What to DoOutdoor Recreation

Bike Buckeye Lake, Inc. (“BBL”) strives to create healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities by making hiking, walking and bicycling safe, convenient, and accessible for residents and visitors to the Buckeye Lake Region. BBL accomplishes this through trail development and support of related activities.

Buckeye Lake’s shoreline offers excellent habitat for waterfowl. Good bird-watching opportunities exist especially during the spring and fall migrations. One of the state’s largest great blue heron rookeries is situated on adjacent private land, but the birds can often be seen in the park.

Brooks Park is 2.5 acres of quality wetland habitat. The Brooks Park Wetland Creation & Water Quality Initiative will reduce nutrients and pollutants entering Buckeye Lake through habitat improvement an off-channel wetland. Enjoy overlooking the wetland and spotting the different animals that inhabit it as well as playing on the playground beside the lake.

Check out this driving tour that the Ohio Ornithological Society created to highlight all the great bird watching spots around Buckeye Lake. The tour takes no more than a day, and you’ll find plenty of great spots to walk and bird in Fairfield and Licking Counties. Buckeye Lake’s shoreline offers excellent habitat for waterfowl. Excellent bird watching opportunities exist all around, especially during the spring and fall migrations. One of the state’s largest great blue heron rookeries is close by, and nest boxes of Prothonotary Warblers are located in the cranberry bog.

Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and rich history of Buckeye Lake with a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Buckeye Lake Dam Walking & Biking Trail. Spanning 4.1 miles, this paved trail offers breathtaking views of the lake, the dam, and the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or outdoor enthusiast, this trail offers the perfect escape.

The trail runs across the top of the Buckeye Lake Dam, offering visitors a unique vantage point with panoramic views of the lake and its lush surroundings. As you walk or bike, take in the peaceful atmosphere, with the lake shimmering in the background and wildlife such as birds and turtles visible along the shoreline.

The dam, built between the late 1820’s and early 1830’s to control water levels for the Ohio & Erie Canal, is a historic landmark and a testament to Ohio’s early engineering feats. Along the trail, you can enjoy interpretive signage that highlights the dam’s history and its role in shaping the region.

Make your adventure even more enjoyable by stopping for a well-deserved treat along the trail. Grab a scoop of ice cream at Dips, a local favorite, or enjoy some casual fare at The Boatyard, both located just off the trail near the North Shore Park access point. Whether you’re cooling off with a sweet treat after a bike ride or relaxing by the water with a meal, these local spots add a fun and flavorful touch to your visit.

With Lieb’s Island accessible from the trail and scenic views all around, the Buckeye Lake Dam Walking & Biking Trail is an ideal way to connect with both the natural and historic beauty of Buckeye Lake. Whether you’re cycling, walking, or simply taking in the sights, this trail provides the perfect outdoor experience for families, history lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic adventure.

Access Points: Lieb’s Island, Sellers Point off Rt 360 and Sellers Road, and North Shore Boat Ramp in the Village of Buckeye Lake.

Nestled on picturesque Liebs Island, the Buckeye Lake State Park Office is your starting point for exploring all the park has to offer. Whether you’re here for boating 🚤, fishing 🎣, hiking 🚶, or just soaking up the scenery 🌅, the friendly staff at the park office are ready to help you make the most of your visit.

Before you head out on the water or hit the trails, swing by the office for helpful advice and up-to-date park info from knowledgeable team members 👋.

📅 Plan Your Visit:
Start your Buckeye Lake adventure the right way—stop by the Park Office on Liebs Island for resources, tips, and a warm welcome to one of Ohio’s favorite outdoor destinations! 🌳🌊

Print your own copy using the link below!

 buckeyelakeparkmap

Buckeye Lighthouse knows that you are ready to roll! They have a fleet of bicycles, longboards, scooters, and kid bikes geared up for you and your gang to have fun while you explore Buckeye Lake! ​In addition to popular rentals, The Lighthouse offers a selection of lake-themed merchandise, gifts, and home décor with great style and prices.

If you’re looking to experience lake-life as a local, ask for their comprehensive list of homes for sale.  They help buyers and sellers all around Buckeye Lake make the move!

Cruise around Buckeye Lake State Park by land or lake!  Got Buckeye Lake delivers boats and/or golf carts right to you. Check out their inventory and book your next ride on their website or by phone (740-214-6054).

Harbor Hills Country Club where golf isn’t just a game, it’s an enjoyable adventure. Nestled within one of many Buckeye Lake’s serene residential communities, Harbor Hills Country Club is open to the public and offers golfers a scenic view of the lake, pristine course conditions, fast greens and a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

Hebron State Fish Hatchery is located in southern Licking County, just north of Buckeye Lake. This 230-acre facility was acquired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1982. This hatchery has 63 ponds, 13 indoor rearing troughs, 25 acres of wetlands and 50 wooded acres with 2.5 miles of nature trails. Water is supplied by Buckeye Lake (5,000 gallons per minute capacity) through a 1.5-mile section of the old Ohio-Erie Canal. Two wells (370 gallons per minute capacity) also provide water to the hatchery. Saugeye, walleye and channel catfish represent the majority of fish production, but blue catfish and bluegill are also raised at the hatchery.

Archery enthusiasts and outdoorsmen will also enjoy the onsite archery range that features 18 targets.

The entire lake is open to waterfowl hunting in season. Waterfowl blinds are available at Buckeye Lake by lottery. All Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations must be followed. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Get around Buckeye Lake in style!  Rent or buy with Mid Ohio Golf Car for your next lake getaway, event, and more.

The Ohio Canal Greenway Trail is a popular spot for dog walking, birdwatching, biking, and jogging. It is located on the old Penn Central Railroad right of way south of the Village of Hebron. This paved trail features a genuine wooden truss covered bridge built in 1992.

This trail takes you along the former canal tow path, starting at Canal Park in Hebron to Rt. 79. The address of 101 Canal Road, Hebron, OH 43025 is close to this location. The 3-mile multi-purpose trail can be accessed from the lot near the corner of Rt. 79 and Canal road or at the entrance of Canal Park.

Four picnic areas with tables and grills are situated in quiet spots overlooking the lake. Mini shelters are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

A Buckeye Lake State park map is available here.

Situated in Rising Park – one of the crown jewels of the Lancaster Parks System – and rising high above the city, you will find Mt. Pleasant.  Formerly home to a variety of Native American activities, the site is now widely recognized as one of the best overlooks in the region.  This Blackhand sandstone relief rises almost 300 feet above the city of Lancaster.  It is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

The Mastodon Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course located in a country-like setting between Hebron and Heath, Ohio.

Set in the rolling hills of Thornville, Ohio, enjoy beautiful views as you partake in a nice game around the nine-hole, par-36 course!