b'Dow Lake at Strouds Run State Park offers stunning views of the changing colors in the fall.4 Great State ParksBURR OAK STATE PARK LAKE HOPE STATE PARK For starters, the 644-acre lake provides opportunitiesThe entire 2,983-acre park is surrounded by the Zaleski for fishing, swimming and boating. Additionally, this parkState Forest. This heavily forested region is marked offers a rustic full-service lodge with family suites and aby steep gorges and narrow ridges with remnants of cozy campground with easy access to the lake. Get intoabandoned mining and iron-producing industries. The the hills on miles of trail ranging from moderate to difficult.park surrounds the lake and boasts a wooded family Take advantage of the Naturalist Programs, scheduledcampground as well as a variety of year-round cabins for throughout the year with the park naturalist, Julie Gee.families and gatherings of all sizes, including the roomy These educational excursions that will leave you marvelingLaurel Lodge. No visit to the park is complete without a at all of natures wonderslarge and small. stop in the dining lodge for a hearty meal.HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK STROUDS RUN STATE PARKLocated in Southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State ParkLocated outside of the city of Athens and within easy is a national and internationally acclaimed State Park.driving distance of Ohio University, Strouds Run State Stunning in every season, Hocking Hills features beautifulPark surrounds Dow Lake and draws a mix of trail towering cliffs, thrilling waterfalls, and deep, hemlock- and lake users. Miles of hiking, mountain biking, and shaded gorges. With stunning ice formations in winter,horseback riding provide scenic views from rugged wildflowers adorning the forest floor in springtime andtrails. The lake offers boating, paddling, swimming, vivid foliage in the fall, hikers and nature lovers haveand a shaded campground.plenty to enjoy in this awe-inspiring park. SOURCE: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES [ OHIODNR.GOV ]Big water means big fish at Burr Oak State Park.Take a hike or a bike into the woods(Photograph courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources) at Lake Hope State Park.VISIT ATHENS COUNTY | ATHENSOHIO.COM 17'