Located in southeast Ohio's Noble County, the area was rich in mineral resources. Wolf Run State Park offers more than 1,000 acres of scenic, peaceful woodlands and cool, clean waters for a quiet retreat. Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, the region's second growth forest now provides high-quality outdoor recreation, such as camping, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, and winter recreation.
Activities
Boating
Boats with motors of up to 10 horsepower are permitted on Wolf Run Lake. A launching ramp and tie-ups are available on the south side of the lake, easily accessible from State Route 215 and close to a pit latrine and the beach.
Camping
Wolf Run State Park Campground offers Electric and Non-electric sites. Reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance.
A primitive, fly-in camping area on the north side of the lake, within walking distance of the 4,700-foot runway at the Noble County Airport, requires no reservations.
Fishing
The 220-acre Wolf Run Lake is well known for large catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, trout and catfish.
- Ohio fishing regulations apply.
- A valid Ohio fishing license is required (16 and older).
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in special areas only. Hunting map can be obtained at the park office.
- Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations
- A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are located in scenic areas of the park.
Reservable Shelter
One shelter can be reserved online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
- Wolf Run Shelter - 24ft by 30ft, accommodates up to 75 guests. Electric and fireplace; located directly off Wolf Run Drive, close to the Lakeview Trail.
Swimming
A 200-foot public swimming beach is located on the south side of the lake. Vault latrines and changing booths are available. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.
- BeachGuard — water quality advisories, Memorial Day to Labor Day, from Ohio Dept. of Health
Trails
Three distinctly different hiking trails showcasing the diversity of the area.
- Cherry Tree Trail - 0.5 mile. This out-and-back-loop begins at the nature center near the park entrance and provides opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation.
- Lakeview Trail - 1.5 miles. The trail skirts the lake, providing a pleasant walk from the campground to the beach.
- 3.5-mile section of the Buckeye Trail follows the west side of the lake then continues both north and south of the park.
Winter Recreation
Under the proper winter conditions, visitors may enjoy cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
History & Natural Features
History
Wolf Run State Park is located near the town of Caldwell in Noble County, the last of the 88 counties formed within Ohio. In 1795, the Treaty of Greenville was signed ending the Indian threat in this part of Ohio paving the way for settlement. The first settlers to the area were New Englanders traveling by way of Marietta, Ohio up the valley of Duck Creek from the Ohio River into what is now Noble County.
Agriculture, livestock and profitable industries born of the many mineral resources of the area provided a living for the settlers. Coal, iron ore, building stone, petroleum and salt were plentiful. Oil was accidentally discovered near Caldwell in 1814 when Robert McKee began drilling a well to obtain brine. At the depth of 475 feet, a crevice was struck containing oil. At first considered a nuisance, the true value of the oil was eventually realized and derricks soon lined the valley of Duck Creek. Oil prices declined drastically during the Civil War bringing an end to major drilling efforts in the area.
Land acquisition for the park began in 1963. Construction of the dam and spillway for the lake was complete in 1966 as part of the West Fork Duck Creek Watershed Project. The 1,338-acre facility including the 220-acre lake was officially dedicated as a state park in 1968. The park received its name from the Wolf family, the first to settle in the area.
Natural Features
Wolf Run State Park is nestled in the heart of the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau of southeastern Ohio. The hills in the park region remained untouched by the glacial advances that passed over much of the state more than 12,000 years ago. Nevertheless, meltwater from the vast sheets of ice helped to permanently alter the topography of the area. Stream flow was greatly increased, hastening the cutting of valleys and creating the rugged terrain so prevalent today. The predominant bedrock in the Wolf Run region is sandstone deposited during the Pennsylvanian period, with alternating layers of coal, clay, shale, and thin limestone.
The Wolf Run area has been dramatically changed as original forests were cleared by the axes of early settlers and replaced with farms and villages. Since then, much of the forest has regrown and now covers 70 percent of the region. This second-growth forest is mixed mesophytic, meaning that there are several dominant tree species. White and red oak, tulip tree, sugar maple, beech and wild black cherry are easily found. The area also boasts diverse plant populations, such as ferns, clubmosses, mosses, algae, fungi and lichens, which are also characteristics of mesophytic forests. Deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, weasels, bats, black rat snakes, box turtles, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and great horned owls are among the many animals that make this area their home.
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: (740) 732-5035; 9am to 3pm Monday-Friday
Manager: Jason Carpenter
