Great Seal State Park is dedicated to the wilderness spirit of Ohio. The history of the Shawnee nation and Ohio's early statehood is centered in these rugged hills. Challenging trails through the 1,862-acre park take visitors to scenic vistas of distant ridgetops and the Scioto Valley below. These very hills are depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio, from which the park gets its name.

Activities

Camping

All camp sites are walk-in only. The campground closes for the winter season from the beginning of December through the first week of March.

15 non-electric sites
Camping is available to both horse and non-horse campers - Horse picket lines (tie lines) are located behind sites 1-10. Sites 11 - 15 do not have the horse picket lines
Drinking water, vault latrines, playground, and a shelterhouse
Scenically located adjacent to Sugarloaf Mountain, offering a view of the Scioto Valley below
Pets are permitted

Disc Golf

An 18-hole course is located in the Ireland picnic area. Bring your own equipment, rental equipment is not available. No fee is charged to play.

Hunting

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

Picnicking

Four scenic picnic areas are located in separate areas on the park.

Trails

23 total miles of trails, are available to hikers. The terrain varies from steep to gently rolling. It is advised that horses and hikers be well conditioned for these trails. Mountain bikes and horses are permitted on 17 miles of multiple-use trails. The trails cross mostly wooded, hilly terrain with some steep inclines and ravines. These trails are best suited to advanced cyclists.

Nine multi-use trails are available:

Annie’s Mountain Bike Trail - 0.7-mile loop
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail (yellow) - 0.8 mile - climbs through dense maple-dominated forests to the crest of Sugarloaf - Rises almost 500 feet in less than a quarter mile
Bald Hill (black) - 1 mile
Sand Hill (pink) - 0.4 mile
Grouse Rock (red) - 1.2 miles
Rocky Knob (green) - 1.4 miles
Mt. Ives Trail (orange) - 1.6 miles - This strenuous trail winds along Mt. Ives and provides several scenic vistas
Rock Garden (green) - 0.5 mile
Lick Run (purple) - 3.1 miles
Bunker Hill (green) - 2.8 miles
Shawnee Ridge (blue) - 6.3 miles

Two trails are for hiking only:

Disc Golf (white) - 1.3 miles, 18 baskets
Spring Run (white) - 1.9 miles, includes 10 training stations with instructions

Winter Recreation

Spring Run Trail may be used for cross-country skiing.