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Sycamore 4675 N. Diamond Mill Road The meadows, woodlots and still waters of Sycamore State Park offer an oasis of natural features win the midst of expansive farmland. Sycamore provides the perfect setting for picnicking, hiking, fishing and horseback riding. Nature of the Area Sycamore State Park lies in the vast fertile till plains of western Ohio in the Wolf Creek Valley. The original forest contained magnificent oaks, walnut, maple, ash, wild cherry and many other tree species. The forest abounded with wild turkey, deer, elk and bison. Long before any permanent settlement was made in the area, its beauty and fertility were well known in the Kentucky settlements and to the people east of the Alleghenies. Settlement and development of the valley soon brought an end to the forest and game. Farm production in the area was greater than anywhere else in Ohio by 1880. Today, through conservation efforts, the rich fertile farmlands are now yielding to second growth forests. The huge sycamores lining the banks of Wolf Creek give the park its name. The increasing wildlife population includes red fox, deer, woodchuck, raccoon, coyote in addition to a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. The woodlots and meadows harbor diverse colonies of wildflowers including spring beauties, wild blue phlox, ironweed and goldenrod. History of the Area The first inhabitants of the area were the Adena Indians who resided in Ohio around 800 B.C. to 700 A.D. Evidence of their presence can be seen at the ceremonial mound found in the park. In the mid to late 1700s, the area became a stronghold of the Miami and Shawnee tribes. After General Anthony Wayne's defeat of the Indians at the battle of Fallen Timbers, the Greenville Treaty of 1795 stripped the Indians of their lands. In less than a year following the signing of the treaty, the first settlers arrived. 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. Camping Group areas are available to organized groups on a reservation basis. Group Camp "A" contains several basic sleeping shelters, restrooms, grills and a large barn with electric. This area is completely accessible by wheelchair. Group Camp "B" is for tent camping only. Electric service, firering and picnic tables are available. Contact the park office for details. Fishing and Hunting 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. Hunting is permitted on nearly 1,500 acres of park land with outstanding squirrel and deer hunting opportunities. A valid Ohio fishing and/or hunting license is required. Boating The park's scenic ponds offer opportunities for hand-power boating only. Canoes and rowboats are suitable for the park's quiet waters. Picnicking Picnicking is popular at Sycamore State Park. The Overlook Picnic Area boasts a grand picnic shelter with doors and two large fireplaces making it available for year-round use. The shelter may be reserved or available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are available from February 1 until November 30. Contact the park office for details. Trails The 3-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. An additional trail connects these two trails to create 8 miles of hiking opportunities. Horsemen can enjoy 15 miles of bridle trail, including the snowmobile routes when not snow covered. The trails pass through scenic meadows and woodlots. Area Attractions The nearby city of Dayton has several attractions including the Wright Brothers' flying machines on display in the city's Carillon Park. Other unique aviation displays can be seen at the U.S. Air Force Museum. Local historical attractions include Brookville's Spitler House and the Train Depot in nearby Trotwood. Nature enthusiasts may wish to visit the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, Dayton's Natural History Museum and the reserves of the Montgomery County Park District. |
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