Located in southwest Ohio, the 7,480-acre (4,870-acre of land and 2,160-acre of water) East Fork State Park is one of the largest state parks in Ohio. The park offers diverse recreational and natural history opportunities only 25 miles from Cincinnati. Rolling hills, winding rivers, and a large lake provide a beautiful backdrop for a wonderful getaway.
The park's Harsha Lake offers unlimited horsepower boating and is also an excellent lake for paddling, fishing, and swimming. Other amenities include a large scenic campground, picnic shelters, nature center, and a vast trail system for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and backpacking. East Fork is leashed pet friendly in all areas, except in beach sand areas.
Activities
Archery
East Fork offers two archery ranges located on the southside of the park, just past the park office at 3294 Elklick Road in Bethel. (39.010479, -84.122265)
- Static Range — 6 lanes that offer point targets ranging from 20-50 yards
- 3-D Range — walk-through graveled range with 8 different targets at 26-60 yards in heavily wooded area with an elevated platform
Bring your own equipment; no rentals are available. First come, first served.
Backpacking
Backcountry camping is free and available by permit only at five designated areas along the Backpacking and Perimeter trails. (Permits available at Administration Office at base of stairs.) Dispersed camping is NOT permitted. The 5 overnight sites do not have road access and campers must hike their gear to the site. The sites have a designated fire ring, horse tie offs, and adirondack shelters are available at camping areas 1 and 2.
- Backpack Trail — 16 miles, moderate; mountain biking permitted (NO horses). Parking is located at the South Trailhead and Administration access parking lot near the park entrance (39.00705832274227, -84.14218997151167). It is a challenging hike through oak-hickory forest and old fields. This trail has two overnight areas (camp 1 and camp 2) accessible from the trail.
- Camp 1 39.006806, -84.134755
- Camp 2 38,992670, -84.106030
Marked with red blazes, the trail has a return loop at the far end. The Buckeye Trail (blue blazes) and the mountain bike trails (yellow and orange blazes) also share the Backpack Trail. All backpackers must register for overnight areas.
- Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail — 33 miles, moderate; multi-use for horses, hikers, and backpackers. Access and parking on the north side of the Perimeter Trail are available at the campground visitor parking lot. Trail named after the famous world walker from Bethel, Ohio. This is the park’s longest and most challenging trail. Five overnight areas are provided. All backpackers must register for overnight areas.
- Camp 1 39.006806, -84.134755
- Camp 2 38.992670, -84.106030
- Camp 3 38.998056, -84.074583
- Camp 4 39.051028, -84.115778
- Camp 5 39.020495, -84.162288
The trail is marked in green blazes. Some of the trail is shared with the Buckeye Trail, so you may see blue blazes in some sections.
- The North Country Trail — This trail is the longest in the National Trails system, covering 4,600 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont.
- The American Discovery Trail — 6,800+ miles of continuous trail, a combined effort to connect the east coast to the west coast.
Bird Watching
While birds can be seen and enjoyed almost anywhere in the many habitats at East Fork, the following are well-known areas to use those binoculars:
- South Trailhead’s bird blind is located just behind the kiosk
- Saddle dam has great views of waterfowl from a distance
- Prairie Trail is known for bringing in birds to its uncommon habitat
- Main beach finds MANY types of birds, especially migratory
Boating
The 2,160-acre William H. Harsha Lake (East Fork Lake) offers unlimited horsepower boating. Eight launch ramps provide easy access to the lake.
- Campground Boat Ramp — 2 lanes, in the campground, on the north side of the lake (39.02452544040609, -84.09871369119617)
- Campground Hand Launch Boat Ramp-located at the Campground Beach (hand powered watercraft only) (39.022196077759546, -84.09335499183636)
- Hand Launch Boat Ramp — east of the main beach on the south side of the lake (hand powered watercraft only) (39.01830019267402, -84.13166074616277)
- North Shore Boat Ramp — 2 lanes, on the north side of the lake, on the western part of the lake (39.03403931509955, -84.13141952381831)
- Reisinger Boat Ramp — 2 lanes, south side of the lake east side of the park, north of the town of Bethel (39.00124869529418, -84.08911634606793)
- Slade Road Boat Ramp — 2 lanes, on US Army Corps of Engineers property near the dam, west of the park (39.020018010074736, -84.15024642339986)
- Tate Boat Ramp — 4 lanes, south side of the park (39.01598053677366, -84.12256741933416)
- Tunnel Mill Boat Ramp — 1 lane, in the East Fork Wildlife Area, on the east fork of the Little Miami River off State Route 133. (39.01725424708312, -84.09670235814006)
A life jacket loaner board can be found at the Hand Launch ramp located on the east side of the main beach. A boat swim area and boat camping area (Buffalo Bay) are available near the Tate Boat Ramp. (39.01334158688373, -84.12788899337333)
Camping
East Fork State Park Campground (39.047495, -84.101988) is large with 400+ year-round sites mostly wooded, and located on the north side of the lake. (follow link for reservation details) It offers Electric and Full Hookup sites, including an equestrian camping in Loop A; all with 20, 30, and 50 amp service. Designated hammock camping sites are available.
