Journal-News.com

State Parks: Great Seal

Location: 635 Rocky Road
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Contact: c/o Scioto Trail State Park
144 Lake Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601-9478
(740) 663-2125
1-866-644-6727 for camping reservations
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Location & description:

Great Seal State Park is dedicated to the wilderness spirit of Ohio. Challenging trails take visitors to scenic vistas of distant ridgetops and the Scioto Valley below.

Camping

• A 15-site campground offers pressurized water, vault latrines, playground, shelterhouse
• Campers with pets are permitted

Trails

• 22 miles of trails are available to hikers, mountain bikers, and horsemen
• The Sugarloaf Mountain Trail (yellow), 2.1 miles, climbs through dense maple-dominated forests
• Shawnee Ridge Trail (blue), 7.8 miles, comprises Bald Hill, Sand Hills and parts of Rocky Knob Mt. Ives Trail (orange), 6.4 miles, winds along Mt. Ives and provides several scenic vistas, the trail is strenuous
• 3 hiking trails (Grouse Rock, Spring Run and Picnic Loop) are available
• The Spring Run Trail may be used for cross-country skiing when weather conditions permit

Fishing & hunting

• Hunting is permitted in designated areas.
• A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnic areas

• A scenic picnic area offers water, latrines, playground and equipment.
• A shelterhouse is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Area attractions

• Nearby are Scioto Trail State Park which is located south of Chillicothe off State Route 23
• Lake White State Park which is located near Waverly on State Route 220
• Tar Hollow State Park and State Forest which are located off State Route 327 near the Ross-Hocking-Vinton county lines.
• The famous outdoor historical drama, Tecumseh, is presented late June through early September at Sugarloaf Mountain
• Amphitheater bordering the park.
• The Ross County Historical Society at 45 W. Fifth Street in Chillicothe
• The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. a mile north of Chillicothe on State Route 104