Strouds Run State Park — Attraction in Athens

On September 12, 2020 I visited Strouds Run for the first time. It’s right at an hour from my residence in Canal Winchester, but the majority of the travel is on 33 so it’s an easy drive.

When I arrived at 6:15 to fish, there wasn’t a soul in sight. I didn’t see another personal until approximately 8. But, once they started arriving there were tons of people renting pontoons and utilizing the beach areas.

That said, the lake and surrounding area is big enough where I didn’t feel cramped and the natural surrounding are quite beautiful.

I didn’t have a particularly productive day on the lake, catching a couple of bluegill and a small channel catfish, all of which were caught on a simple fly pattern- the San Juan Worm.

But, as nice as it was to be on the water, the hiking experience after which was fantastic. The trails were clear of any large branches and other obstacles and we didn’t come along much mud either. However, the coup de gras moment was witnessing a pair of copperheads mating, right across the trail in front of us. They were two of the most beautiful snakes I’ve ever seen and the only 2 copperheads I’ve been fortunate enough to see in the wild.

I highly recommend visiting this area, and I think it would be especially nice during the week where the crowds will...

Stroud's Run is a beautiful place to hike. The lake is beautiful too, lots of dragonflies ❤️. I hiked the Indian Mound Trail, Sundown Trail, and Lakeview Trail to Creek Trail and back to the parking lot. That hike was 8.5 miles. The trails can be difficult in places. The trails shared with horses were muddy, slippery and uneven. There are plenty of hills too, so be prepared. Make sure you bring plenty of water and stay hydrated and use insect repellent. Parts of the trails that I hiked were overgrown and very high. The trails are not marked very well. They do not use blazes consistently and there are not any waypoint signs. There are markers when you come to an intersecting trail. I always print a map before I set out on a hike. My friends and I got turned around, even with a map and we used a compass to get us back in the right direction. Be aware that if you park at the Indian Mound Trailhead, there are not any restroom facilities. Even with some of the challenges, Stroud's Run is beautiful and worth the visit. I'd love to go back and explore more of the many trails at Stroud's Run. P.S. there were also lots of ripe wineberries, they are so sweet...

Went kayaking Labor Day weekend. It was pretty busy, but still a great location to boat. Other than the pontoon rentals from the park, only saw one other motor boat. I believe the motor limit is 10hp. The park offers pontoon boat, kayak, and paddle board rentals. No food. There is a primitive camping area. Athens is close, and lots of food and grocery choices are available. There is a hiking trail that runs the circumference of the lake. I went to Ohio University and spent a lot of time here. I have never had much luck fishing. It typically is a great relaxing, quiet lake. To many people for me on Labor Day, but that was to be expected. The only complaint I would have is there are not a lot of accommodations for picnic tables and places to gather. There are a couple covered patio areas but they got packed. They have some picnic areas but they are kinda far for vehicles with trailers. It is a beautiful lake though, I...