Back in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps moved tons of dirt to dam up Dry Wood Creek, leaving behind a 150-acre lake surrounded by dense oak woods. Most folks drop lines to hook channel catfish, crappie, or largemouth bass right off the rocky shoreline. Speedboats cut across open water. Still, you will catch kayakers slipping into the quiet northern coves early in the morning to dodge the wake. Clear water helps.

Then there are the trails. You can hike along the Spiderleg Trail or wander off toward the rugged stone bridges the CCC built out of local limestone during the Depression. Sturdy rock work everywhere. Campers usually fight over the spots right by the water across the park's six campgrounds, especially when warm weather hits. Just pack heavy bug spray. Ticks run thick in the tall grass by midsummer, though the evening breeze off the water usually clears things out nicely.