Sycamore State Park
Sycamore State Park in southwestern Ohio provides visitors with over 2,300 acres of expansive land. Marshes, ponds, and trails make for a nice addition to Ohio’s state parks.
Sycamore State Park Activities
Typical state park activities greet visitors to Sycamore. Hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking make up the bulk of activities. An archery range is open to the public along Diamond Mill Road. Its distances range from 10 yards to 50 yards. Hunting is allowed on roughly 1,500 acres of land in Sycamore State Park as well. A valid hunting license is needed.
Ponds
Pleasant ponds greet visitors to the western part of Sycamore State Park. The Big Pond and Small Pond provide opportunities for fishing. The Small Pond is designated for young people (those under 15), but a parent should be with them. Anyone wishing to fish is able to use the Big Pond. Make sure to have a valid Ohio fishing license before visiting.
Trails
Hiking
Four hiking trails throughout Sycamore State park total about seven miles of distance. The Ghost Hedge Trail, Beech Ridge Trail, Meadowlark Trail, and Heron Run Trail are all easy to moderate trails. Finally, their distances range from just over one mile to nearly three miles.
Bridle
Sycamore’s bridle trail totals about 18 miles for those with horses. The trail spans the outside of much of the park, but it also crosses some of the hiking trails.
Snowmobile
The western part of the park includes a six-mile long snowmobile trail. Obviously, time of year and weather conditions dictate the use of this. During warmer months, the snowmobile trail provides additional horseback riding trails.
Reunions and Outings
In addition to hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, families will find the covered shelter beneficial to reunions. Groups of up to seventy-five people can use the shelter for an outing. Moreover, small work groups could use this area for team-building. The shelter sits very nearby one of the hiking trails and the ponds. A nearby small playground completes the area and is helpful to those with young children.
Have you visited Sycamore State Park? Tell me about your experience in the comments below.
Ben’s Visits: June 2017
Stumbled upon Sycamore State Park 3/2021. Even though I have lived in the Dayton area all my life, I never knew this park existed! VERY pleasantly surprised! Took a short trail past a pond and through the woods. The park has some picnic tables, playground, and decent restrooms. Will DEFINITELY be going back!!!
Thanks Sherry! I was surprised with Sycamore myself. The area with multiple ponds and the playground is especially nice. I did not go for a ride, but the horse trails also looked enjoyable. Great spot for people to visit in southwest Ohio!
I live about 5 minutes north of Sycamore but didn’t know it was there for over 10 years! It is a lovely park which my family has hiked in now for years. The equine trails are nicely maintained by the horse man’s council so that area is nice, too. There are a few trail heads where we have seen evidence of drug use (needles and a bag of weed), but never any criminal activity during daylight. The hunters, however, are to be watched for. I recommend wearing bright colors. When the beer cans start to bud on the trees, we are extra careful. Doesn’t matter if it’s a hunting zone or not. There is only 1 guy to maintain the hiking trails and he does a decent job. The only ranger is at Hueston Woods so it is not patrolled, but we have never felt threatened. There are occasionally dogs off leash, which can be scary. The wildflowers are stunning and there are multiple places to use the rest room. Overall, I think it’s a great place to bring the dog and kids for hiking, fishing, bird watching, or camping.
Thanks Christa! I really enjoyed Sycamore when we visited. That one guy does a great job with all the trails! I’ve really felt like the staff and rangers have done a nice job at all of the parks we’ve visited. It is sad about the trash and drug use. I really wish more would live by the “leave no trace” adage.