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 a scenic lakeside destination offering outdoor recreation and nature experiences for all ages. Visitors can explore the H2O Wetland Project, featuring tranquil 2.5-acre wetland area perfect for walking, wildlife viewing, and learning about local habitats. The park also includes a playground, making it a great stop for families.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for perch, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bullhead catfish, along with seasonal waterfowl hunting on Buckeye Lake, with blinds available by lottery. The park provides a small, but convenient boat launch area, a lakeside walking path that circles the park, and a small shoreline area ideal for easy kayak launching.

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, 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!

Print your own copy using the link below!

 buckeyelakeparkmap

Crabtree’s is a family-owned and operated hardware store proudly serving the Millersport community and visitors to the Buckeye Lake region. If they don’t have it, you don’t need it!

The Escape to Buckeye Lake Welcome Center will serve as the seasonal hub for information on all things in the Buckeye Lake region. Visitors can discover local attractions, events, dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation, while gathering inspiration to explore everything the lake has to offer. Opening in spring 2026, the Welcome Center will be managed by the Fairfield County Visitor & Convention Bureau and will provide trusted resources, local insight, and trip-planning support for visitors and the community alike.

Fairfield Beach offers the largest stretch of natural shoreline with public access on Buckeye Lake, making it a favorite spot for both relaxing and recreation. The park features a sandy swimming beach, convenient boat ramps, and abundant public parking for easy lake access.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic by the water, challenge friends on the pickleball or volleyball court, or take a stroll along the lakeside trail that follows the shoreline. With a mix of outdoor activities and laid-back lake vibes, Fairfield Beach Park is an ideal place to spend a day on the water or soak in the natural beauty of Buckeye Lake.

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.

Leibs Island

Leibs Island, also known as Love Island, is the largest residential island on Buckeye Lake and is located in the village of Millersport. Historically, the island served as an access point to the Ohio & Erie Canal and once featured a towpath that connected the island to the north shore of the lake near present-day Sellers Point.

Today, Leibs Island is home to The Island House, a popular local restaurant and bar that offers live music most weekends. The island is also home to Fisher’s Marina, Ohio’s oldest pontoon dealer, highlighting the island’s long-standing connection to boating and lake life.

State Island

State Island is the smaller island that connects Leibs Island to the village of Millersport by bridge. It is home to the Leibs Island Boat Launch and serves as the starting point of the Buckeye Lake Dam Trail.

The island offers picnic tables and expansive lake frontage, making it a great place for peaceful walks, fishing, and birdwatching. State Island also provides an opportunity to learn about Buckeye Lake’s history and its designation as Ohio’s first state park, with interpretive signage located near the boat launch and along the bike path.

The Buckeye Lake State Park office and archery range are also located on State Island.

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 former canal tow path 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.

The Thornville Community Park was donated to the Village in 1945 by Mr. George V. Clum. In 1947, the Thornville Booster Club members and volunteers graded the baseball diamond, erected a fence, and built picnic tables, benches, and an outdoor fireplace. In 1951, the Thornville Lions Club took over development of the park and in 1957, completed the shelter house. Additional park amenities include a basketball court, two sand volleyball courts, child playground, and flower garden. The park is currently maintained by the Village of Thornville. Reservations for the shelter house can be made by contacting the Village Office.

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!