I had an absolutely amazing experience. The Boat House Rental of the Pontoon boat was great! The Staff was professional, helpful, courteous and definitely a service I or anyone would enjoy! It was safe distancing even among the beach gatherings! This was memorial and I can’t wait to visit again!

Some of the best hiking and swimming in the area. Boat rentals are cheap and everyone who works there is friendly and laid back. The mountain biking trails are really fun too if youre a little more experienced.

We rented kayaks and enjoyed the beautiful, calmness if the lake. This place is nestled in trees and is very scenic! Staff members were super friendly and everything was hassle free.. Excellent place to visit! Will return to explore the trails

Went kayaking Labor Day weekend. It was pretty busy, but still a great location to boat. Other than the pontoon rentals from the park, only saw one other motor boat. I believe the motor limit is 10hp. The park offers pontoon boat, kayak, and paddle board rentals. No food. There is a primitive camping area. Athens is close, and lots of food and grocery choices are available. There is a hiking trail that runs the circumference of the lake. I went to Ohio University and spent a lot of time here. I have never had much luck fishing. It typically is a great relaxing, quiet lake. To many people for me on Labor Day, but that was to be expected. The only complaint I would have is there are not a lot of accommodations for picnic tables and places to gather. There are a couple covered patio areas but they got packed. They have some picnic areas but they are kinda far for vehicles with trailers. It is a beautiful lake though, I will go back.

On September 12, 2020 I visited Strouds Run for the first time. It’s right at an hour from my residence in Canal Winchester, but the majority of the travel is on 33 so it’s an easy drive.When I arrived at 6:15 to fish, there wasn’t a soul in sight. I didn’t see another personal until approximately 8. But, once they started arriving there were tons of people renting pontoons and utilizing the beach areas.That said, the lake and surrounding area is big enough where I didn’t feel cramped and the natural surrounding are quite beautiful.I didn’t have a particularly productive day on the lake, catching a couple of bluegill and a small channel catfish, all of which were caught on a simple fly pattern- the San Juan Worm.But, as nice as it was to be on the water, the hiking experience after which was fantastic. The trails were clear of any large branches and other obstacles and we didn’t come along much mud either. However, the coup de gras moment was witnessing a pair of copperheads mating, right across the trail in front of us. They were two of the most beautiful snakes I’ve ever seen and the only 2 copperheads I’ve been fortunate enough to see in the wild.I highly recommend visiting this area, and I think it would be especially nice during the week where the crowds will be lessened.

As I was walking the lakeside trail I noticed a large amount of standing dead timber. Then almost 3/4 of a mile into my walk a storm came up,wind blowing and heavy rain. The sound of timber cracking as I turned around to go back to the car. Less than 100 yards past a dead tree I heard another loud crack and the tree came crashing down across the trail. With the pounding rain I cautiously made my way back to the parking lot. I believe the State should cut down the dead standing timber along the paths to make for a safer more enjoyable experience.

Always pleasant! Walking/riding trails are well maintained, with about .75 miles of Lakeview being the exception. Its not bad at all, though, just a little over grown! A beautiful 9 mile hike all the way around the lake!

Lots of recreational activities to be had here! Swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, and more. There is a large beach to relax and swim from. There are also boat rentals here. The parking lot was about half full in the early afternoon on a Wednesday. Still plenty of space on the beach too

Entrance off of US 50 has small parking lot and start of several trails. I loved it because I was looking for a shady spot to eat lunch and there were a few picnic tables, spread out, and in the shade. You can climb hill to see lake.

Great lake with a nice and clean beach area. Affordable rental kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats and a beach volleyball area. Excellent trails and a go to spot. Usually a few groups of students from OU and families with small kids.5 stars if people bringing dogs followed the rules and kept them off the beach area (clear signs posted) and on leash. Plenty of room for the doggies anywhere else in the park. Theres usually one or two folks with dogs that dont respect everyone else.Im a dog lover... I dont want a dog running into the water then coming out and shaking off near me and my picnic. I can get that at home when I bath my dogs .

This is a beautiful state park in Athens. The lake was clear, and with the trees turning their beautiful fall colors, this is a gorgeous park with plenty of trails.

Beautiful park nice easy paths. A few trees down so made it hard for me with a bad hip to get under. But my wife and i push my little boy in the jeep stroller easily around the lake!!!!

Way too many standing dead trees along the paths. I reccomend a better Forrest Management practice. Some trees have fallen into the paths, someone could get hurt.

Great place to swim! Loved how long the beach area was to help keep socially distanced. Nice water with fun little fish to play with!

