SUNFISH CREEK STATE FOREST
SUNFISH CREEK STATE FORESTClarington, Ohio 43915
(lat:39.8067 lon:-80.8461)
Sunfish Creek State Forest is open to visitors between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Disturbance, defacement or destruction of any property, material, natural feature or vegetation is prohibited. Berries, nuts and mushrooms may be gathered and removed except from tree seed orchards or posted areas.
Sunfish Creek State Forest is a 3,200-acre forest located in southern Ohio. It was established in 1992 and is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The history of the area dates back thousands of years when Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, inhabited the region. They utilized the land for hunting, gathering, and other daily activities.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive and establish communities in the area. These settlers relied on the rich natural resources of the region, including the abundance of timber for logging.
Logging operations, primarily focused on harvesting hardwoods such as oak and hickory, continued for several decades. The end of the logging era in the early 20th century led to the establishment of state forests in Ohio to manage and conserve the remaining forested areas.
Sunfish Creek State Forest was acquired by the state of Ohio in the 1930s. Initially, the area was used for watershed protection, as the forest helps regulate the flow of Sunfish Creek, a tributary of the Ohio River. Over the years, the forest has also been managed for recreation, wildlife habitat, and timber production.
Sunfish Creek State Forest offers various outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, picnicking, hunting, and fishing. The forest is known for its diverse wildlife, including deer, turkey, squirrels, songbirds, and a variety of fish species in the creek.
The management goals for Sunfish Creek State Forest include sustainable forestry practices, protection of the watershed, wildlife habitat management, and providing recreational opportunities for the public. As a state forest, it aims to balance the conservation of natural resources with the needs of the community and visitors.
GeneralLand, acres637
Day-UseHuntingyes