Each site has a paved pad, picnic table, and fire ring. Bring your own equipment and play cornhole, soccer, basketball; plus enjoy beach and boat ramp access and pay-to-play putt-putt. Visitor’s Passes ($3) are collected from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and special holidays (ie-Halloween campouts). Leashed pets are permitted in all areas.
Fishing
The East Fork Lake Fishing Area offers quality fishing with excellent catches of largemouth and smallmouth bass and crappie, and fair catches of bluegill. For the sport angler, East Fork is stocked with hybrid striper. A fishing pier is located on at the North Shore Boat Ramp area. (39.03511207670383, -84.13208577903347) Fishing licenses may be purchased at the park office (weekdays, 8am-4pm).
- Ohio fishing regulations apply.
- A valid Ohio fishing license is required (16 and older).
Fossil Hunting
Please contact the US Army Corps of Engineers at (513) 797-6081 for more information and permit details.
Hiking
East Fork State Park has the most trails in Ohio's State Park system. You can find a trail to meet your needs from difficulty levels (easy to advanced), distance (.5 mile to 33 miles), and varying points of interest (spring flowers to mountain biking to bridle trails).
South side of the lake:
- 3-D Archery/Cedar Trail - .5 mile, easy. The graveled path is a great option for hiking in wet conditions. Archers are required to step off-path/facing away from the trail to practice, so hiking is safely uninterrupted. This trail is located on Park Road 1. (39.010479, -84.122265)
- Backpack Trail — 16 miles, moderate. It is a challenging hike through oak-hickory forest and old fields. Trail starts at South Trailhead (39.00705832274227, -84.14218997151167) and has red blazes. (see “Backpacking” section for more trail details)
- Mountain Bike Trails -10+ miles, easy to moderate. Four different trails through woods starting from the South Trailhead (39.00705832274227, -84.14218997151167). Bikers should yield to hikers. (see “Mountain Biking” section for more trail details)
- Prairie Trail — 0.5 mile, easy. Located on Park Road 3, across from Blackberry Thicket parking lot. The trail was developed though the cooperative efforts of the Division of Wildlife, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the park. The trail offers exposure to prairie grasses, and forest and is good for bird watching. (39.012069478580436, -84.13850070567797)
- Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail — 33 miles, east to hard; multi-use for horses, hikers, and backpackers. Named after the famous world walker from Bethel, Ohio, this is the park’s longest and most challenging trail. This trail provides the opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of the whole park. Green blazes. (see “Backpacking” section for more trail details)
- Storybook Trail -.5 mile, moderate (not stroller friendly). Rotating story’s pages are spread throughout the trail located near the beach. (see “Storybook Trail” section for more trail details) (39.0169207705165, -84.1332674150114)
North side of lake:
- Bridle Trails – 22 miles, easy to moderate. Five different trails can be accessed from the Horse Activity/North Trailhead Lot off of Park Road 4. (39.039595312368014, -84.12168800336512) Hikers should yield to horseback riders when hiking on horse and multi-use trails. (see “Horseback Riding” section for more trail details)
- Fern Hill Trail — 1.4 miles, moderate; mountain biking permitted. This trail has hills and ravines finding spring flowers and fern species near the Campground Beach. This is a fee area from Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus special events (ie- Halloween Campout weeks). (39.02489451522424, -84.09383648929783)
- Whippoorwill Trail — 0.5 mile, easy; mountain biking permitted. Nice wooded hike located by the Campground Office. (39.047495, -84.101988
- Williamsburg-Batavia Hike Bike Trail — 6 miles. Begins at the end of Old Broadway Road in Williamsburg and follows Williamsburg-Bantam Road through the East Fork Wildlife Area. After crossing Kain Run Creek via bridge, the trail winds to a scenic overlook along the edge of the lake. From there, the trail proceeds to the campground area and connects to the main campground road. The trail continues to follow the main park road and eventually connects to Zagar Road in Batavia Township.
