Strouds Run State Park: Ohio's Scenic Natural Wonderland

This Athens-area state park offers lakeside activities, hiking trails, and a unique cave formation.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Strouds Run State Park, located just outside of Athens, Ohio, is a 2,606-acre natural oasis filled with verdant valleys, sandstone bluffs, lush forests, and the serene Dow Lake. The park offers a wide range of outdoor recreation, from camping and hiking to birdwatching and biking, attracting visitors seeking a nature escape from the nearby college town.

Why it matters

As a state park with a diverse array of landscapes and activities, Strouds Run provides a much-needed natural respite for residents and visitors to the Athens area. The park's unique geological features, including a recess cave, also make it a distinctive destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Ohio.

The details

Originally home to the Adena Indians and Shawnee Nation, Strouds Run State Park was established in 1953 after the state obtained the land. The 161-acre Dow Lake, named after C.L. Dow who played a key role in its creation, is a major draw for the park, attracting anglers, boaters, swimmers, and sunbathers. Beyond the lakefront, the park features 23 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and camping.

  • Strouds Run State Park was established in 1953.
  • Dow Lake was built in 1960.

The players

Strouds Run State Park

A 2,606-acre state park located just outside of Athens, Ohio, offering a diverse array of natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Dow Lake

A 161-acre lake within Strouds Run State Park, named after C.L. Dow who played a key role in its creation.

Adena Indians

An indigenous people who originally inhabited the land that is now Strouds Run State Park.

Shawnee Nation

An indigenous people who also originally inhabited the land that is now Strouds Run State Park.

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The takeaway

Strouds Run State Park is a true natural gem in Ohio, providing a much-needed escape from the nearby college town of Athens with its diverse landscapes, recreational activities, and unique geological features like the recess cave. The park's long history and connection to indigenous peoples adds to its allure as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.