One of the best fishing lakes in Ohio awaits sportsmen in Hocking County at Lake Logan State Park. The 400-acre lake sports northern pike, bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and saugeye. Lake Logan is a 318-acre day-use park that provides scenic picnic areas and secluded walking paths to enjoy the wooded beauty of Ohio's hill country.
History:
Lake Logan is located in Hocking County in southeastern Ohio. This territory once belonged to the Wyandot Indians, who had a large village known as Oldtown on the Hocking River, one mile above the city of Logan. Logan was established by Thomas Worthington in 1816 and named for the Mingo Chief, James John Logan, who was well known at first for his friendship with the whites and later for his bitter animosity toward them following the murder of his entire family by a frontier trapper named Greathouse.
The Hocking River provided sufficient water power for the purpose of operating grist and sawmills particularly at the falls above Logan. The town of Logan was slow to progress until the opening of the Hocking Canal, a branch of the Ohio-Erie Canal, in 1838. Several industries prospered due to the rich mineral resources of the Hocking Valley.
The discovery of immense quantities of coal led to the flourishing mining industry. Towns appeared and vanished as quickly as mines opened and closed.
It was soon found that iron ore could be extracted from the sandstone bedrock of the area. At its height during the Civil War, Ohio was the leading producer of iron for implements and weapons. No less than forty-six furnaces were firing in Ohio's six-county Hanging Rock Iron Region.
The clay soils of the Hocking Valley helped Ohio become a leader in clay products. The firebrick industry of the valley manufactured such products as clay tile, building and paving bricks and clay sewer pipe. Evidence of the industry can be seen in the many brick houses and abandoned kilns of the area. Clay is still an important industry in the region.
Lake Logan was developed in 1955 for recreational purposes. The area was administered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife until 1964, when jurisdiction was transferred to the Division of Parks and Recreation. Originally known as Hocking Lake, it was re-named Lake Logan to reflect the Indian heritage of the area and to avoid confusion with nearby Hocking Hills State Park and Forest.
Activities
Boating
Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted on the 400-acre lake. A speed limit of 10 mph is enforced. Paddling and sailing are also popular at Lake Logan. The park offers a boat ramp on the southeast portion of the lake off Lake Logan Road. Another smaller ramp is located about 1.5 miles northeast, also off Lake Logan Road. Seasonal boat docks are available for rent. Additionally, the park’s picnic areas offer boat tie-ups which may also be rented.
Fishing
The lake has abundant populations of bluegill, crappie, bass, muskie, catfish, northern pike and saugeye. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Hunting
Fox, squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, deer, waterfowl, turkey and ruffed grouse may be hunted in season. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
Picnicking
There are six picnic areas with large parking lots around the lake. Most areas have drinking water, grills and restrooms available. The picnic areas on the northwest and south shores of the lake have boat tie-ups for fishermen. Fires are permitted in grills only.
Swimming
A 527-foot public swimming beach is located on the north shore of the lake on Lake Logan Road (CR 3). Restrooms are available, but no other amenities are provided.
Swimming is permitted in designated areas during daylight hours only. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach.
Trails
Across Lake Logan Road from the beach, the one-mile Pine Vista Hiking Trail circles a hilltop, providing opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation.
A 1.25-mile section of the Buckeye Trail runs through the northwest end of the park toward Hocking Hills State Forest
A 1/2-mile loop hiking trail in the southwest area of the park winds through woodlands and lakeshore.
Winter Recreation
In the proper conditions, park guests can enjoy sledding and ice fishing.