A great place to go on the weekends when hocking is super busy. Beautiful views and great trails

Beautiful mix of tree types, large rocks, streams and of course the lake. MTB trails were at times technical (and mud sludge) and slow, but today was so beautiful that it was nice to take it slow. I did not see a single rider in the 2+ hours of ride time. Several hikers, joggers and families. All of which were incredible polite.

My family and I have endless summer fun here. The lake is well kept and clean. We rent boats, kayaks, go swimming, picnic and plan on camping here. Highly recommend for anyone looking for some ️

Great place, my daughter and her friend loved paddle boarding and it did not cost an arm & leg, beach was nice and clean... only downside was the womens bathroom smelled horrible and obviously needed some attention

Gorgeous park with a fantastic swimming area and really nice flat water for a paddle.

Strouds is one of the best places to visit in Athens! The trails are beautifully maintained.

Strouds is always a fun day out. You can rent a variety of equipment to enjoy on the river at very affordable prices. If youre not into rowing or paddling you can enjoy the short beach strip and swim or take a hike through the beautiful mountainous hiking trails. If you enjoy the outdoors Strouds Run offers a robust array of fun activities in the Mid Ohio Valley.

Nice getaway that is close to home. Great trails and fishing.

Nice lake for kayaks, paddle boards, and fishing. Nice trails. Nice pavilions.

What a work out I had a fun time! The trails go on for ever. Haha

Had my fishing poles and tackle stolen. Not the best park Ive been to. The lake was pretty though

This lake is a real gem nestled in the hills of southeastern Ohio. Absolutely beautiful.

So close to the city of Athens, yet being here you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of society.

Quiet primitive campground. Rarely crowded. Close to Dow lake, 10min. to Athens.

Nice park. Good calm lake canoeing.

Beautiful lake, I really enjoy all of the hiking trails. There are allot of trails I would highly recommend the parks website for their trail map before exploring them because you can really log in some miles if your not careful. Also cell service is spotty on the trails because of the hilly terrain. Theres always friendly people in Athens, and great eateries back in town.

This park is GORGEOUS with so much to do. The trails are great to run on and the beach area is spacious. Rentals, camping, so much fun!

This a great little spot to splash around in. Its family friendly, you can rent boats, kayaks, and I believe canoes. Definitely one of my favorite spots when visiting Athens.

Super nice lake! Saw some big bass but caught a bunch of small ones. Swimming are is nice and clean with a sandy beach.

Wow lots of fantastic hiking. And if your in to geocaching they have a ton of caches all around this lake.

Nice, beautiful and peaceful. Had a great time Kayaking with family.

Great campsites, friendly staff and awesome pricing on canoe/kayak rentals.

Good way to cool off.

Super nice park. Can’t wait to come back in summer!

Great place for hiking and trailing,,, can gather with your family and spend a wonderful time

Beautiful spot for picnic with friends and family.

We rented two kayaks and had a great time. Very nice park.

This is a great place to hike, kayak, walk dogs, or just get a way for a while. The Dow Lake Dam access point is just outside of town and has ample parking. I dont recommend it for boating as you have to walk up the dam. You have access to a number of trails from the top of the dam. The trail on the left is wide well maintained, and easy to hike out and back.

Loooooove this park. Great local place to go swimming and hang with your friends.

Great trails. A bit overgrown, but still nice trails.

Cool trail that runs along the edge of clear fork resivour.

Clean and close to home. Many things to do and the entire family was satisfied.

Clear water, large beach, whats not to like?

A little hard to find if your not from athens but once your there oh man absolutely beautiful

Great lake to kayak on!

Nice place, just need to clean the bathrooms.

Several fun days spent hiking and kayaking!

We stopped for a look around while passing through the area, seemed like a really nice park! Sadly we didnt have time to hike any of the trails, but it looked like there was a lot to do!

This place really is a gem!! To the left, camping and cabins; to the right, camping, kayaking, pontoon rentals, and a beach. It gets crowded but theres enough space to roam and spread out so you never really notice how crowded it is. Boat rental spot sells drinks and icecream too. :-)

Beautiful area with a few picnic benches and grills however there arent any trash cans or restrooms.

Very nice. Very clean. Well patronized.

Had an excellent time a must go place

It was great would go back again

Lots of hiking trails, be aware that trail conditions on the East side of the lake deteriorate rapidly in wet weather.

God is so awesome. Nature is Life

Great place campgrounds not over priced like most. It was really nice kinda off the beaten path. Lots of good hiking directly connected to campgrounds.

