Strouds Run State Park

Strouds Run State Park includes a total area of 2,606 acres of land and 161 acres of water (Dow Lake) in Canaan Township, Athens County, Ohio. To get to the main entrance to the park drive one hour south of the city of Columbus which is in the south-east corner of the state. The actual address to the park is 11661 State Park Road, Athens, Ohio 45701.

The land where the park sits was originally purchased for the Athens State Forest in the 1940s and 1950s. Construction of the Dow Lake Dam began in the late 1950s and the lake was completed in 1960. After the completion of the lake, the whole area encompassing the lake and the land that was the Athens State Forest then became the Strouds Run State Park.

The topography of the land where the park is located is characteristic of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau where the park is situated. The terrain mainly includes narrow ridges, valleys, and steep hillsides. Some of the forested areas in the park are over a thousand years old and have faced little to no disturbance at all. Several bird species including red-shouldered hawks, turkey vultures, Canada geese, barn swallows, red-winged blackbirds, and red-tailed hawks can be found at the park. Other wildlife that can be found at the park includes white-tailed deer, beavers, and bobcats.

Besides fishing, which is the key attraction at the park, other attractions include hiking, boating, hunting, swimming, camping, scuba diving, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Amenities at the park that are available to facilitate these activities include picnic areas and picnic shelters, playground, several campsites, group camp, rent-a-camp units, swimming beach, boat ramp, game courts, several trails, and boat rentals.

If you have a dog and if you would like to bring them along for some fun, exercise or relaxation then just remember that there are some park rules that relate to your dog that must be followed. Some of the rules include the following. First, you must ensure that your dog is always on a leash. The dog's leash must be no longer than six feet long. Additionally, if you choose to camp at the park, you should be aware that there is a limit of only two dogs or pets per campsite. Furthermore, you should avoid letting your pooch wander into buildings and areas of the park that are not designated as pet-friendly areas.