West side of lake near US Army Corps property:
- Tailwater — 2 miles, moderate. Located below the dam, this challenging trail traverses an abandoned road, up a steep hill, and through mature forest. Wildflower displays in spring. (39.02719058651499, -84.14866460211832)
- Deer Ridge — 0.5 mile, easy. Located across from the US Army Corps of Engineers Visitors Center off Slade Road, this interpretive trail tells the story of the East Fork valley and has wildflower displays in the spring. (39.025476625910706, -84.14515304215708)
Please be prepared for all types of trail conditions and plan accordingly.
Horseback Riding
The Horse Activity Parking Lot (A.K.A North Trailhead) is located off Park Road 4 on the north side of the park (Afton side). (39.039595312368014, -84.12168800336512)
- Campground Trail — 2 miles, easy; hikers permitted. Connects the Horseman’s Camping Loop A with the North Trailhead/Horse Activity Head Parking Lot. From the Parking lot it starts on the east side (old roadbed) near the activity field. Medium blue blazes.
- Cascade Trail — 3 miles, moderate; hikers permitted. Loop through hardwood forest offers challenging ravine crossing, across the road from the Horseman’s Parking lot. White blazes.
- Pin Oak Trail — 3 miles, easy; hikers permitted. Loop trail through mostly flat fields and woods, good wildlife viewing. The trail starts at the lake end of the parking lot. Red blazes.
- Red Fox Trail — 5 miles, moderate; hikers permitted. Loop crosses many steep ravines and winds along the hilltops high above the lake, providing spectacular views. This trail starts by the activity field. Orange blazes.
- Twin Bridges Trail — 9 miles, moderate; hikers permitted. Loop with many steep ravine crossings takes the user along rocky, picturesque areas with miniature waterfalls and scenic views across the lake. Trailhead at the north end of the lot. Yellow blazes.
- Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail — 33 miles, moderate; multi-use for horses, hikers and backpackers. The park’s longest and most challenging trail. Green blazes. (Portions of the trail are shared by the Buckeye Trail, so you may also see blue blazes. in some sections.)
Please be prepared for all types of trail conditions and plan accordingly.
There are Electric campsites in Loop A of the campground that can accommodate horses.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in designated areas only. Hunting blind accessible to persons with mobility impairments can be found at the park. Hunting access for all abilities is located on N. Campbell Road and Tunnel Mill Road. Please contact the main office at (513) 734-2730 for additional information and access.
Duck blind drawings for the hunting season are conducted in late summer. Licenses can be purchased at the park office (weekdays, 8am-4pm).
Information for the ODNR Wildlife Division’s managed area of East Fork can be found here.
- Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations
- A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
Mountain Biking
Extensive trail system includes over 26 miles of traveling a mixture of flat, smooth stretches, twisting turns through wooded areas winds through steep hills, switchbacks, and ridges overlooking East Fork Lake. These trails are some of the most scenic in the region.
No Motorized bikes are permitted. (Can be used on the Williamsburg Hike Bike Trail) Races are held periodically throughout the season. Visit coramtb.org/trails for current conditions.
South side of the park starting at South Trailhead (39.00705832274227, -84.14218997151167):
- White Trail Loop — 2.5 miles, easy; mountain bikes, hiking, trail running
- Blue Trail Loop — 3 miles, intermediate; mountain bikes, hiking, trail running
- Yellow Trail — 2.1 miles, advanced; mountain bikes, hiking, trail running
- Orange Trail — 3 miles, intermediate/advanced; mountain bikes, hiking, trail running
- Red Trail - 14 additional miles, advanced; mountain bikes, hiking, trail running
North side of the park (Campground):
- Fern Hill Trail — 1.4 miles advanced; mountain bikes, hiking
- Whippoorwill Trail — 0.5 mile, easy; mountain bikes, hiking, trail running
Bikers should yield to runners and hikers on multi-use trails.
Please be prepared for all types of trail conditions and plan accordingly.
Picnicking
Nine picnic areas with tables and grills are located around the park.