Interesting place. I would suggest against taking the lake view area- lots of vestigial forest growth.

Great place to spend the week

I love this place! Its so beautiful! Its easy to hike all day long. Its just lovely.

Great spot for people that cant walk far. They can see a beautiful lake view by walking up a lil hill. No real hiking involved. Unless you hit the great trails that go around the lake.

One of our favorite undiscovered gems for camping. The only downside is the pit toilets are pretty rough. But if you can boondock, this is a great spot. Super quiet, beautiful shady campsites, and lots of nice trails for hiking. Kind of dont want to tell other people about it, because we dont want it to fill up. Tip for getting to the campsite with a camper... DO NOT follow Google maps heading south on 33. It will take you through a tight hairpin curve to the left that a camper will not be able to make. Head into Athens, and then up from there. Narrow road, but much easier.

International Artist, Adrian Blake visits Strouds Run state park for inspiration, and a feel of what SE Ohio has to offer. Great place to be: upkeep is phenomenal.

There’s lots of camping, hiking, and swimming here.

So beautiful and good staff .

Luv it

Nature in its purest nature, water and green life is the rule. Anything, anybody else is just a temporary visitor. Even speed boats fail to disrupt the quietness and solemnity of the environment longer than the minutes it takes them to fade away. What about the mobile bridge? Ah You need to see that one with your own eyes

This place is so relaxing and beautiful I almost gave a 1 star in hopes people would stay away, because its so quiet and serene - and I dont want that to ever change. Seriously, though, its worth a drive up in a winding mountain road for this little slice of Appalachian heaven.

Nice lake to take kayak. Very scenic. Owners of The Boathouse rental were fantastic to talk to, and knowledgeable about other things to do in the area. Highly recommend a visit !

Great place to fish can rent Kayaks pontoon boats paddle boards lots of hiking trails

Did the Thunder bunny 25k here and got to run most of the trails around the lake. Pretty park with over 30 miles of trails. Hocking hills is prettier but this definitely has more distance if you want a longer hike.

Peaceful and serene.

State park in Athens, Oh. Beautiful scenery abounds from the campgrounds to the lake. The trails are maintained and nice. The chance to glimpse deer and turkey in the wild is always a bonus.

Nice place and clean

Probably Ohios most underfunded State Park but they do what they can with the cash theyre alloted. The mountain bike trails are great foot-wide roots and rocks singletrack and the signage is first-rate. The campground is totally non-electric and it never fills up, which makes it a treasure for tent campers. The only issue is the ignorant inconsiderate butt nugget who has to ruin the peace and quiet by powering their fifth wheel from a generator.

What a beautiful place and peaceful

Cool spot for summer period

Nice. Except for the boat rental and snack shop. To expensive and owner with bad attitude. Will not patronize.

Great Beach to cool off at! Beautiful site and you can camp for a reasonable price!!

Beautiful place!

Caught a few, nice clean lake

Excellent campground! The staff was wonderful and very accommodating. Lots of activities and a wonderful place to camp. Highly recommend!

Clean and family friendly

Trails are a little overgrown, even the multi-purpose trail. Still great trails for running and if you are into water activities (kayaking,paddle boarding, canoeing, ect.) Than this place is for you.

Nice quiet place on the side of a creek.

It is great to go swimming in the beach, meeting new people, and to try out your new boat. It was so fun!

I just love everything about the lake its a beautiful scenery love the swimming area. I have to travel about 40 minutes to get there and its worth the trip every time.

The beach area is nice. Needs better signage from the main road. The bathroom situation is, well, an outhouse.

Perfect place for my wife and I to spend time

Strouds Run is an expansive park with great views and opportunities for recreation, including swimming, volley ball, boating, and hiking. Its a good outdoor location for large groups and small getaways. Tucked away in the beautiful hills of Southeastern Ohio, Strouds Run offers scenic views of both the hills and Dow Lake.

Great lake for swimming and canoeing, also the hiking trails are well marked and fun to hike

The trout are awesome

Easy access

Really nice place for kayaking and having a picnic and playing some volleyball. Great landscape.

Awesome place to be with family or friends. You can hike, go biking, swimming, canoeing, even just for a picnic or take your dog for a good walk. The beach can get crowded in the summer but theres always space for fun. They rent pedals, canoes and kayaks. Take your own food theres no local convinence. They do have restrooms too.

Beauty and serenity...

Great trails, nothing too strenuous. Hiked around and enjoyed a picnic lunch. Great park.