiking Trail circles a hilltop, providing opportunities fornature study and wildlife observation. A section of the BuckeyeTrail runs through the northwest end of the park toward HockingHills State Forest.
Picnicking
There are many picnic areas with large parking lots around thelake. Most areas have drinking water, grills and restroomsavailable. The picnic areas on the northwest and south shores ofthe lake have boat tie-ups for fishermen. Fires are permitted ingrills only.
Swimming
A 527-foot public swimming beach is located on the north shoreof the lake on Lake Logan Road (C.R. 3). Facilities include aconcession area, drinking water, restrooms and change booths.