Tar Hollow State Park

Setting up camp.

Scattered shortleaf and pitch pines on this park's ridges were once a source of pine tar for early settlers, hence the name Tar Hollow.

Today, twisting roads and paths wind through deep ravines and dense woodlands.

Oak and hickory prefer the dry ridge tops, while sycamore, black willow, buckeye and silver maple line the stream valleys.

The forest not only supports a variety of hardwoods but also contains a vast array of ferns, mosses, mushrooms and wildflowers.

Dogwoods, redbuds, and a variety of wildflowers, including bloodroot, wild geranium, cardinal flower and Solomon's seal, color the hillsides in springtime. Fall's pageant of color is spectacular.

Numerous reptiles and amphibians, colorful game birds, songbirds and secretive mammals are found here. The timber rattlesnake, dwindling in Ohio due to deforestation, lives in Tar Hollow's forest. The five-lined skink, distinguished by its brilliant blue tail, is found in the area along with the elusive fence lizard.

Painted turtles can be seen along the shores of Pine Lake while the lumbering box turtle inhabits the dry land. Salamanders such as the red-backed, dusky, long-tailed and northern two-lined thrive on the cool, moist forest floor.

In spring, the wooded hollows echo with the gobbling of wild turkey and the drumming of the ruffed grouse. Rare sightings of bobcat have been reported in this unique, wild region.

Ross Hollow Hiking Trail, located near the camp, winds through the hills. The 21-mile Logan Boy Scout Trail traverses the park and forest. A section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail also passes through the area. There are about 2.5 miles of mountain biking trails.

Bridle trails and a horse camp are located on the forest land.

A backpack camp is located at the fire tower.

Boating with electric motors only is permitted on the 15-acre Pine Lake. The lake is perfect for paddling. A launch ramp is located near the beach.

Catfish, bluegill and other panfish provide good sport for the fisherman on Pine Lake.

Park naturalists offer interpretive programs seasonally.

The campground is set in a wooded hollow near the lake and offers a variety of sites. There are 71 sites with electricity and 23 without, and both sunny and shaded are available. Nine sites are walk-in, and there are six primitive sites along the backpack trail. Pets are permitted on all sites.