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Paint Creek 14265 U.S. Route 50 Located amid the breathtaking scenery of the Paint Creek Valley, Paint Creek State Park features a large lake with fine fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. A modern campground and meandering trails invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the rolling hills and streams of this scenic area. Nature of the Area The Paint Creek region lies at the very edge of the Appalachian Plateau. This escarpment marks the boundary between the hilly eastern section of the state and the flatter western portions. Most of the plateau in southeastern Ohio was never reached by glaciers, although the Paint Creek area bears evidence of glacial activity. One stream near the park, Rocky Fork Creek, was blocked by glacial ice and reversed direction, rapidly cutting the 75-foot gorge seen today. Sullivantia, an extremely rare wildflower in Ohio, blooms in the gorge in mid-summer. Equally impressive here are the Seven Caves, all located about 50 feet above Rocky Fork Creek. A short trip to the caves from the park is well worth the time. Before Paint Creek was impounded to form a reservoir, the creek valley was unrivaled in the state for scenic beauty and its display of wildflowers. Some of this unspoiled land yet remains above the still waters of the lake. Wild geranium, jewelweed, yarrow and Queen Anne's lace can be found blooming in the woodlands and meadows of the park. The reservoir provides habitat for numerous waterfowl and shorebirds as well as the great blue heron. Osprey and bald eagles have been sighted over the lake. The limestone outcroppings on the lake's edge provide nesting habitat for the cliff swallow. Other songbirds, raccoons, white-tailed deer and the elusive wild turkey inhabit the park. History of the Area We are not the first to recognize the richness and beauty of this land. Prehistoric Indian cultures built a variety of earthworks throughout the region, while the Shawnee Indians considered the Paint Valley home. Conflicts often arose between the original holders of the Ohio country and the white settlers invading from the east. A Shawnee named Waw-will-a-way became a victim of this strife when he was unjustly accused of scalping a white man. This Indian encountered three white men in the Paint Valley bent on revenge for the scalping. They shot him in the chest, yet he killed one and severely wounded the other two before he succumbed. His funeral pyre laid at the peaceful confluence of the Paint and Rattlesnake creeks. The waters of the creeks provided a source of power for early mills. Grinding grain, processing wool and sawing wood were all facilitated by the waters flowing over dams constructed in the creeks. Many of the original dams were made of only earth and wood and were washed out by annual floods. One such mill, Crawford's Mill, was built at a place later called Hewitt's Crossing on Paint Creek. The site now lies beneath the waters of the reservoir. Log cabins still stand in this area, a reflection of our heritage. A walk through the park's own Pioneer Farm provides further insight into the settlers' lives. Construction of the dam on Paint Creek started in 1967, and the site was dedicated as a state park in 1972. Camping The scenic hilltop campground at Paint Creek has 199 sites equipped with electricity. The campground features hot showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities and a dump station. Three Rent-A-Camp units, consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove and other equipment can be rented during the summer months by reservation. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. A primitive horseman's camp is available for riders who bring their own mounts. Boating Unlimited horsepower boating is permitted on Paint Creek. Three launch ramps provide access to the lake. Boat rentals, fuel and seasonal dock rentals are offered. For overnight use, the fully equipped, air-conditioned houseboat sleeps six. Hunting and Fishing Anglers will enjoy good catches of saugeye, bluegill, bass, catfish and crappie at Paint Creek. Hunting is permissible on the lake for waterfowl and on the adjacent wildlife area. Pheasant, rabbit and white-tailed deer provide hunting excitement. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required. Swimming A large 1,000-foot sand beach provides enjoyment for swimmers and sunbathers. A bathhouse with restrooms and changing booths is provided. Picnicking Picnic areas with tables and grills are provided near the marina and the beach. Trails Hikers can explore four trails from .75 miles to 2.5 miles long. The trails, lined with delicate wildflowers, pass through open meadows and mature woodlands. Trail riders will enjoy the 25 miles of bridle trails through scenic park lands. Pioneer Farm On the west side of the lake is Paint Creek Pioneer Farm. The pioneer farm includes a log house, collection of log buildings, livestock, gardens and fields which represent a typical farm of the early 1800s. Area Attractions Nearby state parks include Pike Lake, located south of Bainbridge, and Rocky Fork, which is west of the park near Hillsboro. Both parks offer camping, hiking and fishing opportunities. Fort Hill State Memorial, a prehistoric Indian hilltop earthworks, is located south of Paint Creek. The area is open April through October. Bainbridge was the home of the nation's first dental school. A dental museum is now located on Main Street. Seip Mound State Memorial, built by the Hopewell Indians, is just east of town. Oldaker, Fallsville and Hillsboro Reservoir are nearby areas operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife and offer hunting, fishing and wildlife observation. Miller Nature Sanctuary, a state nature preserve, is located east of Paint Creek off State Route 50. The preserve contains rare native Ohio plants, outstanding geologic formations and several dolomite caves. Access is by written permission only by contacting the chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. |
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