- near Indian Mound Shelter (39.01142914292483, -84.13415541660267)
- near Turkey Ridge Shelter (39.01027576572832, -84.12118486768824)
- Blackberry Thicket (39.01195082227871, -84.13728707956932)
- Deer Run (39.01448506163715, -84.13825267481377)
- Overlook Area (39.0178748555544, -84.1412566202049)
- Campground Beach (39.02320073243098, -84.09364049310588)
- Ferg Lot (39.003394073028566, -84.14077872009503)
- Matt Maupin Pavilion/Beach Area (39.01854937645743, -84.13394520724096)
- Horse Activity Lot (39.039595312368014, -84.12168800336512)
Shelters that can be reserved (use link contained in the “Camping” tab) for special private events:
- Indian Mound -without electric (39.01248583984546, -84.13346464522873)
- Turkey Ridge -with Electric (39.010903132207005, -84.1203143085076)
- Campground Loop C -with electric (39.03939620814038, -84.09725274694799)
These locations include: large 6’ campfire ring, 2 permanent charcoal grills, picnic tables, seasonal bathroom access, and dumpster access (no water access).
Storybook Trail
This moderate, not stroller friendly, half-mile trail presents a rotating children’s story in segments. Enjoy a sitting area to view a small pond. (39.0169207705165, -84.1332674150114)
- Find more Ohio State Park Storybook Trails
- Find more Storybook Trails in Ohio
Swimming
A 1,200-foot swimming beach features changing booths, and restrooms (including men’s, women’s and family). Feel free to bring your own equipment to play soccer, cornhole, and volleyball. Swimming is permitted in designated areas during daylight hours. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach as no lifeguard is present. Dogs are not permitted in sandy areas.
- BeachGuard — Water quality advisories, Memorial Day to Labor Day, from Ohio Dept. of Health
Winter Recreation
Under the proper conditions, park visitors can enjoy ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.
More to Do
- Stonelick State Park
- Crooked Run State Nature Preserve
- Visit Discover Clermont County for more area attractions
History & Natural Features
History
East Fork State Park is home to the Little Miami River Basin, which possesses evidence of human activity dating back nearly 3,000 years ago. The Moundbuilders, specifically the Adena and Hopewell nations, occupied this area. The mound near Elklick Road is thought to have been built by the Adena. The Erie also lived here much later, though by 1655 this group had been completely wiped out by the powerful Iroquois. The area was virtually uninhabited through the remainder of the 17th century.
By the early 1800s, European Americans had begun to occupy the new state of Ohio. The new settlers were attracted to the East Fork region and began early commercial activities such as grist mills, sawmills, blacksmith shops, tanneries, and stagecoach depots.
In 1869, two gold mines operated in the vicinity. One mine was located near Elklick and consisted of a flume for washing gravel containing flakes of gold. The mine near Twin Bridges tunneled underground to reach gold deposits encased in bedrock.
Not far from the park office is the site where Reverend John Collins built a log church around 1807. Although the structure no longer stands, some of the hand-hewn timbers, secured with wooden pegs and hand-forged nails, were used to construct the existing building, “Old Bethel Church” on Elklick Road.
In the late 20the century, the area took on a new appearance due to the creation of the East Fork Reservoir in 1978. As part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control program, William H. Harsha Lake, and the surrounding region, comprise one of southwest Ohio’s largest recreational areas. ODNR currently leases East Fork State Park from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District at William H. Harsha
Natural Features
Located in Clermont County, East Fork State Park is characterized by a landscape shaped by the forces of the Illinoian and Wisconsinan glaciers. The region exhibits beautiful hill country scenery and is noted for the occurrence of remnant prairie habitats. Illinoian glacial deposits are not common in Ohio, but they can be observed at East Fork and the surrounding area.
East Fork's diverse landscape includes dry-forested hills, rocky cascades, abandoned farmlands, thickly grown floodplains, marshy grasslands, and swamp forests. This diversity lends well to an abundance of plant and animal life. Woodlands are composed of beech, sugar maple, red and white oak, shagbark hickory, and wild black cherry. The swamp forests contain silver maple, American elm, sycamore, and black gum. The meadows and remnant prairies contain big bluestem grass and purple coneflower among others.
Animals of the area include eastern plains garter snake, fence lizard, red fox, deer, raccoon, Canada geese, song sparrow, eastern meadowlark, and the barn swallow.
Volunteer
Find out how you can get involved with others who share your interests and passions at East Fork State Park. Visit East Fork: Cincinnati Off Road Alliance, Ohio Horseman Council, or East Fork: Southern Ohio Trail Association to learn more. Volunteer directly or with a group by contacting the Administrative Office at (513) 734-2730 and requesting an application.
Contact & Hours
Park Hours: 6am to 11pm daily. Visitors are permitted to actively engage in legitimate recreational activities outside these hours. If you have questions, call the park office.
Park Office: (513) 734-2730; 8am to 4pm Monday-Friday
Manager: Lance Hopkins
