The meadows, woodlots and still waters of 2,384-acre Sycamore State Park offer an oasis of natural features in the midst of expansive farmland. Sycamore provides the perfect setting for picnicking, hiking, fishing and horseback riding.
History:
Settlers were attracted to this area because of the fertile soil. When the Miami-Erie Canal was completed in 1829, the area became quite prosperous. Underlying the rich fertile soils were vast beds of gravel and sand providing excellent materials for road making. Hundreds of miles of roads were built in the county with these materials making it one of the most accessible during the state's infancy.
At one time, the land comprising Sycamore State Park was purchased by a development corporation to build a housing project. When the corporation was unable to complete the construction, the lands were offered to the state of Ohio. Sycamore was dedicated as a state park in November 1979.
Group Camping
Group camping is available on a reservation basis. Reserve online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Group Camp A:
Large area for tent camping; accommodates up to 150 people
Restrooms, grills and a large barn with electrical hookups, a woodburning stove, refrigerator and cooking stove
Ideal for meetings, retreats, reunions or other functions
Completely accessible by wheelchair
Group Camp B:
Accommodates up to 35 people
Large area for tent camping
Cabin, open shelter with electric service, restroom, fire ring, and picnic tables
The Equestrian camp with 15 sites offers primitive camping with latrines, water, and tie-ups. This area is on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration required. Contact the park office for details.
Activities
Archery
An archery range with targets at distances from 10 to 50 yards is open to the public along Diamond Mill Road north of Providence Road.
Boating
Scenic ponds offer opportunities for manually propelled boating only, such as canoes, rowboats, and kayaks.
Fishing
Anglers will enjoy good catches of largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish in the park's ponds. Wolf Creek offers excellent stream fishing for smallmouth bass as well. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted on nearly 1,500 acres of park land with outstanding squirrel and deer hunting opportunities. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
Picnicking
Three shelterhouses are available in the Overlook Picnic Area. The largest shelterhouse near the playground has doors and two large fireplaces making it available for year-round use. It can be reserved from April through November.
Trails
The 2.7-mile Ghost Hedge Nature Trail offers the hiker an opportunity to explore the Wolf Creek Valley. Giant sycamore trees form a picturesque canopy over the trail. The 1.5-mile Beech Ridge Trail explores the surrounding woodlots and meadows. The Meadowlark Trail and Heron Run Trail connect the Ghost Hedge and Beech Ridge trails to create approximately 8 miles of hiking opportunities. Horsemen can enjoy 18 miles of bridle trail, including the snowmobile routes when not snow covered. The trails pass through scenic meadows and woodlots.
Four hiking trails are found in the park:
Ghost Hedge Trail - 2.97 miles - Easy
Beech Ridge Trail - 1.3 miles - Moderate
Meadowlark Trail - 1.3 miles - Moderate
Heron Run Trail - 1.73 miles - Moderate
There are also several bridle trails:
Several trails total 18 miles
The Snowmobile Trail (6.2 miles) can be used as a bridle trail when conditions permit
Winter Recreation
In winter and under proper conditions, park guests can enjoy a moderate, 6.2-mile snowmobiling trail. Additionally, visitors can go sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing.