A.W. MARION STATE PARK
The rolling woodlands and quiet waters of A.W. Marion State Park offer visitors a welcome escape from the rigors of everyday life. This small but unique park offers a variety of recreational activities while maintaining a quiet atmosphere of natural serenity.
A.W. Marion Park Map (pdf)A. W. Marion State Park, located in Pickaway County, can attribute its natural wonders to glaciation that occurred more than 12,000 years ago. As glaciers advanced over more than two-thirds of Ohio, vast amounts of rock and soil (or till) were deposited over the landscape. This till had a direct effect on the natural vegetation that occurs at A. W. Marion. The surface of the park is fairly level and the soil very fertile. The area is diverse with woodlands, plains and prairie. Ohio's prairies, products of an ancient dry climate, are really small versions of the more extensive grasslands in the western United States. This eastern portion extends into Ohio and is part of the prairie-forest border or tension zone. Within this zone, the grasslands increased in size during droughts, only to be reinvaded by forests during wet periods. Before settlement began, scrub oak barrens, dense thickets formed by this shrub, were common in the region but have since been cleared for raising crops. The nearby floodplains of the Scioto River are adorned with a variety of wildflowers. Wildlife indigenous to the area includes fox squirrel, ring-necked pheasant, a variety of songbirds, red fox and white-tailed deer.
Long before A.W. Marion became a state park, this area had developed an amazing history. Due largely to the fertile soils of the Pickaway Plains, which are said to contain the richest land in Ohio, early inhabitants were attracted here. The Adena culture were among the first to settle the area 2,000 years ago. An ancient circular earthworks on the site of what is now the city of Circleville (hence the name) gave evidence to their presence. In more recent times the villages of Chief Cornstalk of the Shawnee nation were located on these plains. These same villages were the object of attention of Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, who in 1774 marched his army within striking distance of the Indians. His intention was to destroy the villages and end the uprising that had resulted in the Battle of Point Pleasant days earlier. At the request of the Indians, a peace settlement was agreed upon before any more fighting occurred.
In 1948, construction began on the dam for Hargus Creek Lake. By 1950, the area became part of the newly created Division of Parks and Recreation. In 1962, the park was renamed the A.W. Marion State Park in honor of the first director of the Department of Natural Resources, a Pickaway County native.
- T Walker
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
GeneralLand, acres309
Water, acres145
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trail, miles6
Picnickingyes
Picnic Shelters, #2
Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
Boating Limits-1
Seasonal Dock Rental14
Launch Ramps, #1
CampingPrimitive, #29
Electric Sites, #29
Pets Permittedyes
Dumpstationyes
Youth Group Campyes
WinterSleddingyes
Ice Skatingyes
Ice Fishingyes
A wooded camp area with sixty sites is available year-round for tent and trailer camping. A youth camp is also available by reservation for organized groups. Pit latrines and drinking water are available.
A.W. Marion State Park Campground (pdf)
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
17.5 miles from park*
Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
19.8 miles from park*
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Hargus Lake provides 145 acres of water, boat launching ramps and public docks. Rentals are available from the concession on the northwest side of the lake. Electric motors only are permitted.
In the late 1980s, Hargus Lake was drained, habitat improvements were made and it was restocked with largemouth bass, muskellunge, bluegill and channel catfish. Anglers can now enjoy some of central Ohio's finest fishing. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
In the fall, the mature woodlands offer excellent squirrel hunting in designated areas. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.
A.W. Marion State Park is located near Ashville, Canal Winchester and Circleville
Picnic tables and grill sites are located in scenic areas throughout the park. A concession stand offers limited picnic supplies. Fires are permitted only in the grills provided.
- T Walker
The Hargus Lake Trail offers five miles of scenic pleasure, providing access to the entire shoreline of the lake. Beginning at the campground, the Squawroot Nature Trail offers the hiking enthusiast one mile of scenic terrain. The trail is self-guided with directional signs and takes visitors to fourteen points of interest. These scenic trails are open for year-round use.
A W Marion State Park in Ohio offers a variety of birding options for nature enthusiasts. The park is home to diverse habitats, including woodlands and wetlands that attract different species of birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers can spot waterfowl such as ducks and geese on the 145-acre Hargus Lake or explore trails where they might see songbirds like warblers, sparrows, finches.
The park also provides opportunities to observe raptors such as hawks and owls due to its dense forest areas. During migration seasons (spring & fall), visitors may witness an even wider range of avian life passing through this area.
Birding activities are self-guided with no specific programs offered by the state park itself; however there are several online resources available providing information about recent sightings at A.W Marion State Park which could be helpful for planning your visit accordingly.
For those interested in photography or simply observing these creatures up close without disturbing them, binoculars would come handy while exploring various parts within this beautiful natural setting located just south-east from Columbus city center.
Limitless opportunities abound within a short distance of the park. A monument marking the location of the Logan Elm, where Chief Logan delivered his eloquent speech can be reached south of Circleville, one mile east of U.S. 23 on State Route 361. Two state nature preserves operated by the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves are located near the park: Shallenberger Preserve, east of the park off State Route 22, and Stage's Pond, north of the park on Haggerty Road. Deer Creek State Park is also located in Pickaway County and offers camping, fishing, boating and picnicking.
Near Marcy, Ohio, off State Route 674, visitors can catch a glimpse of 1880 farm life by traveling to Slate Run Living Historical Farm. Horse-drawn machinery, woodstove cooking, canning and milking are a few of the activities that can be enjoyed. Traveling south on State Route 159, one can witness the life story of the great Shawnee Chief, Tecumseh. This outdoor drama is enacted from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater.
Mast Market
1443 Northridge Rd
Circleville, OH
+17404743937
Scott's Bait & Tackel
1030 S Court St
Circleville, OH
(740) 474-8898
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This is a fun, awesome park to hang out with friends and familey
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